At The Greek Providore, we are proud to bring you Ladolea, a brand that perfectly blends ancient Greek traditions with modern-day craftsmanship. More than just an olive oil, Ladolea is a story of passion, sustainability, and heritage—delivering not only exceptional quality but also an experience that connects you to the roots of Greek culture.
The Legacy of Ladolea
Ladolea is named after *Ladolia*, the ancient Greek word for olive oil. The brand takes its inspiration from the rich history of the Peloponnese region, where olive trees have been nurtured for thousands of years. Every bottle of Ladolea olive oil is crafted with love, using handpicked olives from carefully tended groves.
The dedication to quality doesn’t stop with the olives. Ladolea’s oils are cold extracted within hours of harvest, preserving the natural flavour, nutrients, and antioxidants that make Greek olive oil so prized around the world. This commitment to excellence ensures that every drop of Ladolea is bursting with the pure, vibrant taste of Greece.
Uniquely Packaged, Uniquely Greek
One of the standout features of Ladolea is its stunning, amphora-inspired packaging. These handmade ceramic bottles pay homage to ancient Greece, where amphoras were used to store olive oil and wine. The design not only protects the quality of the oil but also adds a beautiful, artisanal touch to your kitchen or dining table. Each bottle is a work of art, showcasing Greek craftsmanship at its finest.
The unique shape of the amphora bottle isn't just for looks—it plays a role in keeping the oil fresh and vibrant. By limiting exposure to light and air, the ceramic bottle helps preserve the delicate balance of flavours and nutrients that make Ladolea olive oil truly special.
Three Varieties to Savour
Ladolea offers three distinct types of olive oil, each with its own flavour profile and culinary use:
Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Patrinia variety, Rich and fruity, this oil is perfect for drizzling over salads, vegetables, or dipping bread.
PDO (Protected Designation of Origin) Extra Virgin Olive Oil Made from the native Megaritiki olive variety, this oil has a slightly peppery finish, ideal for enhancing grilled meats or roasted dishes.
Organic Green Olive Oil: Koroneiki Variety Harvested early for a more robust flavour, this olive oil is great for adding complexity to simple dishes like pasta or grilled fish.
Sustainability & Ethics at the Core
Ladolea is deeply committed to sustainable farming practices, ensuring that their olive groves thrive in harmony with the environment. The handpicked olives are grown without pesticides or synthetic chemicals, reflecting the brand's mission to create products that are as pure as they are flavourful.
Experience Ladolea at The Greek Providore
If you're looking for an olive oil that’s steeped in history, bursting with flavour, and beautifully presented, Ladolea is the perfect choice. Whether you’re a foodie, a home chef, or simply someone who appreciates the finer things in life, this olive oil will elevate your cooking and transport your senses to the sun-drenched hills of Greece.
Want to learn more about the story behind Ladolea?
Here is a Q&A with co-founder Thanos, where we discuss the inspiration behind the brand, its journey from ancient traditions to modern kitchens, and what makes Ladolea so special.
Can you share the story behind the creation of Ladolea Olive Oil and what inspired you and Panos to start this venture?
Ladolea was born from our deep love for Greece and its rich agricultural heritage. Panos and I were inspired by the ancient olive oil-making traditions of the Peloponnese, especially from our hometown, where this craft has flourished for thousands of years. Our vision was to not only produce exceptional extra virgin olive oil but also to honour the land, the olive trees, and the generations of Greek farmers who have dedicated themselves to this art. The idea was not only to produce high-quality extra virgin olive oil but also to share the story and artistry behind it with the world. We also sought to present it in a way that merges tradition with contemporary design, which is why our amphorae packaging became a central aspect of Ladolea’s identity.
What makes the Patrinia variety of olive so special, and how does it influence the flavour profile of your extra virgin olive oil?
