Who: Farmers Russ and Tina Knight, Lisadurne Hill
Where: Rushworth, Campaspe Shire, Yorta Yorta Country
Tina, your oils are truly exquisite. What’s your secret?
Thank you. I’d say hard work is the key. We meticulously oversee every aspect of production. Russ treats the soil with beneficial bacteria that significantly improve both soil and tree health. We use a mechanical harvester named Betty to gently collect the fruit, which is then processed immediately after harvest. Our oil is cold-pressed at or below 28°C.
What’s the range?
Our Hojiblanca is a single varietal with delightful aromas of green tomato and fig leaves and won gold at the Australian International Olive Awards in 2023. The Rushworth Gold, a blend of picual and picholine, features notes of green tomato, oregano, and deep green herbs. The Lisadurne Hill Angus has a lovely bitter edge with a building pepperiness. These are available in 500ml bottles. Our Hill Paddock Blend offers exceptional value – three litres of extra-virgin olive oil for $59. We also offer 480g jars of Sevillano and Kalamata olives, which are fermented and aged for a minimum of 15 months.
And balsamic vinegar?
Our balsamic vinegar is a true labour of love. We start with juice from our own trebbiano grapevines, which we cook down over three days until it’s reduced to just 30 per cent of its original volume. We then age it in a different barrel each year, beginning with French oak, followed by American oak, cherry, chestnut, mulberry, and finally in 100-litre barrels. The result is a beautifully complex condiment.
You work with local chefs?
Indeed. You’ll find our oil featured in some of our favourite winery restaurants, such as Fowles in Avenel and Mitchelton in Nagambie.
Where can we find your products?
You can find us at the Bendigo, Coburg, Euroa, Flemington, and Girgarre farmers’ markets. Our products are also available at Leo’s Supermarket in Hartwell and Kew. Or you can place an order on our website, and we will deliver to your home. lisadurnehill.com.au