My name is Evan Panagopoulos. My family has cultivated olive trees which produce Extra Virgin Olive Oil for several generations. Our 240-tree olive grove is in the village of Chalazoni in the south of the Peloponnese in Greece.
Our Olives
Our trees produce the olive variety known as “Koroneiki“. Native to Greece, Koroneiki is renowned for producing high-quality extra virgin olive oil. Its small, robust olives thrive in warm, dry climates and are particularly prevalent in the Peloponnese and Crete.
Despite their small size, Koroneiki olives have a high oil yield and are rich in polyphenols, contributing to their strong, fruity aroma and slightly peppery taste. The oil is well-balanced, with notes of fresh grass and herbs, making it a favorite for both culinary and health-conscious consumers. Its stability and long shelf life further enhance its reputation as one of the finest olive oil varieties.
The locality of our olive grove is known as KOKKINIES. This roughly translates to “Red Fields”, owing to the soil in the Peloponnese often being a deep red, due to its high iron oxide content. Over time, the iron in the soil undergoes oxidation, much like rusting metal, giving it a distinct reddish hue. This type of soil, also known as terra rossa, is common in Mediterranean regions with limestone bedrock. It is well-draining and rich in minerals, making it suitable for olive cultivation. Combined with the region’s mild climate and traditional cultivation practices, our red soil helps produce high-quality olives and olive oil.
The Olive Harvest
The olive harvest is a crucial and labor-intensive process that typically takes place from late autumn to early winter. Timing is essential, as olives harvested early in the season yield oil with higher polyphenols and a more robust, peppery flavor, while later harvests produce milder, sweeter oils. Our own olives are traditionally harvested in the first two weeks of November, a resonably early harvest, which combined with the local weather and soil conditions – produces Extra Virgin Olive Oil of the finest quality !
Harvesting methods vary from traditional hand-picking to modern mechanical shakers, and we use a combination of both methods in our olive grove. During the harvest, the olives are pulled from the branches onto nets spread beneath the trees.
Once collected, the olives are quickly transported to a local olive press to prevent spoilage and oxidation. They are cleaned, crushed, and pressed to extract the oil, preserving its flavor and nutritional qualities. The freshly pressed olive oil is then stored in stainless steel tanks before being packaged and distributed. A well-managed harvest ensures high-quality oil with rich aroma, balanced bitterness, and a long shelf life.
Our Region
Messenia is a region in the southwestern Peloponnese of Greece, is known for its fertile olive groves that produce some of the finest olive oil in the world. The area’s mild Mediterranean climate, with warm, dry summers and mild, wet winters, creates ideal growing conditions for olive trees. The combination of ample sunshine and well-drained, nutrient-rich soils allows olive trees to thrive, ensuring high yields and exceptional oil quality. The world famous Kalamata olive oil is made here – Kalamata is a lovely seaside town and our regional capital. Our village is less than one hour away
Our region’s groves benefit from traditional farming methods passed down through generations. We avoid excessive chemical inputs, which helps maintain soil fertility and biodiversity. The natural balance of minerals in the soil, combined with proper irrigation and pruning techniques, contributes to healthy tree growth and consistent olive production.
Messenia’s fertile lands, combined with centuries-old cultivation practices, result in olive oils with a well-balanced flavor, fruity aroma, and excellent stability. The region’s commitment to sustainable and high-quality production continues to uphold its reputation as one of Greece’s most important olive oil-producing areas.
Try our Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Our family has cultivated olive trees for several generations. We make a small batch of Extra Virgin Olive Oil annually, mostly to cover our family needs, and those of our friends and acquaintances. And now, we very much look forward to share the rest of our annual harvest with you ! No matter where you are in the world – get in touch. We will be very happy to send you the quantity of your choice, still fresh from the harvest and pressing, directly to your home !
Get in touch
Our olive oil comes in traditional tin-plate canisters, dispatched on the week of the pressing using reputable international freight forwarders. Your oil will arrive before Xmas, and you will be able to track its delivery.
Our Extra Virgin Olive Oil also comes certified from a reputable chemical laboratory. A copy of the certificate will be sent to you via email ahead of the delivery, and also posted on this website.
Join the Mailing List
Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest news
KOKKINIES 