Ah love Oil & Vinegar

I went back and forth with the stars — wish there were quarter increments b/​c then it would get more like a 3.75 star rating. But let me start at the beginning. This last visit was not my first one to this location. And there’s a reason why I went out of my way to get to the store — they make some of the bestest, yummiest, interesting-​est vinegars and high quality olive oils around. I swear I mop up every last drop with my bread (or finger, whichever is most convenient) before putting my plate in the sink. And the site offers easy and delicious recipes when you’re just not sure what to do with that espresso vinegar you bought because it tasted great in the store but now have no idea how to use. (Oh! And the store has little cups to use for tasting the delights.)
So, why not the 5 stars? To be fair, I might have been a little crankier than usual when I got to the store — I only had a few minutes to buy the one bottle of vinegar (I knew exactly what I wanted) and it seemed that the one other customer was making her purchase in slo-​mo. But my disgruntlement is with the customer service person. There were only 2 of us in the store and had I not asked where the vinegar was located, I’m pretty sure I wouldn’t have been acknowledged at all. Once in line (the line of, well, one), I got the distinct impression that she was on purposely looking for ways to be extra-​extra helpful to the said 1^st customer. She was just short of asking, can I write and address the note for you and make you a bag decorated with homemade ribbons and roses. Mind you, she never acknowledged I was waiting or even really there. Would it have been so hard to say, «it’ll just be a minute» or do one of those vacuous smile/​nods in my direction? Instead, she’d look up then ask, «can I do this for you? can I do that for you? Let me try this for you.» just prolonging my impatience. And, yes, reader, I know. if I were the one being treated so attentively, I would not be writing this review about customer service… but I wasn’t, I felt slighted and, thus, this tirade.
Items and products — FANTASTIC. Service-​slighted and grumped

After hitting the gym, the hubby and I decided to stop past the store. We were in awe of the different types of oils and vinegars they have. We tasted a lot of items before purchasing the Laconiko Greek Basil olive oil and the Honey Ginger White balsamic vinegar. Once we get low, we will be back to try the other flavors.

I admit, when I first saw this store I thought, «Who would shop at a specialty oil and vinegar store?» Then I went in and was floored by how great it is!
My first time going was during one of the Shirlie’s Girls’ Night Out events — restaurants and shops in Shirlington run specials the first Thursday of each month, May — October. So after having a drink, some girlfriends and I decided to check out Ah Love Oil & Vinegar. Not only did they give us each a glass of champagne (!) but they had samples of recipes made with their products. And of course, you can try all their olive oils and vinegars, some of which are quite unusual and tasty!
The service was excellent and the woman working was able to answer our questions, chat with us, and yet give us the space to browse. Of the six of us there that night we all purchased something — I walked away with black cherry balsamic vinegar (YUM!!).
This is a great specialty store and definitely worth your patronage!

The balsamic vinegars are great–
Feel free to sample the many flavors. I buy oil, honey, spices, and balsamic vinegar.

What a nice little gem of a shop! I huge variety of balsamic vinegars and olive oils. I had never tried a fruit infused balsamic, but I just couldn’t resist the grapefruit white balsamic… part of their end of season sale. Thanks to Chris Campbell for helping me to select the best products. Such wonderful service.

Didnt even know stores like this existed. But, I am a fan now. So many interesting flavors of oils and vinegars. and they let you tast everything! The girl that was working was so nice and helpful. She pointed out interesting flavors and explained what each was good for. I especially liked the fruity vinegars, peach and pear were delicious — i would have never imagined. I will definitely be back!

Truly a great experience! The customer service here is top notch. Cierra is very sweet and catered to a special request. I shop here regularly and the products are ah-​maze-​balls!

This was an interesting little store with different olive oils you can try. The service is great too — they’re quick to answer any questions you have. i tried the citrus habanero olive oil which was marked as ‘hot hot hot.’ While I didn’t think it was really hot, it’s definitely got a citrus note and a good slow burn to it. I didn’t purchase it though because I wasn’t sure how to use it besides dipping with bread.
I did purchase some black truffle pâté. There are 3 types of mushroom pates (white truffle, black truffle and porcini) imported from Italy. They’re $ 14.95 a pop, but be sure to check in on Unilocal to get a 20% off deal.
I’d love to come back to do some more shopping here if I’m ever in town. This is a nice little store to find anything for foodie friends. They even have a 4-​bottle sampler of oils for $ 27.95. While it’s a little bit pricey, it makes a nice gift.

The most amazingly flavored olive oils and balsamic vinaigrettes that I have ever tasted– very pure and fresh. And the staff is very nice and knowledgeable about their products.

I appreciate having a good oil and vinegar store nearby. I love flavored oils. I’ve bought both the smoked balsamic and the chardonnay vinegar and have probably tried all flavors. The staff is friendly and knowledgeable. If you don’t see something, just ask, and they will provide advice, if necessary.

This is a cute store in Shirlington with a dazzling array of olive oil, balsamics, and spices. My friend and I stopped in one night after dinner at Copperwood and the two ladies working were super nice, knowledgable, and friendly. We talked about our recent trip to Greece and how regular olive oils were no longer appealing. They have us some great recommendations and told is about all of the upcoming holiday events.
If you are looking for fun and unique gifts, this is a great choice to find them. They offer a bunch of different cookbooks as well and the authors often come through for book signings.