The
Patrinia variety is truly special due to the unique growing conditions in the northern Peloponnese, where it has been cultivated for centuries. The cooler microclimate and distinctive terroir give these olives their remarkable robustness and rich flavour. This combination produces a medium-intensity extra virgin olive oil, offering a balanced profile of fruity, bitter, and spicy notes. Its harmonious flavours make it ideal for both raw use and cooking, enhancing any dish it accompanies.
Can you describe the process of making Ladolea Olive Oil from harvest to bottle? What are some of the key steps that ensure its high quality?
Our process begins with harvesting the olives at the perfect stage of ripeness, ensuring that the fruit remains intact. The olives are then swiftly transported to the mill, where they are cold-pressed within a few hours of harvest. This rapid turnaround is essential to preserving the oil's freshness, flavour, and nutritional value. After pressing, the oil is carefully filtered and stored in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks to protect it from heat, light, and air. Every step, from harvesting to bottling, is meticulously managed to maintain the highest standards of quality, making
Ladolea known for its exceptional taste and health benefits.
How do the traditional methods of storing your olive oil in terracotta amphora contribute to its unique characteristics?
Using terracotta amphora to store our olive oil is a tribute to ancient Greek tradition as well as a practical decision. For thousands of years, amphorae have been utilised for olive oil storage, and we've revived this method because it promotes natural aging. This process not only enhances the oil’s longevity and flavour but also preserves its richness, imparting a distinctive character. Moreover, the amphora’s design helps keep the oil cool and shields it from sunlight, both of which are essential for maintaining its quality.
What is your favourite dish or recipe that best showcases the flavour of Ladolea Olive Oil?
One of my favourite ways to enjoy
Ladolea olive oil is with a classic Greek village salad, or horiatiki. This dish combines ripe tomatoes, cucumbers, Kalamata olives, and a hearty splash of Ladolea extra virgin olive oil. The oil’s fruity and subtly peppery notes amplify the vegetables' natural freshness, making the salad truly vibrant. It’s a perfect demonstration of how premium olive oil can transform even the most basic ingredients into something exceptional.
What do you think sets Greek olive oil apart from other olive oils produced around the world?
Greek olive oil is renowned for its diverse varieties and perfect growing conditions—Mediterranean climate and rich soils. The deep-rooted tradition and expertise of Greek farmers ensure each bottle reflects a legacy of passion and knowledge. Olive oil in Greece is more than a product; it's a cultural staple, with careful harvesting and cold-pressing preserving its exceptional flavour and health benefits.
Where is your favourite place to visit in Greece, and what makes it special to you?
One of my favourite places to visit is Patmos Island. It’s not just the island’s rich spiritual history that makes it special, but also its amazing traditional food and beautiful beaches. Patmos offers a delightful array of local cuisine, from fresh seafood to unique dishes. The island’s small tavernas serve up these dishes with a local twist, allowing you to taste authentic flavours in a charming setting.
The beaches on Patmos are equally stunning. From the secluded coves of Kambos to the sandy shores of Agriolivadi and Psili Ammos, each spot offers crystal-clear waters and amazing views. Whether you’re looking to relax under the sun or take a refreshing swim, Patmos provides the perfect backdrop for both relaxation and adventure.
What’s one Greek food or drink that you think more people should try, and why?
I think more people should try fava, a Greek dish made from split peas. It’s creamy, delicious, and usually served with a bit of olive oil and lemon. It’s a great way to experience Greek flavours in a simple and tasty way.
What are your must-have Greek pantry staples that you always keep on hand?
Greek Olives (green from Halkidiki)
Lentils and
Chickpeas Onions and cherry tomatoes
How does it feel knowing that your products will reach Australians, all the way from Greece, and that people so far from home are enjoying them?
We are truly humbled to see our products reaching such a distant place from home. Aussies are known for their refined tastes in imported goods, and we believe the Mediterranean flavours we offer can add a unique touch to this well-established market. We hope that one day we’ll have the opportunity to visit and celebrate
Ladolea in Australia in person.
