When you picture a Portuguese olive oil producer, Joaquim might not be what you expect. His roots aren’t in centuries-old farm traditions; they’re in Porto’s stylish clothing industry. Yet memories of working alongside his father as a child kept calling him back to the land. Determined to share that same sense of heritage and hands-on experience with his own family, he spent years roaming the rugged hills of Trás-os-Montes in search of the ideal plot for olive cultivation.
At last, he found his paradise. There, amid the rugged crags, he has carefully preserved ancient trees while introducing native varietals perfectly suited to the region’s harsh conditions. Flocks of sheep roam freely among the rows, foraging on the weeds and fertilizing the soil—an eco-friendly harmony Joaquim cherishes. Even with the inevitable higher costs, he remains steadfast in his commitment to 100% organic and sustainable practices, believing that true quality comes only from respecting nature’s cycles.
A visit to Joaquim’s mill offers a glimpse into his relentless pursuit of perfection: every square inch is immaculately maintained, from the gleaming stainless-steel presses to the hand-labeled bottles waiting to be filled. His booming laugh echoes through the corridors, and his warmth draws people in almost as much as the aroma of fresh-pressed olives. Year after year, critics have lauded his oils as some of the best in Portugal—and it doesn’t take long to understand why. One taste reveals a depth and purity that could only come from a man who poured heart, soul, and a bit of Porto’s flair, into his extraordinary grove.
