The Land Behind the Oil
Avias Ranch consists of a total of 77 hectares (200 acres) of 300+ year old Koroneiki olive trees. It is made up of the "Notis" and "Rema Mili" Estates, each with distinctive terroirs.
The Notis Estate
The terroir of the Notis Estate, named for our grandfather, is located adjacent to the village of Orovas, the village of his birth, in Avias. The Notis Estate is made up of four contiguous plots, each with a name linked to the land’s natural features: Reza (Roots), Potami (stream), Xrisafi (golden), and Perivoli (Garden). These names were originally used to mark the estate’s boundaries using natural landmarks. Reza and Potami, are located 300m above sea level and Xrisafi and Perivoli at 330m, with a mix of terrain. The Notis estate spans across 35.01 hectares, with 3.92 hectares in Reza, 12.96 hectares in Potami, 10.55 hectares in Xrisafi, and 7.58 hectares in Perivoli. Reza’s trees have thrived for over 300 years in the deep red soil (terra rosa mostly red latosol), a well-drained, iron-and copper rich soil that allows the trees to root deeply and thrive even on the steep slopes defying gravity for years, many of their roots
clinging to the mountainside. Potami’s groves are planted in clay to silty soils, which retain moisture and provide steady nourishment to the trees. Plenty of nutrient and minerals are available for the tree’s growth. Click here to learn more about the genetics of the trees and the soil analysis.
The Rema Mili Estate
The terroir of the Rema Mili Estate is located northwest of the village of Orovas and consists of 42.4 hectares. It is made up of a single large plot that borders along the
Rema Mili River. Nestled alongside the river, these olive groves benefit from a unique terroir, enriched by the microclimate created by the river's proximity. The seasonal moisture and mineral deposits from the river contribute to the olive trees' health, producing rich and more mellow oils.
The climate in these two estates is mild, with an annual rainfall of 567 mm (22.3 inches) between September and May. Average temperatures range from 9°C (48°F) in the cooler months to 25°C (78°F) in warmer periods, providing optimal conditions for olive cultivation. The area gets over 250 days a year sun.
The unique combination of soil types, altitudes, and climate at Avias Ranch shapes the land’s ability to support our centuries-old olive trees, whose roots run deep into the landscape's rich soils. While these old trees may produce fewer olives than younger ones and the olives that are harvested early produce only a fraction of oil than those more mature olives, what they lack in quantity, they make up for in rich, concentrated flavors and a health benefit profile that is at the heart of our exceptionally crafted extra virgin olive oil.
