Farm Valley of Peace

The name says it all. Valley of Peace. Peace as a state of mind and body. Peace as the tranquility of nature, gently caressed by the sun’s rays. Peace as the time symbolized by the olive branch. The Rojac family settled here nearly a century ago. They quickly recognized the exceptional conditions for olive growth and dedicated the most beautiful locations to the olive trees, knowing that only well-lit olive trees bear fruits that yield high-quality oil.

In fact, olives were brought to our regions by the Greeks, unless the Phoenicians beat them to it. The olive tree, one of the oldest cultivated plants, spread alongside ancient civilization from Asia Minor throughout the Mediterranean, where the climatic conditions are most favorable for its growth. The Greek traveler and historian Pausanias, who lived in the second century B.C., also mentions Istrian olive oil in his work *Description of Greece*. Chronicles record a long tradition of trade in Istrian olive oil, which flourished especially in the 16th and 17th centuries when enterprising Venetians shaped trade routes. In the 18th century, two severe frosts (1782 and 1789) affected the olive trees, and the much-needed restoration of olive cultivation was hindered by the transition to management under the Austrian crown (1797), which had little interest in this industry.

Perhaps this is also because Slovenska Istra—together with Benečija, Lombardy, and Friuli-Venezia Giulia—is one of the northernmost regions where olives still thrive, making it more susceptible to frost. Similar fears, whether justified or not, long paralyzed Istrian olive growers. The true renaissance of olive cultivation only began after Slovenia gained independence in 1991, coinciding with a growing interest in olive oil as a cornerstone of a healthy Mediterranean diet, both domestically and globally. At that time, we also significantly expanded our olive groves on our estate. We were driven by the realization that in many other countries, people can only dream of producing oils of such quality as we can here.

Analyses have confirmed that due to the unique climatic conditions, our oils have a more favorable fatty acid composition compared to oils from southern regions. They contain lower levels of saturated fatty acids, and the proportion of linoleic acid is also reduced, which contributes to their longer shelf life. At the same time, they are distinguished by a characteristic aroma that, along with their flavor, gives the extra virgin olive oil from Slovenska Istra its recognizable organoleptic properties, placing it among the best oils in the world.

We are enhancing the experiences of our ancestors with new practices that ensure sustainable development. We are in the process of obtaining organic certification and are opening our farm to visitors. In an idyllic interior typical of old Istrian houses, featuring plenty of stone and wood, there will be a space for tastings and an educational center focused on Mediterranean plants. Based on our extra virgin olive oil OLIUM, we are developing new crops and products. As the first in Slovenia, we are starting the production of natural cosmetics made from our extra virgin olive oil.

The promotion and marketing of the OLIUM brand – The Story of the Golden Tree, along with our new tourist destination, is managed by the family company OLIUM d.o.o., established in 2007. Our vision is to become the leading Slovenian producer of premium extra virgin olive oil and other olive oil products. With the comprehensive offerings of the Dolina Miru farm, we continue our family values, with a primary focus on caring for nature and promoting a healthy lifestyle.