Learn About Olive Oil
Answers to your most frequently asked questions about our Australian organic extra virgin olive oils, and olive oil generally.
Extra virgin olive oil is essentially a fruit juice! It is obtained when oil is extracted solely by mechanical means (no excessive heat or solvents are used) from fresh, good quality olive fruit. It must be free of any taste defects and have a free fatty acidity level less than 0.8%. We cold press our olives on site immediately once picked, achieving an acidity typically around 0.1% to 0.2%.
All of our oils are first cold pressed.
“First” means the oil is from from the first and only extraction of fresh olives - no second pressing occurs at Grampians Olive Co (we do not make pomace oil).
“Cold pressed” is a term originating from the traditional screw type olive presses. Today it is generally accepted to mean that the temperature of the olives during mechanical processing does not exceed 27°C. Excess heat can increase the quantity of oil extracted, however this compromises its quality - dulling flavour and reducing natural antioxidants, so we keep temperatures low. We never use excessive heat, chemical refining, solvents, deodorising or secondary extraction - we are focused on quality, flavour, freshness and authenticity.
We cold pressed our organic olives on farm within hours of harvest. After pressing, we handle the oil carefully and store it in stainless steel, oxygen free to protect quality. The pomace (solid olive material left after pressing), is returned to the grove to build soil health.
Olives produce one crop per year, and when it comes to olive oil, fresher is always better! In the Grampians, our harvest and pressing season typically runs from early May to late June each year. We show the current season on product pages and product back labels (see harvest code above the best before date). We bottle daily and store oil in oxygen free stainless steel tanks prior to bottling.
All our oils are unfiltered. Freshly pressed oil contains tiny olive particles that settle over time and form sediment. In our olio nuovo, bottled straight from the press, this sediment remains in the bottle. For our other oils, the particles settle in stainless steel tanks before bottling, so the oil is clear. Unfiltered oil is valued for its fuller flavour, richer aroma, and higher content of natural antioxidants.
Yes. Our grove and production are certified organic (NASAA and ACO), and our oils meet Australian and international extra virgin standards. We verify quality through independent lab and sensory testing and follow the industry code of practice. These checks help ensure authenticity, freshness and the flavour you expect.
Heat, light, oxygen and time degrade olive oil. To retain the health benefits and flavour of our oil as long as possible you need to minimise the exposure to these four elements. We recommend storing our olive oil in a dark place with a relatively constant, cool temperature away from direct heat and sunlight. At home, a pantry is usually the best place. Always re-seal the container immediately after use and avoid leaving next to the stove as the oil quickly heats up. If you buy in bulk, a simple, practical way to reduce oxygen exposure is to decant into a bottle for everyday use and only open the tin occasionally to refill the bottle.
To maintain quality for longer we have cask packaging for our oils which keeps oil fresher as there is no oxygen exposure, offers the convenience of a tap and is BPA free.
Our heritage trees are varieties suited to our climate in the Grampians. Many of these varieties are rarely planted in Australia these days, and some varieties remain unidentified, but all contribute to the unique flavour profile of our oil. Varieties include Verdale, Bouquettier, Benito, WA Mission, Frantoio and Manzanillo, Arbequina and more. Variety, harvest timing and our dryland farming shape flavour. Early harvest oils tend to be greener and peppery, later harvest oils are softer and fruitier. We cold press on farm to capture freshness and balance fruitiness, bitterness and pepper.
Olive oil is rich in antioxidants. Our organic olives are pressed on-site within hours of picking, which maximises antioxidants such as Vitamin E, phenolic compounds and carotenoids. Research has shown that antioxidants combat 'free radicals', helping to slow the ageing process and prevent various diseases. Antioxidants also contribute to the shelf-life of our oil and enrich its unique flavour.
Yes! Olive oil reduces low-density lipoproteins (bad cholesterol), improving the ratio of good cholesterol (high-density lipoproteins) to bad. This helps to lower the risk of heart disease.
How to Choose and Use
From pan to platter, a good quality olive oil can lift any dish. Learn about flavour, heat, storage and pairing, so you can choose the right style and use it well.