This shop came highly recommended by a friend of mine so I decided to check it out yesterday. I knew I was in for a treat when the moment I stepped in I was hit with this wonderful aroma! Not only do they sell olive oil and vinegar but they also sell a variety of spices (among other things) and they smelled wonderful!
There was one lady working there and she greeted us as soon as we walked in. She was very friendly and knowledgeable and helped us navigate all the different varieties of olive oil and vinegar. We ended up buying a bottle of traditional olive oil made with a variety of olives produced in Greece and a bottle of the seasonal Pumpkin Spice Balsamic Vinegar. I’d like to go back and buy just their plain Balsamic. The only way I can describe it is to liken it to a red wine with an added tartness in flavor and a thicker consistency. It was delicious!
A few other added bonuses. The website has quite a few recipes using their various flavored olive oils, vinegars and spices. They also hold tasting events throughout the year. I’m hoping to be able to make it this weekend to their pumpkin themed event.
What a great little place this is, I’m glad I checked it out. We will definitely be back.

I like this place. Who knew you could have a whole store devoted to only olive oil and vinegar? I’m hosting a tasting event there in two weeks. The planning process was a breeze and the manager seems like a lovely person. I’m definitely looking forward to seeing how the tasting goes. It might cause my rating to bump up to a full five stars.

Bread dipped in fig balsamic and garlic olive oil = heavenly ambrosia. My boyfriend and I were heavily debating whether or not to go back for more samples. We concluded that we have no shame and would do so immediately but then we would be far too tempted to bring home a bottle of each. You might scoff at the $ 18−20/bottle price but once you’ve had a taste you’ll understand why. And then suddenly you’ll find yourself on a slippery slope and rationalizing condiments that cost more than almost half your weekly grocery budget. Consider yourself warned.

LOVE this place! They have a wide variety of oils and vinegars, and I’ve been impressed at both the quality and the interesting flavors they have. They let you taste pretty much everything, which is great if you are trying to find the right combination. It’s also fun just to go in and taste things if you’re killing time in the area. My favorite vinegars are the dark chocolate and any of the fruity white balsamics. They also sell spices and sauces, as well as beauty products made with olive oil. The ginger tea lotions and scrubs smell incredible and are my new favorite products to use! Everything in general are a bit pricy, but you definitely get high quality for your buck.
The customer service is always excellent. The staff is very knowledgeable about the products and give great recommendations, and they are always super friendly!

This is a great shop! There are seemingly endless amounts of options of both olive oil and balsamic vinegars. Olive oils ranged from bacon (I couldn’t bring myself to try this, but I am intrigued by the idea) to butter (tasted like movie theatre butter!) to tomato basil parmesan (SO GOOD!!!), they have such an eclectic array to choose from. I never tried any of the vinegars, but I was impressed with the size of the selection. They let you try as many flavors as you’d like, and they have pieces of bread broken up throughout the store to use for samples.
This is all really great, but the best part is the customer service. My boyfriend and I went in a few times and each time there was a different salesperson at the register. All of them were fantastic. Very helpful and friendly and they appeared to really enjoy their jobs — which is SO refreshing today as most people seem miserable.
The items are a bit pricey but I’m assuming it has to do with the rarity of the items and the area. And parking in this area can be pretty troublesome if you get there when it’s busy. Definitely worth it though!

What can I say? This place is fantastic! If you’re looking for a way to mix up your recipes, Ah love Oil & Vinegar will be able to provide you with the perfect ingredient (s) for the job. With their seeming endless selection of aged balsamic vinegars and extra virgin olive oils, they’re able to meld flavors beyond your wildest dreams.
Worried about purchasing without tasting? No problem! All of their offerings are available for you to try before you buy. If you feel a little overwhelmed by the possibilities, just ask one of the friendly and knowledgeable staff to assist you in your selection. I always find inspiration in their ideas. On my last trip it was chocolate balsamic and roasted chili oil. Mole magic!
I never knew that there were so many ways to mix balsamic and olive oil to create such beautiful and intense flavor combinations, until I visited Ah love Oil & Vinegar. I promise you that will find something there that will inspire your recipes and treat your taste buds.
Check out the espresso balsamic if you go. It’s out of this world good!

There are few places where I can say «the product speaks for itself», but Ah love Oil & Vinegar is one of those places.
I can honestly say that after my first trip here, I’m a changed woman! Man, the owner can really enlighten you on SO MUCH in a short 5 – 10 minute speel! I learned that the olive oil i’ve been buying (ahem, bertolli’s, ahem) is essentially olive flavored canola oil, I learned how to care for olive oil, and most importantly– the health, taste, and beauty benefits!
This place is set up very cute with oil in the front end and balsamic vinegars at the far end. There are tasting cups at every station so you can sample the many different products which is WONDERFUL for an oil n00b like me.
I saw a couple here on their first date, and they seemed to be having a blast at the sample station since there’s so much variety in flavors that you could get your hands on!
I walked out of the store with olive oil, a delicious lemon balsamic, and an open mind :) I’m looking forward to my next trip!

This Ah Love OIl & Vinegar is located in Shirlington Village, in between the Capitol Brew and Nirvana Reflexology.
They have very friendly and knowledgeable staff about the products. They have variety of selection and they encourage you to taste the sampler.
The only thing I am disappointed but understand is about the size of the bottles. Before you can buy the small size with any vinegar etc but now it’s only selective. (this is as of May 2012)
Carie, the owner is very sweet, nice, friendly and take her time to explain to you about the aging process of the olive and very answer any question you might puzzle about her products.
Would I recommend this place to other? YES — i have in the past and I will continue.
Would I come back here again? YES!

Came here through a BuyWithMe deal– entered the store and was immediately greeted by a very genuine and down-​to-​earth woman. I’ve never been to a store that specializes only in oil and vinegar, but it was definitely an interesting experience! The owner suggested I try out different flavors and recommended a few to me.
I’m looking forward to opening the bottles I purchased!