How we farm

No sprays at FORTE 559The Corregiola grove between Swan Bay and Port Phillip Bay is farmed without synthetic fertilisers, herbicides or pesticides.
A regenerated landscapeNative trees and grasses have been restored across the property, and the creek on its northern boundary returned to its natural state.
Dryland grownThe trees rely entirely on seasonal rainfall, so the oil reflects the season it grew in.
Masons Creek, St LeonardsThe owner of our Masons Creek grove on the Bellarine hasn't used chemicals on the property.

Polyphenols, explained

Polyphenols get oversold. Here's each one, what the research does and doesn't show, and how to spot a claim that's gone too far.

Hydroxytyrosol

The best-studied olive polyphenol. With its derivatives, it's behind the EU's only approved olive oil polyphenol claim: protecting blood lipids from oxidative stress, at 5 mg per 20 g of oil a day.

Evidence

EU claim

Human trials, with conditions

Tyrosol

A close relative of hydroxytyrosol, and counted with it under the EU claim. Most research looks at the two together rather than tyrosol on its own.

Oleocanthal

The source of the peppery sting in your throat. In a 2005 lab study it acted on the same enzymes as ibuprofen. That doesn't mean a spoonful of oil works like a painkiller.

Evidence

Lab

Promising, not proven in people

Oleacein

A close relative of oleocanthal. Research so far is mostly in cells and animals, not people.

Evidence

Lab

Cells and animals so far

Forested ranges in the Great Otway National Park

Oleuropein

The bitter compound in olives and olive leaves. Pressing breaks it down into related compounds, part of why fresh oil tastes bitter. Leaf extract supplements aren't the same thing as oil.

Lignans

Pinoresinol and its relatives. They're found in extra virgin olive oil, but research on them is at an early stage.

How to spot the hype

Be wary of oils that promise to treat disease, quote a number with no lab method or date, or claim to be the highest anywhere. Different lab methods give different numbers.

How we test

Why local matters

2/3 Most of it is importedIn 2024 Australia produced about 14.5 million litres of olive oil and imported around 30 to 40 million litres, mostly from Spain.
Small groves, big costsSmall groves face high costs, limited scale and cheaper imports.
Working togetherWe share the harvest, packaging and selling across our groves, so each one keeps its own name and character.
Find us locallyAt the farmgate in Modewarre by appointment, at the Torquay and Aireys Inlet farmers' markets, and on the menu at Geelong restaurants.

The range · highest polyphenols first

01 / 05
FORTE 559 Bellarine Peninsula extra virgin olive oil, 500 ml bottle
FORTE 559 Bellarine Region EVOO graphic over a coastal landscape

Bright · Green · Peppery

FORTE 559

Polyphenols
559 mg/kg
Picked
8 May 2026
Lab ref
AU 26/0712-4
$60 View FORTE 559

Single-variety Corregiola from a dryland grove between Swan Bay and Port Phillip Bay. Picked 8 May 2026.

Aroma

Strong green, herbaceous aromas.

Palate

Bright, vibrant and instantly expressive, with freshness up front.

Finish

The unmistakable peppery bite of an early-harvest oil.

Pairs with

Radicchio and rocket, sourdough, ripe tomatoes, grilled steak.

Shipping

Orders are dispatched within 1–3 business days via Australia Post. Shipping is calculated at checkout from your postcode, and orders of $150 or more ship free Australia-wide. Full shipping policy

FORTE 507 Otway Ranges extra virgin olive oil, 500 ml bottle
FORTE 507 Otways Region EVOO graphic over a waterfall landscape

Rich · Composed · Peppery

FORTE 507

Polyphenols
507 mg/kg
Picked
14 Jun 2026
Lab ref
AU 26/0712-3
$60 View FORTE 507

Single-variety Frantoio from a steep, north-facing hillside at Bambra in the Otway foothills. Picked 14 June 2026.

Aroma

Tropical fruit aromas.

Palate

Strong green salad flavours; rich and composed.

Finish

A slow-building pepperiness that stays with you.

Pairs with

Grilled vegetables, white beans, lamb, finishing soups.

Shipping

Orders are dispatched within 1–3 business days via Australia Post. Shipping is calculated at checkout from your postcode, and orders of $150 or more ship free Australia-wide. Full shipping policy

Mt Moriac Olives Estate Spanish extra virgin olive oil, 500 ml bottle
Mt Moriac Olives Estate Spanish extra virgin olive oil, 1 litre can

Robust · Green grassy

MMO Estate Spanish

Polyphenols
433 mg/kg
Picked
11 Jun 2026
Lab ref
AU 26/0712-1
$30 View MMO Estate Spanish

Estate-grown Picual and Arbequina from Mt Moriac's basalt soils.

Aroma

Fresh green olive, with hints of artichoke and tomato leaf.

Palate

Balanced herbaceous notes; medium body, smooth and velvety.

Finish

Lingering pungency and black pepper.

Pairs with

Tomatoes, grilled meats, potatoes, bread for dipping.

