In 1998, Franc Vodusek, a Slovenian immigrant, and his son Damien began planting an olive grove on two fertile properties near Yarrawonga on the redgum-lined Murray River. An initial planting of 6,000 olive trees was increased to 36,000 trees, and seven years later they began to harvest and cold press the fruit into top-grade extra-virgin olive oil under the Rich Glen label. Now with the assistance of Damien’s wife Ros, a chef from a fifth-generation farming family, Rich Glen is producing some of Australia’s finest extra-virgin olive oil alongside an impressive range of products including infused oils, salad dressings, sauces and an all-natural skincare range that uses not only olive oil but also oil pressed from the fruit of the 100 avocado trees planted on the property. Rich Glen remains 100 percent family-owned,with all the products in the range made and packaged on the farm. “It’s great to work with family and it was important for us to involve our children in the family farm and to continue on with Franc’s legacy,” says Ros. The family now operates two cellar door retail outlets in Yarrawonga and also opens the farm to visitors by appointment –agreat way to experience the Vodusek family’s olive oil legacy.
richglenoliveoil.com, @richglenolives
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