Bella Olea Organic Olive Grove

Bella Olea is a small, family-owned organic olive farm located on the outskirts of Greytown in the Wairarapa. Run by Chris and Hilary Penman, the grove is managed at a deliberately human scale, with a strong focus on soil health, biodiversity, and long-term care for the land.

Across two grove sites, more than 2,000 olive trees are grown using certified organic, spray-free, and regenerative practices. Rather than relying on synthetic inputs, Bella Olea focuses on nourishing the soil through compost, mulch, and diverse ground cover, allowing healthy trees and high-quality fruit to emerge naturally from the system.

All olives are hand-harvested and carefully crafted into premium extra virgin olive oils, including award-winning single-varietal and grove blends. In addition to olive oil, Bella Olea produces table olives, olive leaf tinctures, and a range of olive-based body care products, ensuring the harvest is used thoughtfully and with minimal waste.

Bella Olea is deeply aligned with local food systems, selling directly through farmers’ markets and encouraging circular practices such as jar returns to reduce waste. Their approach reflects a broader philosophy of stewardship: growing food slowly, respectfully, and in relationship with place.