John Petrocelly is 62. He used to be a plant manager for a tool and die operation. Then he retired and now he runs a gourmet oil and vinegar emporium. It opened in Medina in November 2006. The switch from one career to another isn’t as unlikely as it seems.

 
His brother had left the corporate world before him and started a similar business in Chicago. “I thought he was crazy,” says John. “Then I visited him. He was having so much fun that I decided to do the same thing.” Besides, he adds, it was fated. His ancestors were from Italy and he’s convinced that olive oil runs in his veins.

 
Petrocelly, an enthusiastic cook himself, has an interest in all things food related that goes back to childhood. His parents owned a restaurant and he worked there from an early age. “By the time I was 10, I had peeled more onions than most people do in a lifetime. I used to go shopping with my dad for ingredients. What I’m doing now is a good fit.”

 
His place is much more than store. Approximately 20 different olive oils from around the world, plus nut and seed oils, and balsamic and wine vinegars are available for tasting. The products are stored in stainless steel canisters called fusties that work like beer kegs: taps make sampling easy, and give the place its name. Each bears a label with the country of origin and descriptive information about its particular flavor profile. There’s no cost to try anything- the experience is closer to entertainment than shopping. And once you’ve found what you like, Petrocelly bottles it on the spot.

 
He’s done a great deal of reading- and tasting- to educate himself, and is always on hand to give visitors a guided tour and answer questions. A half hour with him is like a class at Olive Oil University.
“Olive oils are like wine,” he explains. “They reflect the soil where the fruit is grown and change from year to year depending on the weather. Each one has it own special characteristics, from mild to robust, fruity to a peppery finish. I love sharing what I’ve learned.”