Bull City Olive Oil

Downtown Durham’s Brightleaf Square is home to a great local shop, Bull City Olive Oil. The shop opened about a year ago in the same location. Owner Julie Steinhaur, opened up the shop after visiting a similar store and feeling like she was just made to run an olive oil shop! “I tasted a white peach balsamic and knew this is what I had to do.”

Bull City Olive Oil is full of different olive oils, vinegars, and other scrumptious items from near and far. I myself didn’t know much about olive oil, other than I liked it. Julie took the time to tell me all about the process of how olive oil is made, and the best ways to taste it. She loves to help people when they are on the search for a new olive oil or vinegar.

“I don’t want it to just be an olive oil store, but a full sensory experience”, she explained. She loves to share the products with others and possibly have it evoke a memory. “I love to share a product with a customer and hear them say ‘I haven’t had jam like this since my grandmother made it”.

The selection of vinegar and oils is vast. Anyone can find something to love at Bull City Olive Oil! My personal favorite was an aged raspberry balsamic. It was the best I’ve ever tasted. My eyes were opened up to the different ways someone can use the balsamic beyond salad dressing! Like I said, I didn’t know much before.

The products are imported from all over the world, yet there is such a local southern feel in the store! Although most of the oils are imported, Julie likes to keep a lot of regional and local products in the store, as well. They have locally made salsas, jams, sauces, cheeses, and more! It has a European market feel, with a southern twist.

Christmas shopping is just around the corner! Bull City Olive Oil has lots of great gifts for everyone on your list! You should definitely check it out next time you’re around Brightleaf Square.