Who We Really Are

Our Beginnings

Vins d’Olive was launched in January 2012 to introduce the Japanese market to wines and olive oils from lesser-known regions, beginning with the Eastern Mediterranean.

From Lebanon to Slovenia, via Greece, Cyprus and Croatia, we now represent some of the region’s most distinctive producers.

When we began, demand in Japan for wines and olive oils from these regions was almost nonexistent. It has since grown steadily, confirming our belief that people are eager to venture beyond the well-trodden path.

Beyond the Eastern Mediterranean

In 2019, our search took us farther into Central Europe. At the height of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, wines from this part of Europe rivalled the great crus of Bordeaux and Burgundy. After spending much of the twentieth century in relative obscurity, the region is now experiencing a revival that is impossible to ignore.

From there, we ventured farther north—and in other directions too. When quality calls, you simply cannot ignore it.

What Defines Us

What defines us is simple: we do not believe in compromise. Every selection begins with extensive research, and we always aim to visit the producers and their regions firsthand.

We focus on small and medium-sized artisanal producers. By artisanal, we do not mean tradition for its own sake or the use of outdated equipment. We mean meticulous producers who craft their products with uncompromising attention to detail and quality.

What We Look For

We naturally favour organic producers. When organic certification is not possible, we look for like-minded producers who work sustainably.

This preference is not driven by growing market demand. It stems from a deeply held belief—one increasingly supported by scientific evidence—that careful farming and minimal unnecessary intervention in the vineyard or olive grove, and later in the winery or mill, allow the finest raw materials to reveal their full potential. Better raw materials, without unnecessary manipulation, lead to better products.

Finally, we go hunting for products that reflect our core beliefs while offering genuine value, because we want them to be accessible to as many people as possible.

Welcome to the world of Vins d’Olive.