Shipping

Orders are dispatched within 1–3 business days via Australia Post. Shipping is calculated at checkout from your postcode, and orders of $150 or more ship free Australia-wide. Full shipping policy

Mt Moriac Olives Estate Tuscan extra virgin olive oil, 500 ml bottle
Mt Moriac Olives Estate Tuscan extra virgin olive oil, 1 litre can

Medium · Fruity

MMO Estate Tuscan

Polyphenols
415 mg/kg
Picked
9 Jun 2026
Lab ref
AU 26/0712-2
$30 View MMO Estate Tuscan

Estate-grown Frantoio and Leccino, the classic Tuscan varieties, from Mt Moriac on the Surf Coast. Picked 09-Jun-26.

Palate

Medium fruity.

Finish

A lingering pepper-spice finish.

Pairs with

Pasta, bean soups, bruschetta, grilled vegetables.

Shipping

Orders are dispatched within 1–3 business days via Australia Post. Shipping is calculated at checkout from your postcode, and orders of $150 or more ship free Australia-wide. Full shipping policy

Mt Moriac Olives Mediterranean extra virgin olive oil, 500 ml bottle
Mt Moriac Olives Mediterranean extra virgin olive oil, 1 litre can

Light · Fruit-forward

MMO Mediterranean

Polyphenols
348 mg/kg
Picked
22 Jul 2026
Lab ref
AU 26/0889-1
$45 View MMO Mediterranean

A golden blend of Frantoio, Leccino, Picual and Arbequina from Mt Moriac.

Aroma

Honeycomb, sun-ripened melon and a hint of nuttiness.

Palate

Lush tropical fruit and gentle sweetness with medium bitterness. Clean, vibrant and light in body.

Finish

A lively, spicy warmth that lingers.

Pairs with

Chicken, white fish and fresh salads.

Shipping

Orders are dispatched within 1–3 business days via Australia Post. Shipping is calculated at checkout from your postcode, and orders of $150 or more ship free Australia-wide. Full shipping policy

Australian International Olive Awards

92 2026 · Platinum for Masons CreekPlatinum for Masons Creek Estate Blend (92).
93 2025 · Best EVOO in VictoriaFORTE Frantoio: Best EVOO Victoria, Champion Robust EVOO (93) and Reserve Champion Italian Varietal (92).
87 2024 · Reserve ChampionReserve Champion Other Varietal for Verdale (87).
95 2023 · Best EVOO of ShowBundara View Koroneiki: Best EVOO of Show (commercial volume), Best Australian EVOO, Best Southern Hemisphere EVOO, Best EVOO Victoria and Champion Greek Varietal.
88 2022 · Two goldsGold for Mt Moriac Estate Tuscan (88) and Mt Duneed Estate Blend (86).
87 2021 · Gold for Barwon RiverGold for Barwon River Olives Tuscan (87), silver for Mt Moriac Estate Spanish (82).
91 2020 · Champion Italian VarietalChampion Italian Varietal and gold for Golden Plains Taggiasca (91).

Limited Release

High Polyphenol Bundles

Bay and bush from above

6 Month Supply Packs

Limited Release
FORTE 507 Otway Ranges extra virgin olive oil, 500 ml bottle

FORTE 507

Otway Ranges · 500 mL · 507 mg/kg polyphenols

  • Single variety
  • Slow-build pepper
  • FORTE 507Otway Ranges · 500 mL · 507 mg/kg polyphenols6$60
  • FORTE 559Bellarine Peninsula · 500 mL · 559 mg/kg polyphenols6$60
$720Shop individually

6.0 L lasts about 6 months at 30 mL a day in the kitchen

12 items from 2 products · 6.0 L in total

Across the water to Point Lonsdale on the Bellarine

12 Month Supply Packs

Limited Release
FORTE 507 Otway Ranges extra virgin olive oil, 500 ml bottle

FORTE 507

Otway Ranges · 500 mL · 507 mg/kg polyphenols

  • Single variety
  • Slow-build pepper
  • FORTE 507Otway Ranges · 500 mL · 507 mg/kg polyphenols12$60
  • FORTE 559Bellarine Peninsula · 500 mL · 559 mg/kg polyphenols12$60
$1,440Shop individually

12.0 L lasts about 13 months at 30 mL a day in the kitchen

24 items from 2 products · 12.0 L in total

Freshly picked olives

High Polyphenol Mixed Pack

Limited Release
FORTE 559 Bellarine Peninsula extra virgin olive oil, 500 ml bottle

FORTE 559

Bellarine Peninsula · 500 mL · 559 mg/kg polyphenols

  • Spray free
  • Dryland grown
$225Shop individually

3.0 L lasts about 3 months at 30 mL a day in the kitchen

5 products, one of each · 3.0 L in total

Why local matters

Most olive oil sold in Australia is imported. Buying from local groves helps keep them picked and in production.

Most of it is imported

In 2024 Australia produced about 14.5 million litres of olive oil and imported around 30 to 40 million litres, mostly from Spain.

Olive oil in Australia that's imported

2/3

About two-thirds, 2024

Small groves, big costs

Small groves face high costs, limited scale and cheaper imports. On their own, some end up neglected.

