Old Tree Essentials

artisan small batch aromatic distillery

mobile distillations

scent journeys

Old Tree Essentials draws its name from a deep reverence for the ancient wisdom of the natural world. In the lineage of mentorship, our teacher was known simply as Old Tree while the apprentice was aptly called Young Tree and nurtured through seasons of shared experience.

Close-up of pine tree branch with water droplets, in a misty forest setting with tall trees and damp ground.

Our Mission

At Old Tree Essentials, our mission is to support a deeper relationship between people and the natural environment. We believe that many of today’s imbalances can be eased through more attentive listening to the natural world around us. Using the ancient art of hydro-distillation, we carefully capture the most volatile components of aromatic plants. These extraordinary essential oils then serve as bridges — journeying through scent to reconnect those who are willing with their innate wisdom, opening hearts, and inspiring positive change in the world.

Our patrons thrive in their renewed connection with nature. They appreciate our refined, hand-crafted aromatics and the sacred stories that surround each essence.

A child's hand grabbing fresh mulch made of shredded leaves or plant material in a garden or planting area.

Our Craft

The Art of Distillation

Hydro-distillation is one of the oldest ways to extract aromatic essences. A slow, gentle process first practiced over five thousand years ago. The material steeps overnight, then comes up to temperature slowly when volatiles start to rise with the steam, contracting back to the pure essence in the ice cold condenser. Like breath leaving a body, the volatiles separate from the material, it’s essence reborn. The still is the instrument, while each plant material has its own rhythm. It’s the distillers presence guiding this dance of death and rebirth patiently.

The water must be pure and spring fed, its often called the universal solvent. The sourcing of the plant material is most important to support healthy wildcrafting, organic farming and ecological harvesting methods. The biggest difference is our dedication to using the unique stills of our own design. The design and glass/clay coating of our stills ensure the best parameters for this alchemical process to unfold. We believe that the volatiles need non-metallic surfaces for their full integrity to be preserved. This way these essential oils can age like a fine wine and let their full bodied profile unfold with time.

A man with blonde hair and a beard, wearing a white shirt, is polishing a glass on a wooden tray outside.

Our Events

Mobile Distillations: From Farm to Essence

We believe the best way to truly understand our plant allies is to experience them together.

We load up our mobile distillation setup and travel to beautiful farms—like Rose Story Farm in Carpinteria, where heirloom roses bloom in fragrant waves, or Sunhawk Farms in Hopland with its sprawling lavender labyrinth.

Together we harvest the fresh plant material, then fire up the hydro-distiller right on-site. As we watch the process unfold, everyone learns the ancient magic of distillation—how heat, water, and time transform living plants into pure essential oil and fragrant hydrosol.

It’s hands-on, earthy, and deeply connecting. At the end of the day, you head home with something truly special: a bottle of essential oil or hydrosol distilled from the very land we all tended together.

A group of people gathered outdoors under a wooden roof, listening to a man in a black shirt and hat giving a presentation. The setting is a garden with greenery, a yellow house, and stacked firewood in the background.

Journeys of Scent: Deepening into Yourself

Our favorite way to introduce the magic of plant essences is through our ‘Journeys of Scent’ events.

These relaxed 3-hour gatherings take place in yoga studios, meditation centers, or cozy private homes. We come together in a circle, slowly getting to know each essential oil one at a time. Guided only by scent, we turn inward—allowing the aromas to stir memories, release old tensions, or spark gentle revelations.

It’s a deeply relaxing and transformative experience. Many people surface buried feelings and then settle into a profound sense of inner peace. There is no pressure—just presence, breath, and the quiet power of scent to help you reconnect with your body and your inner wisdom.

Group of people sitting in a circle on the floor of a spacious room, participating in a group activity or meditation session, with a small table holding a candle and decorative items in the center.

Smiling woman with blonde hair, wearing a black beret and a white shirt inside a well-lit room with windows.

Group of women and one man practicing aromatherapy or essential oils session on a wooden floor in a bright room, some participants kneeling or sitting, others standing, with scent bottles and diffuser.

Our Story

Born in East Germany, Stefan arrived in America by way of Maui and has lived with his family in the quiet hills of Nevada City since 2009.

In 2005 he began studying, apprenticing, and quietly absorbing the essence of the craft for many years. Later he stepped into his own work, carrying the depth of his teacher’s wisdom while allowing his own unique voice to emerge.

A man wearing a black hat and a striped shirt is giving a presentation in a room. There are pottery vases on a table nearby and a woman with blonde hair is seated and listening. A large screen displays an old black-and-white photograph of a rural scene.

If you are interested in our work, would like to get involved or thinking of hosting an event with us in your city, please reach out.