Olive oil has long been considered sacred worldwide. At the new O’LOVE store in the heart of Chesterfield, every drop of the finest olive oil and every splash of aged balsamic vinegar tells an intriguing story. Founders Heather and Bill Peplaw assure this boutique destination is perfect for culinary enthusiasts, flavor adventurers and heart-healthy seekers.
"We believe in the magic that happens when quality olive oils and vinegars come together to enhance meals, inspire creativity and bring families back to the table, just like in days past. Olive oils are both a culinary treasure and health elixir. Whether drizzled over salads, used for dipping warm bread or finishing a gourmet dish, extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) is a scientifically backed superfood," says Heather.
"From the sun-kissed groves of the Mediterranean to artisan-crafted recipes, our products embody tradition, excellence and extraordinary taste," Bill further explains.
Oils sold at O’LOVE come from a large variety of countries, including Italy, Chile, Portugal, Spain, Peru and Greece. Heather says the store's collection is sourced through trusted relationships with olive growers and artisan producers, carefully sourcing oils and vinegars from producers who share the passion for quality, sustainability and flavor, from grove to table. Then Heather selects the products she and Bill believe will best match with customers' expectations.
"In the store, we post each un-infused EVOO's tasting notes, country of origin, the crush date and chemistry," says Heather.
Specifically, the store owners offer exceptional EVOOs, fused/infused olive oils, balsamic vinegars, charcuterie boards, serving pieces for effortless entertaining and thoughtful food gift sets.
Gourmet treasures from around the globe available at this independent store prompt customers to fall in love with flavor all over again. She says, "Beyond our signature offerings, we curate a unique selection of gourmet salts, spices, handpicked kitchen tools, elegant dipping sets inspired by olive oil’s natural benefits and pantry staples to elevate kitchens. Every item reflects our dedication to quality and craftsmanship."
Heather shares a few overall tips about how to select the best olive oil: Look for extra virgin oils to guarantee purity, no refinement and high nutrient content. Check harvest dates because the fresher, the better. Opt for dark bottles, as dark glass helps preserve freshness. Taste before buying because a good EVOO should balance fruitiness, bitterness and a peppery finish.
While supplies last, one limited-quantity product at the store is Lentisca olive oil, a rare, intensely robust, high-phenolic Portuguese EVOO. Heather says phenolic olive oil is a high-quality EVOO packed with beneficial plant compounds, known as polyphenols, such as hydroxytyrosol and oleocanthal, giving it strong antioxidant/anti-inflammatory power and a distinctive peppery taste while protecting it from oxidation. These oils often are harvested early for peak levels, and used as a health supplement (a tablespoon daily) or for cooking.
The higher the polyphenol content, the stronger and more complex the taste, Heather states. "PPM in olive oil refers to the polyphenols measured in parts per million. A typical EVOO from a grocery store ranges from 72-95 ppm, while Lentisca is 924 ppm."
She says some people drink olive oils for health reasons, adding them to coffee, juices, smoothies or other beverages. She adds people are quite surprised that balsamic vinegars even balance out certain alcoholic cocktails.
After opening the store on National Olive Oil Day on Sept. 30, 2025, at 135 Chesterfield Towne Center, the Peplaws nurtured what quickly became known as shopping experiences that celebrate quality, craftsmanship and community. Heather says the most common response from customers so far is that they were told by a previous customer "they had to come in" to see and experience the store's offerings themselves. Additionally, customers often accompany other new customers as shopping buddies and essentially serve as hostesses or hosts, showing them around the store to point out their favorite items.
"Then they bring us into the conversations to answer questions," she adds. "We provide nine different un-infused EVOO's due to the different properties they possess. We usually explain the differences in fresh oils, particularly when it comes to shelf life. Our oils don't leave a waxy coating in the mouth. Some people literally drink olive oil for health reasons, and it rinses clean because our oils don't include shelf stabilizers like the oils sold in grocery stores."
For Heather, the shop realized a 14-year dream, which began when she visited a local olive oil shop that sparked a new passion. She says she was hired on the spot to work at that shop, then forged her way to becoming an expert on all things olive oil and vinegar.
Now, Heather and Bill highlight the virtues of olive oil and guide people in all of its uses, while dispelling myths about it in the process. A nurse by trade, Heather says she also sees olive oil as an essential ingredient in healthy lifestyles because it aids in digestion and helps repair the intestinal lining. They're happy to share relevant olive oil food recipes.
"It's amazing to see people trying to understand all the tasting notes that we point out. Oils are like wine in that you may need to take another sip to appreciate their true essence. It's surreal to think that we're now part of so many people's diets or meals they're enjoying. It's touched our hearts to be part of this welcoming community," assures Heather.
"We so enjoy being part of everyone's tasting experiences and getting to witness each individual's 'aha' moment. It's simply incredible. Sometimes, it makes me a bit giddy."
Hours of O’LOVE operation:
Tuesdays through Saturdays: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Sundays and Mondays: closed
636.777.8074
OLoveOil.store
"I like all the oils for various reasons. They all have different personalities. Oftentimes, I feel like they're my kids," quips Heather Peplaw, co-owner O’LOVE.
"Most people are bewildered when they taste 'real' olive oil. They never knew freshness and processing matter so much in best tastes and health benefits."