Olive oil has long history.Homer called it "liquid gold." 'In ancient Greece, athletes ritually rubbed it all over their body. Its mystical glow illuminated history. Olive oil has been more than mere food to the peoples of the Mediterranean: it has been medicinal, magical, an endless source of fascination and wonder and the fountain of great wealth and power. Olive trees have an almost titanic resistance, a vital force which renders them nearly immortal. Despite harsh winters and burning summers, despite truncations, they continue to grow, proud and strong reaching towards the sky, bearing fruit that nourishes and heals inspires and amazes. All of this is the reason to come here and to join us in olives picking, olive oil preparation and most importantly, tasting. Who wouldn't like to have 1l of oil especially knowing that you were the one who helped for same to become.
Istria is known for olive growing and viticulture. Both olives and good wine are part of the Istrian gastronomy as well as the mediterranean diet. In fact, an old Istrian sayings goes Bread for the body, wine for the soul, representing the wine as a healthy part of living, love, and culture. The red soil and the vicinity of the sea insure a tasty and unmistakable wine. Extra virgin olive oil was being produced in the ancient Istria by small local grinders. Olive oil in Istria represents the symbol of good diet, and it is characteristic for its bitterish essence. There are many roads of olive oil and wine in Istria with purpose of exposing oil mills and cellars to the people.
We will visit one of the most respected olive oil manufacturers in the area and his beautiful olive tree fields. He will personally explain how to cultivate an olive tree, how to preserve them over the years, how and when the olives should be picked, and most importantly, how to obtain the highest quality olive oil. You will have an opportunity to participate in the olive harvest and watch the olive oil being made.
It is a lot of work but in a good company the hours pass like minutes. It is a kind of repetitive activity where you do not need to think, instead you free your mind and just enjoy small talk with the comrades working on the same olive tree.
After the work, we will have a copious and delicious lunch together.