Olive Harvest 2020 – some good news!

Harvesting olives in South Africa

After an amazing workshop tour in Australia (got back just in time!), the local harvest is upon us and for those that are interested /involved, I thought I would share what is happening here on Awakening. First the green Nocellara had to be harvested, and these together with a few Manzanillas and Nandis, made up…

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Very successful World Team Tasting Championship!

World Olive Oil Tasting Championships

Congratulations to our South African Extra Virgin Olive Oil Tasters! Our 2 teams – consisting of Benedetta Lami, Jackie Loubser and Louise Rabie in one team and Marlene Loubser, Fotini Balassis and Gert van Dyk in the other, came 5th and 8th respectively out of 13 tasting teams from all over the world! What an…

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Winding up the preparations for the Team Tasting World Cup in Spain!

Winding up the preparations for the Team Tasting World Cup in Spain! 16

Our last training session before departing for Priego de Cordoba, with from left, Louise Rabie, Marlene Loubser and Jackie Loubser. Grateful thanks to Devon Valley Olive Tree Nursery for making this amazing opportunity possible for the 2 teams (6 tasters) to represent South Africa! Fotini Balassis lives in Johannesburg, and Benedetta Zichella and Gert van…

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World Team Tasting Championship 2019 – Here we come!

South African Olive Oil Tasting Team

  Our tasting teams have been given the go-ahead by forward-thinking sponsors! Our 6 tasters who were selected for their tasting abilities, are thrilled by a recent sponsor who has made their dream a reality. Sincere gratitude to Devon Valley Olive Tree Nursery for stepping up. This sponsorship means that both teams are able to…

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First Fun, Food & Flavour-filled EVOO evening

First Fun, Food & Flavour-filled EVOO evening 18

On Saturday evening we had a delightful Extra Virgin Olive Oil paring with a 4 course meal, lovingly prepared by Jackie Loubser and Gill Lanham. The oils were superb and well-received, and the taste sensations opened up new vistas for the guests – with layers of exquisite oil-enhanced flavours!    

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Heartfelt

Heartfelt 20

my heart is breaking
every time I hear the sound
of the neighbours, shattered and broken
the disillusionment nakedly profound . .

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Great Opportunity for SA EVOO Tasters!

olive oil world team tasting championship

The very exciting new development is that 6 of our best EVOO tasters have been invited to participate in the World Team Tasting Championship! This prestigious event will be held in Priego de Cordoba, Spain, in October 2019, and it is an excellent opportunity for our local industry to gain a bit more recognition in…

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Harvesting update

Harvesting olives in South Africa

This is the most exciting time for the olive-loving farmers – harvest time. Between tasting the gorgeous extra virgin olive oil exiting the decanters, and listening to the table olives bubbling away in their protective brines, one can heave a huge sigh of contentment at the fact that you decided to plant olive trees in…

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