Our Land & Our Crop

Kolymvari, Crete. Located on the northwestern edge of Crete, this area is renowned for its extra virgin olive oil. This reputation is attributed to the unique microclimate of the region, which earned Kolymvari in Chania, Crete, the designation of Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) from the European Union in 1993.

The Olive Grove

Since 1994, the Psillaki family’s olive grove has been certified and stands as one of the first in Greece to produce exclusively organic olive oil.

Located in the village of Zimbragos, one of the 28 villages defining the Kolymvari PGI area, Teresa Psillaki’s olive grove is a testament to this commitment.

Crete, a Blessed Land:
"The olive tree is a symbol of strength, a resilient tree that lives for centuries..”

Zimbragos is a quaint, semi-mountainous village situated at an altitude of 350 meters, covering an area of 380 hectares. With just 15 permanent residents, it enjoys a mild Mediterranean climate and is located 15 kilometers inland from the coast.

The Psillaki family, one of the prominent local families, owns a significant olive grove. Their estate spans 17 hectares and is home to 5,000 olive trees. The Teresa Psillaki Estate, a portion of this grove, covers 6.5 hectares and is cultivated with 1,500 olive trees that are between 60 and 100 years old.

The name of the village comes from the Greek verb “συμπράττω” (sympratto), which means “to collaborate” or “to join together.” This verb is also the root of the name “Συμπραγός” (Sympragos), which means “twin.” Historical records show the village’s name evolving over time. In 1577, Francisco Barocci referred to it as Sibragu. Pietro Castrofilaca’s 1583 census listed it as Sibragù (K238) and Ximabragù (K225). By the early 19th century, the Egyptian census of 1834 mentioned it as Stazibtagù, noting it had 3 Christian and 20 Muslim families. Over the centuries, other variations of the name included Sibragù, used by Francesco Basilicata, and Asibragù, used by Antonio Trivan.