First and foremost, a huge thank you. This post is for you, our SOLO Founders Club, because you are the ones who believed in this project from the very beginning. Seeing all your names on the waitlist was incredibly special. Each of you, in one way or another, has been part of our lives, and now you’ve come together to support something deeply meaningful.

Thanks to you, we have already sold 60% of our upcoming first batch. We are beyond excited that you will soon receive a bottle of this special juice—an olive oil crafted with passion, care, and deep respect for the land. With this update, we want to bring you along every step of the journey so that when you finally taste your oil, you’ll know the dedication and love that went into every drop.

The Work Behind the Oil: Stijn’s Commitment to the Land

At the heart of this process is Stijn Taillieu, our head grower and Maestro dell’Olio (Master of Oil). Over the past year, Stijn has been the driving force behind the health and vitality of the groves. His commitment to “beyond organic” farming and regenerative agriculture is the foundation of what makes this oil truly special.

As of March 8, Stijn has been deep in the fields, pruning the olive trees and planting green manure, a practice that naturally fertilizes the soil and enhances biodiversity. These steps are crucial in ensuring the trees grow strong, healthy, and full of the rich character that defines our oil.

The Trasimeno Region: The Soul of Our Oil

The groves are nestled in the breathtaking Trasimeno region of Umbria, a land known for its rich agricultural heritage and ideal olive-growing climate. The combination of mild temperatures, balanced rainfall, and diverse terrain creates the perfect environment for olives to develop their complex, deep flavors. Every bottle of oil we produce is a direct reflection of this landscape and the care we put into nurturing it.

Beyond Organic: Our Commitment to Excellence

Our farming philosophy goes beyond traditional organic methods to ensure that we create not just the best olive oil but also a sustainable future for the land.

Zero Synthetic Inputs

No synthetic pesticides, herbicides, fungicides, or fertilizers—ever. Stijn employs only natural solutions to protect and nourish the trees, ensuring that what you receive is as pure as nature intended.

Regenerative Farming for a Thriving Ecosystem

Our approach focuses on building soil health and fostering biodiversity. By planting green manure, using cover crops, and reducing mowing, we help retain moisture, cool the soil during our hot summers, and create an environment where life can flourish.

Chickens: Natural Fertilizers & Pest Control

One of Stijn’s most innovative approaches is the integration of free-roaming chickens into the groves. The chickens naturally fertilize the soil, help control pests, and contribute to a self-sustaining ecosystem—an incredible example of how farming and nature can work in harmony.

Where We Are Now: The Olive Trees Awakening

As of March 8, the trees are slowly emerging from their winter dormancy and pushing out fresh leaves. Soon, delicate white flower buds will appear, awaiting wind pollination. The right conditions—breezy and dry weather—are essential at this stage, and we’re hoping for nature’s cooperation to ensure a strong bloom and a promising harvest.

Looking Ahead: A Harvest to Remember

While we traditionally press our olives in November, we’ll be monitoring their development carefully to determine if an earlier harvest is ideal. As soon as they are picked, they will be swiftly pressed to capture their fresh, complex flavors—ensuring that the oil you receive is nothing short of extraordinary.

Help Us Grow: Share with Friends

This journey wouldn’t be possible without you, and we are deeply grateful. If you’d like to share our story with friends, we would love to welcome more people into this process. Your support helps us scale and continue this work into the future. The more people that join us, the stronger our ability to create an oil that is not only delicious but also sustainable and ethically produced.

We are building something truly special, and we’re honored to have you as part of the SOLO Founders Club. Thank you for believing in us, for being part of this journey, and for allowing us to create something meaningful together. We can’t wait to share this labor of love with you.

With gratitude and excitement,

Stijn Taillieu & Ricardo Saldivar
SOLO OLIVES