In a heart warming tale of familial heritage and entrepreneurial spirit, two sisters originating from a quaint 50-person village in Greece have embarked on a journey that transcends borders and cultures, weaving the essence of their homeland into the culinary fabric of Melbourne, Australia. Their venture, Golden Groves, is not just a brand of 100% organic olive oil; it's a nod to ancestral legacy, the pursuit of excellence, and the celebration of life's simple pleasures.
The Velos sisters, Katianna (Kat) and Yianna, grew up in Mani, a picturesque region located at the southernmost tip of mainland Greece. Here, amidst the rugged landscape and azure waters of the Mediterranean, their family has tended to olive groves for generations. These groves, with their gnarled trees and bountiful harvests, hold the key to a tradition that spans centuries—a tradition of producing some of the finest olive oil known to humankind.
For the Velos family, olive oil isn't just a condiment; it's a way of life. From the earliest age, Kat and Yianna were taught to appreciate the liquid gold that flowed from the olives grown in their family's groves. Each year, as the harvest season approached, the entire village would come together to pick the olives, a ritual that symbolised unity, community, and the bonds of family.
But life took a turn when Kat and Yianna's parents made the bold decision to immigrate to Australia in search of new opportunities. Despite the distance, they remained deeply connected to their roots in Mani, ensuring that the family's olive groves continued to thrive under the care of relatives who still called the village home.
It wasn't until years later, amid a global pandemic and a period of lockdown in Melbourne, that Kat stumbled upon an unexpected opportunity. Feeling a little listless under Melbourne’s July 2020 stay-at-home orders, Kat decided to create a mini cooking series on Instagram called “The Lazy Lockdown Lunch”, where she would regularly share a new pasta on her Instagram. As she found herself spending more time in her kitchen, experimenting with recipes and sharing her culinary creations on social media, she noticed something remarkable—people were drawn to the olive oil she used, intrigued by its rich flavour and golden hue.
Spurred on by the interest sparked by her cooking endeavours, Kat decided to look deeper into the story behind her family's olive oil. What she discovered was a wealth of tradition, craftsmanship, and love — and a story waiting to be shared with the world.
With the support of her sister Yianna, Kat embarked on a mission to bring their family's olive oil to a wider audience. Thus, Golden Groves was born — a labour of love and a tribute to their heritage.
At the heart of Golden Groves lies a commitment to quality and authenticity. Unlike mass-produced olive oils found on supermarket shelves, Golden Groves' 100% organic olive oil is a product of careful craftsmanship and centuries-old traditions. Each olive is handpicked at the peak of ripeness, ensuring that only the finest fruit makes its way into the final product.
But Golden Groves is more than just a brand—it's a bridge that connects two worlds, bridging the gap between the ancient olive groves of Mani and the bustling streets of Melbourne. With each bottle of olive oil, Kat and Yianna hope to share a taste of their homeland, inviting consumers to experience the rich flavours and vibrant culture of Greece.
In a few short years, the sister’s Golden Groves brand combined with their style and vivacious energy has attracted a lot of media attention, even capturing the eye of luxury brands such as swimwear label Sommer Swim, who featured them in their ‘Insider’s Guide to the Idyllic Mani Peninsula' blog post.
“Through sharing our story, we have helped put Mani on the map and been featured in various publications, including Harper's Bazaar,” says Yianna.
In a world where fast-paced lifestyles and mass production often overshadow tradition and craftsmanship, Golden Groves remains a symbol of the enduring power of family, heritage, and the simple joys of life.
With each drop of Golden Groves olive oil, consumers embark on a journey that connects them to the rich heritage of Mani and the vibrant culture of Greece.
As Golden Groves continues to grow, Kat and Yianna remain steadfast in their commitment to quality and tradition. They envision a future where their olive oil graces the tables of homes and restaurants around the world, serving as a reminder of the bonds that unite us all.
Website: Golden Groves
Instagram: @goldengrovesco
RRP: $39 for 750ml
You can even set up your own subscriptions to ensure that you never run dry.
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