Working together

We share the harvest, packaging and selling across our groves, so each one keeps its own name and character.

Find us locally

At the farmgate in Modewarre by appointment, at the Torquay and Aireys Inlet farmers' markets, and on the menu at Geelong restaurants.

Shop the range

Lab results

Polyphenol results by oil

Every oil on this page side by side, with its harvest month and lab reference.

Total polyphenols in mg/kg, lab-tested for the current release.
OilRegionOlivesHarvestedPolyphenolsLab ref
FORTE 559$60Bellarine PeninsulaCorregiolaMay 2026
559mg/kg
AU 26/0712-4
FORTE 507$60Otway RangesSingle Variety Frantoio OlivesJun 2026
507mg/kg
AU 26/0712-3
MMO Estate Spanish$30Surf CoastArbequina, Picual (Spanish blend)Jun 2026
433mg/kg
AU 26/0712-1
MMO Estate Tuscan$30Surf Coast–Jun 2026
415mg/kg
AU 26/0712-2
MMO Mediterranean$30Surf CoastMediterranean blend (Frantoio, Kalamata)Jul 2026
348mg/kg
AU 26/0889-1

What the numbers mean

01

What polyphenols are

Natural compounds in olives. They give fresh extra virgin olive oil its green aroma, its bitterness and that peppery catch at the back of the throat.

02

Why results differ

Olive variety, the grove and how green the fruit is at picking all change the result. Greener fruit tends to read higher.

03

Fresher reads higher

Polyphenols fall as oil ages, so each result here is tied to a harvest and a lab reference.

Good to know

What does mg/kg mean?

It's milligrams of total polyphenols per kilogram of oil, measured by lab testing for the current release. Each result is listed with its lab reference.

Which oil has the most polyphenols?

For this release, FORTE 559 from the Bellarine Peninsula at 559 mg/kg, followed by FORTE 507 from the Otway Ranges at 507 mg/kg.

Do polyphenols change the taste?

Yes. Higher-polyphenol oils are usually more bitter and peppery. FORTE is bold, so many people use it raw over finished dishes, dressings and bread. The Mt Moriac oils are softer and suit everyday cooking.

How should I store it?

Somewhere cool and dark with the cap on, away from the stove. Heat, light and air wear the polyphenols down over time.

What does shipping cost?

Shipping is calculated at checkout from your postcode. Orders of $150 or more ship free Australia-wide. Orders of $75 or more ship free to Greater Geelong postcodes, or for a $10 flat rate to listed Melbourne postcodes. Full shipping policy

Buying guide

Choosing a high polyphenol olive oil in Australia

What to look for, and how to compare oils fairly.

Look for a lab result

A high polyphenol claim means little without a number. Every oil on this page lists its result in mg/kg and its lab reference, measured for the current release.

Check the harvest date

Polyphenols are highest when oil is fresh and fall as it ages. The harvest month for each oil is in the results table.

Choose by taste and use

More polyphenols usually means more bitterness and pepper. For finishing dishes, start with FORTE. For cooking every day, the Mt Moriac oils are softer and cost less.

Know where it's grown

FORTE 559 comes from the Bellarine Peninsula, FORTE 507 from the Otway Ranges and the Mt Moriac oils from the Surf Coast hinterland.

Where it's grown

Where the oils are grown

Tap a region to see what the land does to the oil.

Corio Bay Port Phillip Bass StraitGeelong Torquay

Pins mark the approximate grove areas.

01 · Spicier

Bellarine Peninsula

Water on three sides, salt in the air, and the home of FORTE 559.

Landscape
Flat, open country with water on three sides and very little shelter from it.
Climate
Coastal and exposed, with salt in the air.
In the glass
Cleaner and noticeably spicier than oils pressed further inland, with a bite that arrives early.
FORTE 559 variety
Corregiola
Growing
Dryland, no synthetic sprays or fertilisers
2026 harvest
8 May (FORTE 559)

Oils from here

Explore the Bellarine Peninsula

02 · Stronger

Otway Ranges

Higher, cooler and wetter. The home of FORTE 507.

Landscape
Bambra, in the Otway foothills: a steep, north-facing hillside sheltered by dense forest to the south and east.
Climate
Higher, cooler and wetter.
In the glass
The most assertive oils GRO presses, with pungency that builds slowly rather than hitting straight away.
Location
Bambra, Otway foothills
Aspect
Steep, north-facing
Variety
Frantoio
2026 harvest
14 June (FORTE 507)

Oils from here

Explore the Otway Ranges

03 · Sweeter

Surf Coast

Where Mt Moriac Olives began, and where the estate oils still grow.

Landscape
The hinterland behind the coast, on Mt Moriac's mineral-rich basalt soils.
Climate
Cool hinterland, cooled by coastal air.
In the glass
Softer, rounder oils with less bite.
Varieties
Frantoio, Leccino, Picual, Arbequina
Original planting
1,500 trees on 6 ha
2026 harvest
June (estate oils)

Oils from here

Explore the Surf Coast