Olive harvest: from tree to bottle An interactive, agro-experience

Connect with nature and expand your knowledge about a most extraordinary commodity. Become part of an important local activity that is fundamental to the Kytherian way of life. Explore the intricacies of Greece’s edible, liquid superfood, the most prized Mediterranean crop that has reared generations. 

 

Experience the olive harvest of the season, up close and personal, as hands-on as you desire. Follow the entire journey of the olive crop as you observe the procedure, step by step from the collection of the olives to the pressing of the most exquisite olive oil you have ever tasted. 

 

Hidden Retreats has its own olive groves that are meticulously tended to by Harry, one of your hosts, who is an expert in cultivating exceptional quality, organic olive oil. Having studied agriculture, he has been a passionate organic farmer in Kythera since 1992, becoming the island’s true pioneer! The Astarti Exclusive extra virgin olive oil he produces has received multiple international awards since then. His skills and love for olive oil production are the basis upon which our quality brand ‘Astarti – Tzortzopoulos Estate’ has developed, that carries a range of quality organic products.     

 

As exceptional organic products are so close to our hearts, we wholeheartedly share our insights with you. Join us for an interactive, authentic, agro-experience that will allow you to live a day in the life of a true islander, working with nature.  

 

The experience itinerary -

 

Olive harvesting:

We begin the day by making our way to the olive groves, where we start the collection of ripe olives. This is not a quick procedure and there is an element of patience and diligence to be brought to the activity. We will treat you to a wonderful lunch break, bursting with the freshness of local flavours, that will include a full spread of delectable local products.

 

Oil pressing: 

We visit the olive press, that is the next stop after having harvested the olives. Meet the locals who will be happy to greet you and share with you the ins and outs of olive pressing, resulting in the olive oil extraction. At this stage you will get to taste the first drops of the fragrant, fresh olive oil, in its purest form. The flavour is positively impactful, and will remain with you for years to come. Take a bottle of freshly pressed, extra virgin olive oil with you as a small token of this memorable experience.

  

Olive oil tasting: 

Sample the different types of olive oil. Learn to discern the subtleties of different varieties and different harvest years. Find out about all the contributing factors to growing healthy olives, about the cycle of the crop as well as the importance of microclimates. 

 

Local cuisine cooking class:

Learn some valuable, local cooking skills that you will be able to use when you return back home. Get to grips with the local know how of preparing homemade, delicious meals and be prepared to amaze your friends and family when you next host a dinner.   

 

For personalising the olive harvest experience precisely to your personal liking and desired level of involvement, send us your request.