February 18, 2025
Domaine Adonis’s Heritage: A Journey Through Time
The Adonis Estate, formerly known as ‘Ferme d'Auvergne,’ is a captivating testament to Tunisia’s rich agricultural history. Established in 1903 during the colonial era, this small, organic family-owned estate spans 100 hectares (250 acres) in the northwest of Tunisia. Nestled between Mjez el Bab and Testour at an elevation of 2,300 ft (700 meters), it reflects the enduring legacy of olive cultivation, with roots tracing back to Ancient Phoenician and Roman times, through the Byzantine and Arab periods, and into the Ottoman and Colonial eras.
The Rich Terroir of Domaine Adonis and Its Unique Flavors
Domaine Adonis, owned by Salah Ben Ayed, is a testament to his passion for olive oil and respect for nature. Since acquiring the estate in 2015, he has celebrated its distinctiveness, thanks to the unique combination of climate, varied soil types, and elevation, which creates a perfect environment for producing olives with original and nuanced flavors.
The estate is home to three local and unique cultivars: Chetoui, Chemlélli, and Sayali.
- • Chemlélli produces a smooth, mild olive oil with sweet, fruity notes, hints of green almond, and a subtle bitterness.
- • Chetoui offers a more robust oil with a green, grassy flavor, balanced by peppery and artichoke notes and a pronounced fruity aroma.
- • Sayali, a rare and distinctive variety, delivers a rich, fruity oil with layers of red fruit, mint, and basil, alongside sweet undertones of vanilla and floral aromas. Its complexity makes it stand out.
Domaine Adonis reflects the richness of Tunisia’s diverse landscape, capturing the essence of its unique terroir in every olive.
Elevate your palate—shop our limited artisan oils now!
Where Tradition Meets Quality Extra Virgin Olive Oil
The Mediterranean climate and 2,300 feet altitude create a unique environment for cultivating exceptional olives at Domaine Adonis. Here, extra virgin organic olive oil is produced with the utmost care. The region’s natural conditions—mild winters and hot, dry summers—eliminate the need for pesticides, resulting in olive oils that are as pure as they are distinctive.
These single-origin oils are celebrated for their extraordinary polyphenol content—powerful antioxidants supporting heart health and reducing inflammation—and acidity levels consistently below 0.3%, placing them in the ultra premium category. Domaine Adonis's rare cultivars yield oils of remarkable quality:
- • Chetoui boasts an impressive 1,500 mg/kg of phenols—over three times higher than most commercially available extra virgin olive oils.
- • Chemlalli offers 1,400 mg/kg of phenols, more than double the phenol content typically found in extra virgin oils.
- • Sayali, with 1,000 mg/liter of phenols, also exceeds the average for extra virgin olive oils.
In recognition of this unparalleled quality, Domaine Adonis has been awarded multiple international accolades, including two gold and one silver medal in 2024. The estate is currently ranked as the 50th best olive oil producer in the world, a testament to its commitment to excellence and craftsmanship.
Cultivating Heritage and Sustainability
At Domaine Adonis, sustainability is at the core of everything they do. Part of the estate's olive grove is made up of centennial trees, planted by French colonists in the late 19th century, which are carefully tended as part of a living legacy.
Salah Ben Ayed’s connection to nature runs deep. He has dedicated 40 hectares of forest on the estate as a protected area, where hunting is banned to preserve the local wildlife, including wild boars, birds, and insects. His commitment to biodiversity is as much about respecting the land as it is about producing exceptional extra virgin olive oil. The estate is certified organic, and traditional farming practices are central to their philosophy. Instead of relying on machinery, olives are still handpicked—an approach that respects both the trees and the environment. At Domaine Adonis, sustainability is a natural extension of their respect for the land and its history.
Join Us in Celebration
Golden Olive Oil has selected Domaine Adonis because it embodies quality, heritage, and sustainability in olive oil production. With roots in Tunisian agriculture and a profound respect for nature, the estate captures the essence of its unique terroir. Each bottle reflects the meticulous care taken in cultivation and the distinctive flavors of Chetoui, Chemlélli, and Sayali.
Salah Ben Ayed's commitment to organic practices and biodiversity ensures that Domaine Adonis's legacy will thrive for generations. By choosing their oils, you embrace a rich story of cultural heritage, environmental stewardship, and the recognition it truly deserves.
Elevate your palate—shop our limited artisan oils now!
