The olive tree is a symbol of peace, abundance, purification, wisdom and strength. On its branches grow a fruit, olives, that man's ingenuity has transformed into an oil with countless culinary, medical and even mythological applications. Olive oil is an agricultural product that is inseparable from the very identity of our nation.
The olive tree was introduced into the Alentejo by the Phoenicians and cultivated with care by the Romans. It became one of the noble species of the region, a source of livelihood for its people and a factor of economic competitiveness. Almost 50% of Portuguese olive groves can be found on the plains of the Alentejo, which explains the regional importance of this tree, which is happy to grow in stony soil and in extreme climate conditions.
At Herdade do Esporão, olive growing is much more than a farming activity. The cultivation of olive trees, the olive harvest and the production of olive oil are tasks that arise by force of the region, that are an obligatory ritual of veneration of a place – the Alentejo.
In line with our commercial philosophy, we have always sought to respect this personality of the place and to lend it a new dynamic through the production, marketing and distribution of traditional Alentejo products. We did this first with wines and almost inevitably we moved into high quality olive oils: premium segment olive oils.
Our intention is to pursue global appreciation of local products. Of what is ours, uniquely ours but is being revealed to the world as a demonstration of excellence. And to thus produce the best olive oils that the Alentejo can give us, as we already do with its wines.