From Wild Orchards to Night Harvests: Israel's Top Five Olive Presses
Explore Israel's top olive oil presses as the harvest season concludes, featuring organic groves in Tzippori, award-winning estates in Lachish, and scenic Golan producers.
The olive harvest season is drawing to a close, marking the ideal moment to highlight the central role of olive oil in local cuisine and the unique joy of visiting Israel's boutique oil presses. This season brings the fresh, vibrant, and powerful first-press oil, known for its intense flavor and exceptionally brief shelf life of about a month. While dozens of oil presses operate across the country, only 35 appear on the official Olive Branch list of the Plant Council, alongside roughly 150 local olive oil brands that rely on shared production facilities. The ongoing Olive Branch Festival runs until November 21, offering guided tours and tastings nationwide.
Rish Lakish Organic Press in Tzippori
Nestled within a wild orchard in Moshav Tzippori, the organic press run by Micha Noy Meir and his daughter Ayala stands out as one of Israel's most fascinating culinary destinations. Operating their own independent press, the family produces extraordinary organic oils, with some batches harvested from centuries-old trees. Ayala serves as a walking encyclopedia of olive oil knowledge, while Micha brings a striking, prophetic presence to the farm. Visitors can taste and purchase oils pressed from diverse varieties such as Souri, Nabali, Coratina, Picholine, and Picual, alongside herb-infused options and local spirits.
Ptora Estate in Sde Moshe
Located in Sde Moshe within the Lachish region, Ptora is celebrated as a premier multi-award-winning producer, with many experts considering its products among the finest in Israel. The impressive lineup ranges from classic single-varietals like Picual, Barnea, and Koroneiki to luxury series such as Nabali and the signature Midnight oil, harvested and pressed entirely in the dark to prevent heat exposure. Led by Ido Tamir, the estate also produces exceptional honey and wine, though visits are currently restricted to pre-arranged large groups.
Makura Organic Farm Near Kerem Maharal
Situated near Kerem Maharal on Mount Carmel, Makura Farm ranks among Israel's pioneer organic olive oil producers. Stav Rilov carries on the legacy of his founding parents, Orna and Guy, managing the historic press set against breathtaking natural views. While the compact press has limited visitor access, the adjacent boutique shop welcomes guests with an exquisite selection of oils, cured olives, and local delicacies, including artisanal cheeses, local cider, and freshly roasted coffee beans.
Schorr Wolf Farm in Orot
Operated by the married couple Itamar and Oded Schorr-Wolf in Moshav Orot, this family farm carries forward an agricultural tradition established in 1958. Dedicated primarily to olive cultivation across fifty dunams, the farm produces acclaimed single-varietal oils and blends, including their Koroneiki oil, which previously captured the top prize at the Terra Olivo competition. The estate hosts periodic guided tours, educational tasting workshops, and seasonal harvest celebrations.
Eretz Gshur on the Golan Heights
Representing the northernmost producer on the list, Eretz Gshur offers exceptional accessibility with products distributed widely across retail chains. The Golan Heights estate boasts a massive variety of oils, encompassing classic Mediterranean cultivars alongside rare Spanish imports such as Morisca and Arbosana. Visitors can explore a well-equipped visitor center featuring educational screenings, seasonal viewing of the pressing process, and a farm store stocked with olive oil soaps and estate-grown almonds.
