OUR JOURNEY
Cultivating the Future of One of Ošljak's Ancient Groves.
OUR JOURNEY
A Message from Nik Valčić:
On the serene island of Ošljak, the vision of Cypress Hill Grove is now meticulously unfolding. Here, for centuries, the Valčić family has tended sun-dappled paths and olive trees – elements as fundamental to the island's soul as the historic stone ruins of its windmills and the bright Adriatic coastline. We're embarking on a journey to cultivate this rich heritage, bringing our dream to life stone by stone, tree by tree, and creating something truly special for the future.
Today, as you visit this our digital home, our physical grove is undergoing it's birth as a testament to this enduring legacy. Currently it's a collection of venerable olive trees that have witnessed generations. Yet, this is merely the canvas for a grander ambition.
Our journey, which truly began centuries ago, is now entering a new and exciting chapter. Over the next year, you will witness a remarkable transformation. We are embarking on a meticulous upgrade, building upon the rich history of olive oil cultivation that has thrived here since the 1700s. This isn't just about planting an additional 35 trees; it's about harmonizing ancient wisdom with the very latest scientific techniques for sustainable farming and terroir preservation. Our aim is to evolve this simple, ancient grove into one of the most bespoke and cherished experiences the Mediterranean has to offer.
I invite you to come, and be a part of our story as we meticulously craft the future of bespoke Mediterranean experiences.
A Legacy Rooted in Time: Our Journey So Far
The story of olive oil on Ošljak is as ancient as the island itself. When I walk its paths daily, I often imagine Roman or Venetian citizens treading the same ground, their footsteps echoing near the small church that dates back to the 6th century. This land has been home to the Valčić family for centuries, a continuous thread of olive cultivation since the 18th century. It is this profound heritage that we believe will enrich every drop of olive oil we produce.
At Cypress Hill Grove, we are honoring this deep history by bringing it into the 21st century. Our vision is to blend these ancient traditions with modern, sustainable practices, creating an ultra-boutique olive oil experience that respects the island's unique terroir.
While our grove is intimate and will yield limited quantities of oil, we are excited to partner with other award-winning Croatian olive oil producers. This collaboration will allow us to showcase the broader excellence and rich diversity of Croatian olive oils, celebrating the liquid gold of our region. We are actively working towards obtaining a PDO (Protected Designation of Origin) certification. More on the PDO designation: The Pursuit of Perfection: Our Journey Towards PDO Certification.
For a deeper understanding of the timeless art and history of olive oil, from ancient civilizations to modern practices, explore our blog post: The Ancient Roots of Liquid Gold: A History of Olive Oil Cultivation.
You'll also discover the intricate low stone walls that crisscross our grove and the entire island. These aren't just boundaries; they are enduring monuments to generations of arduous labor, meticulously crafted from fieldstone. Learn about their fascinating story and vital role in preserving our unique island ecosystem in our post: The Silent Sentinels: The Story of Ošljak's Stone Walls.
My brother, Anthony Valčić, and Sister Jadranka Posavec, invite you to join us on this journey. Follow our progress as we cultivate the future of Ošljak's ancient grove, transforming it into one of the Mediterranean's most bespoke and authentic experiences.
