Secolari Artisan Oils & Vinegars Opens in Cleveland Park

3509 Connecticut Ave, NW

Secolari is coming to the little strip mall (Sam’s Park & Shop) at Connecticut and Ordway St, NW.

From a press release:

“Secolari, an artisan olive oil and vinegar store, opens its fourth location in the historic Sam’s Park & Shop shopping center today. The name Secolari is Italian for “age old,” and was adopted in honor of the ancient olive tree, which can live for thousands of years.

The concept of Secolari aims to enrich life with the overall benefits of the “Age Old” Mediterranean Lifestyle through the introduction of exceptional foods and works of art. Located steps from the Cleveland Park Metro Station, the space reflects an old world Tuscan farmhouse, with Secolari products displayed amidst antique décor. The store centers on an open tasting room, where guests can sample the full portfolio of Secolari’s extra virgin and flavored olive oils, balsamic, and vinegars, and the friendly and knowledgeable staff serves as a valuable resource in educating its visitors. The shop also offers an array of other products including a variety of seasonings and spreads, flavored pastas, and honeys, and will exhibit and feature for sale original artwork by local artists. A Grand Opening Celebration at Secolari Cleveland Park will be held at a later date.

Owned by husband and wife team, Bart and Mary deRosa of Clarksville, MD, the vision for Secolari was inspired by a trip to Italy. While staying at a beautiful Tuscan farmhouse that overlooked an ancient olive grove, the couple knew they wanted to start a business that was reminiscent of their experience there, one that would encompass food, community, and the traditions of the Mediterranean lifestyle. The deRosas followed through opening their first shop on Bethesda Row in October 2011, following with a location at The Mall in Columbia in 2013, and in Towson Town Center in the summer of 2015. The Cleveland Park store, at approximately 1400 square feet, is Secolari’s largest location.

Bart and Mary deRosa traveled extensively throughout California to establish a network of small farmers to produce Secolari olive oils and vinegars, and the company’s focus on quality and integrity has differentiated them in the market. All of Secolari’s oils are first cold-pressed, and each of its single varietal oils are certified “Extra Virgin” by the California Olive Oil Council, the industry’s trade and certifying organization.”