Tour, Tasting and Food Pairing at Protoulis, Master Olive Oil Makers

The Protoulis family, originally from Asia Minor, settled in the Plomari province of Lesbos, Greece, in the late 19th century. George Protoulis, born around 1880, began cultivating olives on 7,5 acres of land. His son, Giannis, expanded the business by acquiring another 12,5 acres and establishing the first olive mill in Megalohori village in 1975.

Under the leadership of Kostas Protoulis, the family business grew significantly. Kostas built a second olive mill in Trygonas in 2005 and expanded their olive groves to nearly 125 acres. Today, the Protoulis family operates two modern mills equipped with state-of-the-art cold extraction machinery and extensive storage facilities.

The Protoulis mills are open to visitors, offering guided tours and tastings to showcase their olive oil production process. These visits provide an opportunity to learn about the island’s olive cultivation and the family’s dedication to quality.

Kostas’ sons, Yiannis and Paraschos, are actively involved in the business, ensuring the continuation of the family tradition. The Protoulis family remains committed to producing high-quality olive oil with a distinctive fruity taste and aroma, investing in modern technology and infrastructure to maintain their standards.

ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION

Would you like to be initiated into the most arcane mysteries of Mytilene olive oil production and delve deeper into the tasting experience? If so, this tour is perfect for you.

This comprehensive 120-minute tour includes a detailed exploration of our production areas, an informative video on olive harvesting, and a guided tasting of four distinct olive oils with an expert connoisseur. Additionally, you’ll have the opportunity to savor a food pairing of olive oil with three local dishes, providing an immersive experience that connects you with the cuisine and flavors of Lesvos. This all-encompassing tour will deepen your appreciation for the art of olive oil production and its culinary applications.