Like so many other visitors, Carol Ainsworth fell under the spell of the Napa Valley during weekend sojourns from San Francisco.

Four years ago, Ainsworth and her husband sold their home in the City and made St. Helena their new home.

Arriving, “I decided I wanted to do something I really enjoyed. Something that made sense for living in the Napa Valley,” said the former executive recruiter. After discovering a number of small family-owned olive oil producers, and learning more about the business, Great Olive Tours was born.

What three people would you most like to have dinner with?

Actress Helen Mirren, Winston Churchill, Harry S. Truman.

What was your first job?

I answered telephones for a small company called Clean Time during the summers while in high school in Connecticut. After that I knew I didn’t want a desk job.

 What’s the worst job you ever had?

My first job as a headhunter. What a nightmare. It was in the City — and I don’t want to mention the name — but it was horrible. The manager of the office was horrible. She was just a shrew. It was just awful. It’s a wonder I ever stayed in the industry.

What is the biggest challenge your business has faced?

The biggest challenge is to raise awareness that tasting Napa Valley olive oil is a special treat. It compliments our wonderful foods.

Who do you most admire in the business world?

Warren Buffett.

What is one thing you hope to accomplish in your lifetime that you haven’t yet?

To be known as “The Olive Oil Queen.”

What is one necessary extravagance in your life?

Well, I do like my Mercedes.

What’s something people might be surprised to know about you?

That I have a M.A. in English literature.

What is your favorite charity?

The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.

 What other business person(s) would you like to see featured in “10 Questions?”

David and Margo Slaby, Slaughterhouse Cellars, Rutherford. And Rachel Casey of Poplar Hill Olive Oil Co. in St. Helena.

The 11th question for Carol Ainsworth

What is something people might be surprised to know about an olive oil tour?

“They might be surprised to know that there are a lot of parallels to wine,” said Ainsworth.

“There’s so many different types and kinds of olive oil.” Pairing olive oil with different foods is like wine tasting, she said. “There’s a complexity to it.”

Some of Ainsworth’s favorite local olive oil stops include Poplar Hill Olive Oil Company in St. Helena, “It’s like a quick trip to the south of France,” and a private estate called Villa Mille Rose in Oakville. “It’s like a quick trip to Italy.” Additionally, “Grgich Hills is a wonderful property.”

For more information about Great Olive Tours contact carol@greatolivetours.com.

To suggest a candidate for “10 Questions” e-mail: jhuffman@napanews.com