The Terra di Sitia brand was founded relatively recently in 2016 with its focus and purpose of offering its customers fine, traditional products from the “Land of Sitia” - Terra di Sitia. They have many years of experience of being involved with the cultivation of olive trees, harvesting and producing olive oil in Sitia. The result of their efforts is a great range of oils from the region with all the quality that a Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) brings.
The olive groves are located in semi-mountainous areas of eastern Crete, areas with a PDO. Specifically, they are in the villages of Agios Georgios (Tourtouloi), Maronia, Paraspori, Chamezi which are at an altitude of 450-550m. This is where the olives gain their character, from the sunlight and unique Sitian terrain.
The Koroneiki variety (Olea Europea var. microcarpa alba or var. Mastoides) is widely grown in this region and it has two important advantages: its hardiness - resistance to drought and robustness in strong winds - as well as its high and steady levels of fruit production. The Koroneiki is considered by many to be the queen of Greek olive cultivars and it has been used since the times of Minoan Crete.
The altitude, the soil, the water, the wind as well as the particular climate conditions of Sitia are all factors which enhance the cultivation of the olive trees. The resulting fruit produces the famous Sitian olive oil with a strong, yet fruity flavour, bright gold-green colour and with a fresh aroma.
At Terra di Sitia, the olives are collected before they ripen and are cold pressed selectively to produce a selection of top quality extra virgin olive oils. This is reflected in the many awards which they have won, including a silver medal at the prestigious London IOOC in 2020.