Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of olive oil with a tasting and pairing experience under ancient olive trees.
he original owners' descendants continue to passionately cultivate the grove, now organic, while their high-quality olives are offered in select delicatessens across ten countries. The owners. Mrs. Marina and Mr. Stefanos, a certified oil tester, are the hosts of this unforgettable experience.
Highlights
• Stroll through one of Greece’s most historic olive groves, surrounded by centuries-old trees.
• Discover the rich culture and health benefits of olive oil, a cornerstone of the Mediterranean Diet.
• Learn to recognize high-quality olive oil through aroma, taste, and aftertaste.
• Create your own Mediterranean meal by pairing olive oil with fresh, local products.
The place
Olive trees and olive oil have played a significant role in the flora, culture, and daily life of North Evia’s residents for centuries. Fossils of wild olive leaves dating back 23 million years have been discovered on the island, while historian Strabo (1st century AD) describes the ancient city of Orovia’s olive groves in detail. The historic Rovies Olive Grove is a direct descendant of these ancient groves.
The modern history of the grove dates back to 1836 when Apostolos Doumas purchased the land from the Turks. His great-grandson Antonis Papadopoulos (son of the “Soldier’s Mother” Anna Papadopoulos-Mela and nephew of Pavlos Mela) later gave the grove its present form, working tirelessly from 1923 onwards for nearly four decades.
The experience
Begin your journey into the mesmerizing world of olive oil with a walk among the ancient trees. As you explore the grove with stunning views of the Euboean Gulf, learn about its history and the region, discuss olive tree care, and discover how to achieve high-quality oil with your guide, Mrs. Marina.
Upon reaching the tasting point, delve into the oil’s journey from farm to table. Sample a variety of oils, with Mrs. Marina teaching you how to evaluate their quality through aroma, taste, and aftertaste. Familiarize yourself with the characteristics of exceptional, extra virgin olive oil.
Next, put your newfound knowledge to the test by understanding the multidimensional nature of oil flavor. Enjoy a delightful meal featuring produce from the farm and local producers, while learning how to pair various oils with different ingredients, creating your own authentic Mediterranean-diet lunch.
* In order to focus on the tasting, this can happen in a special room and then go back outdoors for the pairing.
Oil, the golden liquid of the ancient and modern Greeks
In every drop of oil is condensed the history of millions of years of the olive tree, sacred tree of Athena and symbol of wisdom, peace, prosperity and good luck. Homer calls oil in his writings a “golden liquid”, which was not considered just food but a kind of sanctuary, a source of health and strength!
The empirical knowledge of the ancient Greeks is today being confirmed by the science that favors the oil for its high nutritional value due to the huge amount of antioxidants. It is no coincidence that it is a cornerstone of the Mediterranean Diet, known for its health benefits and since 2013, a UNESCO Intangible Heritage. Until today, Greek oil is considered one of the best in the world.
