Liá

In 2015 we were working with a small and very specialist Greek herb producer who introduced us to a friend, Cristina, who was producing lovely Greek olive oil in a beautifully designed bottle. Cristina, an ex-art historian, turned olive oil taster, businesswoman and founder of LIA olive oil, amazed Charles and Sika from the beginning. Her passion, dedication and constant enthusiasm continue to amaze us today.

Cristinas was born, midst harvest in the winter of 1980. Her mother paused only briefly from her work in the olive grove to give birth, and after a short stay in hospital, took Cristina in her basket and returned to finish the harvest. You could say at this point that her destiny was already written. In fact, the smell that Cristina first remember is that of the rich aroma of olive trees and their green and silver leaves.

Only Koreoneiki olives, native to the area, are used in the production. Cristina believes that these olives possess “a unique, intricate profile, with the same aromas that filled my senses from my earliest days—herbs, green and ripe fruits. Its taste is like a perfectly ripe avocado with a hint of green pepper on the finish.”

LIA is still a small family team made up of Cristina, her brother Kons… and her husband, Dimitris. They work closely with farmers in their neighbourhood, ensuring that the best farming practices are being undertaken. Sustainability and biodiversity in the olive groves are of the upmost importance to the family. As Cristina reminds us, it is these olive groves that support up to 200 wild plant species, 90 vertebrates and 160 invertebrates per hectare. Preserving this, helps to support the long-term stability of the Greek olive oil sector and to protect it for future generations.

As Cristina says:

The other day, during an olive oil tasting session with our guests, I felt a profound sense of connection and responsibility. We were savouring the essence of trees planted 300 years ago, a living testament to generations past. This realization filled me with emotion and a commitment to preserve this treasure for the generations to come. Our decision to live locally, close to our olive trees, allows us to observe and care for them intimately. This journey isn't just about saving the trees or preserving the olive oil culture; it's about how these ancient trees might save us. I find myself sitting in the shade of an olive tree, listening to the cicadas, and reflecting on why we persist with this olive farm. I insist on producing authentic extra virgin olive oil because I am deeply convinced of its numerous health benefits that can literally change lives. I insist because I believe that the balance in the aroma and flavour of our Koroneiki variety can offer you a gastronomic journey. I believe that only small farmers can produce sustainable, ethical food.”