Although there are, as yet, no olive farms in Virginia, as of September 1st, Northern Virginians will enjoy the fruits of Penny Willimanns' labor at her new Middleburg shop, Olio Tasting Room.

Modeled after similar tasting rooms across the Mediterranean where olive farms abound, the Middleburg tasting room will be filled with dozens of Italian-made stainless steel barrel-like containers called "fusti." Each houses a different variety or flavor of either olive oil or balsamic vinegar from around the world.

Customers are invited to taste the variety in the store before purchasing a bottle. Imagine, truffle and garlic infused olive oil drizzled over homemade bruschetta, dark chocolate balsamic vinegar reduced and poured over vanilla ice cream, grilled salmon marinated in spicy chipolte olive oil and mango balsamic vinegar. The abundance of mouth-watering combinations is infinite, and the variety of oils and vinegars available at Olio are truly a food lover's extravaganza.

For many years, owner Penny Willimann and her husband, Mike, purchased standard brand name olive oils off the shelf from local grocery stores in Alexandria, where they reside and where they opened their first tasting room. It was not until a few years ago when they stumbled into a tasting room that showcased gourmet oils and vinegars from around the world that they began to imagine what fun it would be to have a tasting room of their own in their home town.

Now, with the success of their first shop assured, they began talking about opening an Olio Tasting Room in Middleburg, a village and an area they have always loved where they felt certain their quality oils and vinegars would be appreciated by the local clientele.

When Penny saw a "For Rent" sign at 17 E. Washington Street in Middleburg, she stopped immediately. "It was a beautiful space set on a small courtyard," she said excitedly. "And, fortunately, the real estate office was just across the street."

It took almost no time for Penny to sign the lease and begin renovation. "I am absolutely determined to open September 1st," the pretty blond emphasized, …"and we invite everyone to come to our Open House September 22nd."

Although neither Penny nor Mike come from entrepreneurial families, they have clearly illustrated that they have the talent and drive to create success. "It is hard but very rewarding work," Penny explained. "We love to introduce our customers to the delicious products we carry."

Those products will also include sea salts, hand made pasta, teas and other treats. The parents of two small children, Cole, 2 ½ and Hannah, 9 months, it is clear that hard work will not be a problem, although Penny did allow as how being pregnant during the holiday season last year was a bit of a challenge.

"It was a very successful season for us," she said smiling, "..but there were moments when I simply could not imagine how we would ever get all the gift orders wrapped!"

Middleburg's Olio Tasting Room opens September 1st.