Istria (Istra to Slovenes and Croats, Istria to Italians), is the heart-shaped, 3600-sq-km peninsula in the Adriatic shared by Slovenia, Croatia and Italy. The picturesque rocky coastline of Istria is extremely popular among those who prefer to enjoy pure sea water and gentle sun. Going inland from the Istrian coast, you have a chance to discover an unspoiled countryside of medieval hilltop villages, pine forests and fertile valleys. Here, the local lifestyle is defined by an old tradition of harvesting grapes and cultivating olive groves. It is a completely unique place located at the crossroads of Mediterranean cultures.

More than two thousand years ago the Romans brought their culture and language to native inhabitants of Istria. Due to importance of the sea transportation for the Romans, the density of settlements grew in the seaside area and nearby hills. In the countryside, numerous Villae Rusticae developed as the large farms and agricultural centers. The Romans built the roads and connected the new settlements with highly developed cities (ancient Trieste and Pula). The olive cultivating was introduced as a new intensively growing branch of economy, and Istria became recognized as a premium olive oil producing region.

Since Roman times, the tradition of olive oil makery has not changed much. Nowadays, Istrian farmers use well-trusted old ecological methods in olive harvesting in a combination with safe modern technologies for the delivery of high quality olive oil. Traditionally, picking olives is an autumn social event which gathers farmer's family members and friends in every Istrian village. After the event, fresh olives are transported to the small local olive oil extraction plant. Thus the olives used for Istriana olive oil are grown naturally, collected manually and pressed with no polution or harm for the environment.