A Slower Landscape
ELARIA begins in Apokoronas, in the hills of western Crete. A single grove south of Kaina, high and inland, facing the White Mountains. The olives are Koroneiki. The harvest is early, in November, while the fruit is still green. The oil is cold extracted within hours of picking, and bottled once a year.
THE STORY BEHIND ELARIA
Why ELARIA Exists
HOW ELARIA BEGAN
Enough to Share
The grove belongs to James's family. They have always done the harvest themselves, by hand, each November. Picking the fruit, taking it to the mill, carrying the oil back to the UK.
There was more than one household could use, and it was better than anything we could buy here. It was shared with friends, and it never lasted. ELARIA grew out of that.
WHAT WE NOTICED
We Wanted
the Opposite
In the Mediterranean, olive oil is fresh, local and part of daily life. It is made close to where it grows and used without ceremony. Most oil sold in the UK has lost that. It travels far, sits long, and arrives as a commodity rather than a food with a place and a season.
We wanted the opposite. An oil made properly, and meant for the table. Poured over bread, over greens, over everything. Used every day, as it is in Crete.
WHAT WE BELIEVE
Good Produce Should Be Understood
Where it comes from, how it is made, how it is meant to be used. ELARIA is an ode to the Mediterranean table and the way of eating that has held for thousands of years. Bread, greens, tomatoes, a slow lunch, good oil poured generously.
THE PROCESS
Grown by One Family.
Made Once a Year.
Grown in Apokoronas
Our Koroneiki olives grow in a grove in the hills south of Kaina, Apokoronas, at 226 metres, facing the White Mountains of Crete.
Harvested Early
The olives are picked at the beginning of the season, while still green, to capture the freshest flavour and vibrant character.
Cold-Extracted
The harvested olives are cold extracted to preserve their natural aroma, freshness, and quality.
Bottled with Care
The oil is filtered and bottled quickly to protect its character and bring the harvest from our grove to your table.