Our Signature organic and Robust evoo work well for roasting, pan frying and everyday cooking. They bring fruitiness and gentle pepper that hold up to heat. Choose a Delicate style for lighter dishes, seafood and baking, or when you want a softer profile in dressings. Infused oils add targeted flavour to marinades, veg, pasta and seafood. When available, our limited release Olio Nuovo is ideal for dipping, finishing and salads.
Signature is balanced and versatile, great with crusty bread and dukkah. Delicate is smooth and fruity for a gentler profile. Olio Nuovo, when in season, is bright and grassy and shines on its own. Infused oils like lemon, garlic or tuscan herbs add clear flavour if you want more character on a platter. We often pair our oils with vinegars on tasting platters, for example our lemon pressed oil pairs well with our golden orange caramelised balsamic. There are no rules, experiment and find your favourite combinations!
Yes. High quality extra virgin olive oil is stable for home frying and roasting. Typical pan frying temperatures are about 160 to 190°C. EVOO’s natural antioxidants and monounsaturated fat profile support good cooking stability. Do not repeatedly reuse any oil at high heat.
Our Delicate organic evoo is great for cakes and sweets, it keeps texture light and the flavour subtle. For savoury baking, focaccia and roast veg, Signature organic evoo or Robust evoo work well. Start with your usual recipe, then adjust to taste.
Yes. Extra virgin olive oil is simply fresh olive juice with no additives, so it is naturally vegan and gluten free.
While it’s important to be mindful of fats in your diet, not all fats are created equal. Olive oil is made up of healthy monounsaturated fats, particularly oleic acid, which supports heart health by improving cholesterol levels and reducing inflammation. Unlike unhealthy trans fats or excessive saturated fats, olive oil provides essential nutrients that promote overall well-being.
Additionally, olive oil is packed with antioxidants and polyphenols, which have been linked to numerous health benefits, including lowering the risk of chronic diseases like heart disease and even showing potential in inhibiting cancer cells. So, despite being a fat, olive oil is one of the healthiest choices you can make in your diet.
Yes. Our table olives are estate produced and certified organic. We hand pick and cure using only salt, water and time, a slow traditional method that preserves natural texture and flavour. We do not use artificial firming agents or colours. See each product page for ingredients and sizes available.
Yes we make our lemon pressed olive oil in a unique way which is extremely important to the resulting flavour. We use the traditional Italian agrumato method - we crush our organic olives together with whole lemons which means that the oil from the olives and from the lemon skins are extracted together. This produces a bold, zesty flavour superior to that of an oil made by infusing with lemon at a later time.
We are one of Australia's largest single estate producers of certified organic extra virgin olive oil. Usually - yes - we offer 15L casks and 20L tins of our certified organic extra virgin olive oil on our website. However, due to current stock shortages, only bottles are available at this time.
Shipping & Delivery
We pack with care and despatch all orders directly from our grove in the Grampians.
We deliver Australia wide with free shipping available for orders over $100 to most locations. Orders under $100 ship for a flat $9.95. Some bulky orders to distant or remote areas may attract a subsidised freight charge, shown at checkout before you pay. International shipping is available to selected countries, and is calculated at checkout.
We despatch orders every business day, and guarantee the quality of our products - if for any reason you are not satisfied, we offer no fuss free returns. Find our full shipping and returns policy here.
Yes. You can add a gift message or special instructions at the view cart screen. We include a packing slip without prices, so the recipient will not see any values. For time sensitive gifts, choose Express Post and allow for despatch from regional Victoria. Our hampers and gift sets suit most occasions, and you can select your prefered oils / vinegars in many of our packs.
If your order has not been despatched, contact us and we will update it.
Parcels are sent with Authority To Leave by default - you can request signature or add special delivery instructions at the view cart screen.
Estimated Australia Post standard delivery times are: VIC 2 to 3 business days, NSW, ACT and SA 4 to 7, QLD and TAS 5 to 10, WA and NT 7 to 14. Express Post is offered as a faster option. Due to our regional location, AusPost does not guarantee delivery times (even for Express).
Occasionally accidents happen - we stand by our products and take full responsibility to arrange a replacement, return or refund as appropriate. For Australian orders, we cover return postage when returns are required. Please contact us promptly with your order number, a brief description of the issue and photos of what you received for a fast resolution.
Sizes & Packaging
Common questions about our packaging - including bottles, tins and casks (bag in box).
