The Governor olive oil experience

Greek olive oil

Corfu is mainly known for its beaches. However, the Northern part of the Island is very green and there is a lot of history and culture to find. Greece is very well known for its olive oil so visiting a local olive oil mill is a great travel experience. Connect with locals and their history.

The olive tree was a particularly important symbol for the ancient Greeks. According to the Greek Mythology the olive tree is originated in Athens. And the first olive tree was planted by Pallas Athena in Acropolis. Greece is known for its olive oil. But it turns out that, until recently, Corfu only produced olive oil that was deemed unfit to consume.

The Governor olive oil mill has put in a lot of effort to change this and now even produces an award-winning olive oil.

The history of the Governor

For over 100 years, the Dafnis Family, produces olive oil on the island of Corfu. As all the olive oil mills on Corfu, the Dafnis family also produced olive oil that wasn’t used to consume. With the mission to change this, the youngest generation of the family (Spyros and George) created their own tradition. They started a revolution on the island’s olive oil production practices.

A new way of producing olive oil

After doing a lot of research they developed their own way of producing olive oil. They also created their own method of hand-harvesting. They use a rod which gently vibrates the trees without shocking them. Thereby avoiding causing damage to the branches. The olives fall into nets and are then collected. Timing of the harvest is very important. Often within a three-week window, and olives are pressed within 24 hours of collecting. There is a high focus on quality instead of quantity.

Award winning olive oil

They named their olive oil the Governor. Inspired by a strong character, the first governor of independent Greece: Count Ioannis Kapodistrias. It’s the first single variety from ancient ‘Ilianolia’ of Corfu and has won many awards. The Governor is scientifically proven to contain up to ten times more polyphenols than the average olive oil. Polyphenols are anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, gut supporting, anti- diabetic, cancer fighting molecules. They protect the heart, lower bad cholesterol and were even shown to improve brain function.

The travel experience

The tour starts in the museum where the old tools to make olive oil are showcased. From a press pushed by a donkey to the more modern presses over the years. After the museum, George continues explaining the modern olive oil producing tools. He shares the difficult process from olive to olive oil.

The tour starts in the museum where the old tools to make olive oil are showcased. From a press pushed by a donkey to the more modern presses over the years. After the museum, George continues explaining the modern olive oil producing tools and the difficult process from olive to olive oil.

Olive oil tasting

After the history it’s time for tasting the olive oil. George helps to distinguish between top quality and non-extra virgin olive oil. The olive oils (from green and black olives) are tasted with bread, cheese and wine. They are accompanied with more history and family stories.

Olive oil might not seem the most interesting product at first. However, there is a lot more to it than it meets the eye and tongue. The history, combined with the revolutionary olive oil, the tasting, and the enthusiasm of the Dafnis family is the perfect combination for a good travel experience.

The experience economy in practice

Visiting the family olive oil mill business is a great example of an experience economy activity. It’s entertaining, educational, imaginative and attractive. These are experiences you want your travellers to have when you send them on their trip.

What is your best good experience you recommend to your travellers? Let us know in the comments.