If you’re brushing up on the finer points – and incredible health benefits – of regularly cooking with olive oils, Lake Norman Olive & Vine in Denver, NC should be one of your regular shopping destinations.
Keeping unique olive oils and vinegars on hand is necessary to create the most flavorful dishes possible, and when you meet shop owners Rhonda and Ronnie Caldwell, you’ll see how much they love educating their customers on what those essential ingredients have to offer!
“We are passionate about quality, flavor and education, offering a refined shopping experience for those who truly appreciate the art of exceptional taste,” shares Rhonda. “Our boutique features more than 90 varieties of ultra-premium olive oils and aged balsamic vinegars sourced from around the world – all available to taste daily. Guests are invited to enjoy a tasting experience featuring our signature selections while learning how to identify quality oils, pair flavors and use them creatively in everyday cooking. We also offer a dedicated gift room filled with thoughtfully curated items perfect for food lovers, entertainers and anyone who appreciates unique, flavorful gifts.”
Lake Norman Olive & Vine also hosts engaging, hands-on classes designed to inspire both curious foodies and already passionate home cooks.
“Our sourdough classes — led by Summer Carter, a vital member of our team — explore the art and science of sourdough, teaching participants how to create, feed and bake their own tangy, crusty loaf from scratch. The sourdough starter kit includes a large starter jar with cover, a silicone spatula, a kitchen scale with batteries, and a lame for scoring the bread,” adds Rhonda. “In our popular No Cook Cooking Class, guests craft flavorful vinaigrettes and creamy dressings using our premium olive oils and balsamic vinegars, mixing, tasting and taking home their own custom blends for preparing easy, healthy meals all week.”
The shop also offers a Mediterranean class – a four course, small plate dinner – which introduces the basics of Mediterranean eating – known to be one of the world’s healthiest lifestyles.
“You’ll learn how olive oils and balsamics can replace heavy sauces, sugar-filled dressings and processed ingredients – while adding vibrant flavor without sacrificing wellness,” Rhonda explains.
The shop also offers private tastings and classes for groups. Through these unique classes – and some time well spent at the shop’s tasting bar – it’s easy to put together your own tools to elevate your daily cooking routine at home. You’ll definitely leave with a new culinary skill or two and a deeper appreciation for Mediterranean goodness!
For the month of April, enjoy an Immersive Tasting Event on April 2nd, a No Cook Cooking Class on April 16th, a Sourdough Class on April 4th and April 21st, and a Mediterranean Class on April 7th and April 23rd. All classes start promptly at 6:00 p.m. and end at 7:00 p.m., except for Saturday dates which are 3:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. In May, mark your calendar for a No Cook Cooking Class on May 7, a Sourdough class on May 16 and May 26, and an Immersive Tasting Event on May 5 and May 19.
Lake Norman Olive & Vine is located at 6608 Campground Road in Denver, NC, 704.880.6115. Shop hours are Tuesday through Friday, 11:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m., Saturday, 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., closed Sunday and Monday. Follow them on Instagram @ lknoliveandvine, and visit lknoliveandvine.com for class information and updates, and to shop conveniently online for olive oils, vinegars and amazing gifts!