Bottles are ideal for convenience and gifts. Tins suit pantry refills. Our casks are best for freshness over time, the inner pouch collapses as you pour, which limits air contact and protects flavour. Bottles and tins are best finished within about three months of opening due to oxygen exposure. Casks stay fresh after opening because air does not enter the pouch.
Glass bottles and metal tins are recyclable through kerbside programs. Casks use a cardboard outer and a food grade inner pouch, the cardboard is recyclable. We select packaging to balance freshness, waste and practicality.
Yes. We ship in recycled and recyclable cardboard with paper padding and paper tape. We recycle or reuse our incoming packaging materials and never use polystyrene. Please recycle cardboard and paper through kerbside collection.
There is a pull up pouring spout - see this video for opening instructions.
Keep oil away from heat, light and oxygen. Store in a cool, dark pantry, ideally under 20°C. Reseal straight after use and avoid leaving bottles by the stove. If buying in bulk, decant into a smaller bottle for daily use. Signs of oxidation include flat flavour and crayon like aromas. Use opened bottles and tins within about 3 months for best flavour.
Cold temperatures do not damage the oil, but they can cause it to become cloudy and thicken towards a solid state, which makes pouring difficult. Frequent cycling between liquid and solid is not ideal, as condensation may form inside the container and affect the quality. We recommend storing in a cool, dark pantry at 14°C to 20°C. If the oil has become cold and looks cloudy, let it return to room temperature and it will clear.
Best before dates are set from the harvest season. Unopened bottles and tins generally keep quality for around two years from harvest when stored well, away from heat and light. Fresh is always best, so we suggest buying what you will use within the next few months.
About Our Farm
We are a family-owned and run heritage organic olive grove on the edge of the Grampians where we grow, cold press and bottle our products on farm. Plan a visit or learn more about our grove and history.
Yes! Our grove is the perfect stop on your Grampians day trip, we welcome visitors every weekday (closed weekends and public holidays).
Drop in and meet the family, admire the magnificent mountain views and discover how our organic olive oil is made. This is the only place in Australia you will find our full range of award winning gourmet products in the one place, so go ahead and enjoy a platter and stock up your pantry!
It's easy for a day trip to turn into a longer stay!
The Grampians is one of Australia’s historic cool-climate wine regions, known for elegant shiraz and fine sparkling. Quality olive oil and wine both thrive here thanks to dry days, cool nights and well drained soils. Visit cellar doors in Great Western such as Best’s, Grampians Estate and Seppelts. Local favourites near us including Norton Estate, Mount Stapylton Wines and Barangaroo Boutique Wines.
Classic walks close to our grove include Mount Stapylton and Hollow Mountain, plus Aboriginal rock art at Gulgurn Manja and Ngamadjidj. Other natural highlights nearby include MacKenzie Falls, The Pinnacle, Boroka Lookout, Reeds Lookout.
Plan your trip with Visit Grampians and check Parks Victoria for current track conditions.
Yes. We are 100% Australian family owned; by the Mathews family. Olives are grown, pressed and bottled at our family farm beside the Grampians National Park, Victoria, Australia. Buying direct from us supports local farming and regional jobs.
Our grove was first named Grampian Olive Plantations Company when it was founded in 1943. New owners took over and renamed it "Toscana Olives" in the early 1960s - honouring Italian involvement in the grove’s establishment and similarity in climate, scenery and oil profile to the Toscana (Tuscany) region in Italy.
In 2015 we wanted to better reflect the beauty of the unique Grampians location in which our products are grown and produced. Grampians Olive Co. is a throwback to our grove’s original name "Grampian Olive Plantations Co." to reconnect with our roots and better communicate the origin of our products.
We dryland farm our heritage grove beside the Grampians National Park, favouring quality and flavour over yield. We rely on seasonal rainfall. Pomace (olive waste) from pressing is returned to the grove, prunings are mulched, and sheep graze seasonally for natural grass control and fertiliser. Our entire grove, processing and bottling are certified organic.
We are at 376 Olive Plantation Road, Laharum, Victoria 3401, Australia. Contact us here, or phone 03 5383 8299. Our hours are weekdays 11am to 4pm, closed on weekends and public holidays (unless stated otherwise for events).