Harvest Update 11-03-24
The 2024 harvest is in full swing, and we’re on track to begin deliveries of the 15th Anniversary Founder’s Reserve in late November 2024.
Thank you to everyone who has supported this harvest and mission.
Progress
Extraction is underway for our Founder’s Reserve and the grove-specific One Tree One Bottle extra virgin olive oils, and we couldn’t be happier with the results.
- Completed: Harvests at Balatro (October 16-17) and Vernalese (October 21-22) groves.
- Nearly Complete: Osteria grove, where we await final maturation in a specific subsection.
- In Progress: San Donato is currently on track for record production!
- Up Next: La Torre grove, starting next week.
Rain Delays: This season has been exceptional, although recent prolonged rains have slowed the harvest schedule. The good news? Cooler temperatures have enhanced aromas without affecting fruit maturity. Unlike grapes with wine, rain does not impact the quality of extra virgin olive oil. Outside of minor scheduling adjustments, we’re delighted with the season’s progress.
Yield and the Reality
Despite a healthy olive quantity, yields in the region are hovering around 6-9%, which is low even for high-quality extra virgin olive oil. This has led some coastal Tuscan producers to halt harvesting, as costs now exceed what many resellers will pay for raw oil. We stand firmly against practices exploiting small producers, forcing many to close, compromise on quality, or adopt unsustainable tactics to keep up. These pressures lead to abandoned groves and favour industrial, high-density operations over traditional, biodiverse methods—harming quality, the environment, and communities and depriving us of the true joys of quality extra virgin olive oil.
Founder's Reserve 2024 Label
For over a decade, each harvest has been honoured with a custom label. This label, designed by our long-time collaborator and artist Steve Hagey, is no exception. It represents our dedication to the art, design, innovation, and tradition that make each bottle unique. Follow us on Instagram for more.
One Tree, One Bottle
As a member of the Founder’s List, and with the holiday season approaching, we’re excited to introduce you to our new gifting experiences: One Tree One Bottle and Grove Custodian. With One Tree One Bottle, you can select a rejuvenated grove and choose the number of trees you wish to sustain. Meanwhile, Grove Custodian offers the opportunity to support anywhere from 20 trees to an entire grove. With One Tree One Bottle, here’s what you’ll receive:
- Micro-Regional, Grove-Specific Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- Personalized Certificate
- Illustrated Booklet & Sensory Notes
- First Access to Additional Oil from Your Grove
For those already supporting One Tree One Bottle, all of these benefits will be available to you as well.
More about Our Groves here.
Thank you for supporting extra virgin olive oil crafted the right way. I look forward to sharing this exceptional harvest with you.
Un carissimo saluto,
Fil Bucchino
Founder & Int'l Olive Oil Expert