Our Story​

Origins

Maria José Madeira’s
deep connection to the land

In the heart of Póvoa da Isenta, where the roots of history run as deep as those of the ancient olive trees, lived Maria José Madeira, known affectionately as Mari’Zé. Born into the “Madeiras” family, one of the founding families of the village, her life was a rich tapestry woven with the threads of tradition and the love of the land.

Mari’Zé’s world was framed by the lush expanses of her family’s farms: the “Foros da Pedreira” with its centuries-old olive grove, and the “Borda do Tejo” vineyard, cradled by the nurturing floods of the Tagus. The earth here, infused with the legacy of generations, bore the fruits of their labor: wheat, corn, beans, cereals, potatoes, and most precious of all, the olives and grapes that were the lifeblood of their existence.

The humble abode where Mari’Zé spent her childhood was a reflection of their simple yet bountiful life. It consisted of three divisions: the kitchen, a haven of Mediterranean flavors; the ‘casa de fora’, a room echoing with the joys of family gatherings; and the comforting sanctuary of her parents’ bedroom. Surrounding the house were the bread oven, the wine cellar, and the barns – each a cornerstone of their self-sustained life.

Central to Mari’Zé’s childhood was Carriça, the mule. More than just a beast of burden, Carriça was a friend and playmate to Mari’Zé. Despite her formidable size and strength, Carriça was gentle, her spirit kind and patient. She would let young Mari’Zé ride on her back, taking her on journeys through the flowery fields, their bond a testament to the harmony between man and nature.

But life, in its unpredictable rhythm, brought a day of heartache. During a routine harvest, a startling train whistle spooked Carriça, leading to a tragic accident. The mule, injured and unable to work, faced a grim prognosis from the veterinarian. But Mari’Zé, with the tenacity and compassion of her young heart, refused to give up on her beloved companion

Her plea to her father was heartfelt and persuasive, echoing the lessons he had taught her about caring for the old olive trees. She saw no difference in nurturing a tree or a wounded animal; both deserved the same love and care. With a dedication that belied her age, Mari’Zé nursed Carriça back to health, her nights spent in the stable, her days filled with tireless care.

As Mari’Zé blossomed into womanhood, her life continued to intertwine with the land and Carriça. Her marriage to Vítor Duarte da Silva, a mason who later built the village church, brought new responsibilities and joys. Together, they built their home, with Carriça playing a vital role in transporting materials.

Tragedy struck again with the loss of her brother, António Noras, but Mari’Zé’s resilience shone through. She took over the running of the small supermarket and the village tavern, selling the produce of their lands. Yet, it was in the olive grove that Mari’Zé found her greatest peace. There, among the trees she treated as family, she felt rejuvenated, her spirit blooming like the olive trees themselves.

Her story will not be forgotten and such dedication and love moves on with her descendants. Her godson inherited the land and carried her passion to his daughters and, in the future, granddaughters and grandsons.

Our Mission​

We aim at crafting excellence with our local produce. We commit not only to quality but also to sustainable practices and a deep reverence of our land. We harvest the finest olives and hope to make it better with each passing season, bolstering the standing of our region internationally.

We harvest the finest olives and hope to make it better with each passing season, bolstering the standing of our region internationally.

Our Discovery​

We are discovering how versatile our olives can be. Our Vision is to go beyond the traditional oil, with applications of what we have, reaching from beauty and wellness to local rural tourism, giving future guests in our land a piece of our land and traditions.

With “Our Discovery,” we invite you to unlock the full potential of olives, transforming your meals into extraordinary experience and nurturing your body.

Mari’Zé and her legacy​

The legacy of Mari’Zé lives on in the Olival Mari’Zé, a symbol of her dedication to the land and the love she poured into every aspect of her life. Her story, rooted in the rich soil of Póvoa da Isenta, continues to inspire, a reminder of the enduring bonds between the land, its people, and the creatures that share their journey.