La Quinta Olive Oil Company: Locally Owned, Globally Inspired Artisan Oils & Vinegars
As part of our "Love Local" series, we spotlight shops, restaurants, spas, attractions, and businesses that define Greater Palm Springs' unique personality—the stories that capture our destination's special experiences and win our hearts. To know them is to love them.
What Does "Love Local" Mean to You?
"Right now, it means so much. The City of La Quinta has done a lot to help small businesses. The financial aid they provided during the pandemic has helped so many of us stay open."
Inspired by travels across Italy, where they sampled premium olive oils and vinegars from farms and vineyards, Pete Petrafeso and Deb Degen launched their own business. "We’ve owned a home in La Quinta for 32 years, so it was an easy choice for our shop," Deb shares. Since 2011, La Quinta Olive Oil Company has offered an array of artisan culinary products from its charming Old Town La Quinta storefront, bringing Mediterranean flavors to Greater Palm Springs tables.
"Pete is Italian, so we’ve spent considerable time there exploring olive oils, vinegars, and attending culinary school," she explains. The couple takes pride in curating top-quality inventory through years of research and expertise.
Their balsamic vinegars are crafted in Modena, Italy, while olive oils source from Italy, Greece, Spain, Tunisia, Chile, and California. With dozens of flavors—from basil, black truffle, and blood orange to citrus habanero, lemon pepper, and more—even Deb struggles to pick favorites. "I have so many because I use them for everything," she says. "Italian herb kicks off marinara sauces, Meyer lemon shines in dressings for chicken and fish, and garlic varieties save time on mincing!"
This global-inspired haven is a gourmet gem for unique foodie gifts. Locals gather to sample flavors, share recipes, enjoy private tastings, and create personalized wedding favors.
"We love Old Town's quaint, small-village vibe and visitor appeal," Deb notes. Amid challenges, community support has been overwhelming: online sales surged during shutdowns, and Small Business Saturday brought record turnout. "Countless customers say, 'Glad you’re still here!'"
La Quinta Olive Oil Company
78075 Main St Ste 102
La Quinta, CA 92253
760-777-9992
www.laquintaoliveoilcompany.com
