Istria olive oil story is ultimately a human one. The region thousand-year-old groves are tended by families who measure time in harvests, who can identify a tree character from the colour of its leaves, and who produce oil that wins global awards.
The Growers Year
For an Istrian olive grower, the year revolves around the grove. Pruning in late winter, monitoring in summer, and the intense joyful labour of the October to November harvest define the rhythm of life.
- Spring: light pruning and soil work
- Summer: monitoring for pests and drought
- October: the harvest begins — hand-picking is preferred for quality
- November: the oil is pressed, often within hours of harvest
A Family in Vodnjan
The area around Vodnjan in southern Istria contains some of the oldest groves on the peninsula. Here, families have transformed small-scale production into internationally acclaimed artisan olive oil, winning awards at the world most prestigious competitions.
My grandfather planted some of these trees. My father tended them. Now I do. When I press the oil, I feel all of them watching.
Meet the Growers
- Several producers open their estates for harvest visits in October
- Book a tasting at an olive mill — ask about the trees history
- The Vodnjan olive oil trail maps the main producers
