Grassy Spur Olives, an idea built from the ground up
South Gippsland Sentinel-Times 22 July 2025
South Gippsland, Grassy Spur is more than just an olive grove. It’s the result of vision, persistence, and a deep understanding of the land it’s grown on. Owned and operated by Helen and Peter Wright since 2004, the property spans 25 acres, with over 80 per cent dedicated to their 1500 olive trees and growing number of beehives.
“The name Grassy Spur comes from the history of the area,” said Helen. “There was a Grassy Spur school, post office, even a swimming pool. It’s a name well known to the town.”
What began as a search for a rural land quickly became a thriving business. Peter had said to Helen, “If we have all this land, we’ll need to do something with it.” “He suggested olives, and I thought, how hard can growing olive trees be?” It turned out to be a journey of reading, research and labour – neither had an agricultural background. Peter works in IT, and Helen was a nurse. But with support from local growers, together they built Grassy Spur from the ground up.
Their approach to production is refreshingly simple and deeply sustainable. “Everything happens on site,” said Helen. “From picking to processing, to bottling – it’s all done here.” They rely on natural soil health, avoid chemical treatments, and don’t irrigate, thanks to the consistent South Gippsland rainfall. “People always ask if we irrigate,” Helen laughs, “and I just say, we live in South Gippsland – we don’t need to.” Peter now manages nearly 50 hives, which started purely to assist olive tree pollination.
The result? Small-batch, chemical-free honey and award-winning olive oil. “Last year, our oil won Best in Show at the Australian Olive Awards,” Helen said proudly. “It’s really about letting nature guide us. We don’t test or filter unless necessary. We let the oil settle and clear naturally.” Though yields can fluctuate – 15 tonnes last year, to just four in the next – the quality remains constant. “We believe in keeping the process as natural as possible,” Helen added. “It’s a reflection of how we live, and the rain is significant in the process.”
Grassy Spur’s products are available online and in selected retail outlets across Australia. As costs rise, Helen remains committed to fair pricing: “We want to keep it accessible, but we do have to make a living.” Shop online at grassyspurolives.com.au or visit the store at 32 Moyes Road, Stony Creek. There is a tasting room to try before you buy and a nice walking track around the grove and apiary.
Grassy Spur Olives recognised for tasty and high-quality oil
Nov 2024
GRASSY Spur Olives of Stony Creek took out the Best in Show award for Boutique Volume Frantoio Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO) at the annual Australian International Olive Awards held recently in Bendigo.
The Frantoio EVOO was also awarded the Best of Victoria, and Champion Italian Varietal olive oil.
Grassy Spur Olives Picual EVOO was named the Champion Spanish Varietal.
After a bumper harvest this year, recognition of the boutique South Gippsland olive grove’s high-quality products was a testament to the commitment and passion of owners Helen and Peter Wright.
The link for the full article is:
The Olive Oil Times World Ranking for EVOO Producers
2024
Top-tier extra virgin olive oils offer compelling health benefits and rich flavour profiles. Excellence requires meticulous care throughout production, from optimal growing conditions to precise harvesting and skilled processing.
In this international assessment Grassy Spur Olives is rated as:
World ranking across all producers – 65th
Australian ranking across all producers – 3rd
TOP RANKED AUSTRALIAN PRODUCERS
Olive oil production in Australia is a thriving industry marked by innovation and quality. Primarily located in regions like Victoria, South Australia, and Western Australia, the industry benefits from diverse climates and soil types, enabling the cultivation of various olive varieties. Australian producers utilize advanced agricultural practices, including irrigation and organic farming, to ensure sustainable yields. Harvesting, typically mechanized, guarantees efficient extraction. Modern processing facilities employ state-of-the-art equipment to maintain oil quality and flavour.
| TOP RANKED Australian PRODUCERS | |
| 1. Cobram Estate (AU) | |
| 2. Cape Schank Oliver Estate Pty Ltd | |
| 3. Grassy Spur Olives | |
| 4. Taralinga Estate | |
| 5. ALTO OLives | |
The link for the full article is https://oliveoilranking.org/producers/grassy-spur-olives
2019 - The Mirror
13.11.2019
Stellar years for Grassy Spur olive oils
2019 - Australian International Olive Awards - 2 Gold and 4 Silver Medal Awards
29.9 2019
Grassy Spur was awarded 2 Gold Medals for our Picual and Silver Medals for Picholine, Frantoio and Coratina in this years Australian and International Olive Awards continuing the high quality of EVOO that we are always working to improve.
2019 - New York International Olive Oil Competition - Gold & Silver
11.5.2019
Grassy Spur was awarded a Gold for our Picual and a Silver for Picholine in this international competition. This was for our 2018 harvest.
2018 - The Mirror
14.11.2018
The good oil - article on Grassy Spur Olives and success in national competitions
2018 - The South Gippsland Sentinel Times
30.10.2018
Gold for local olive growers - Success for Grassy Spur at the Australian International Olive Oil competition for 2018.
2018 - Australian International Olive Awards - 6 Gold Medals
21.10.2018
Grassy Spur Olives was awarded 6 Gold Medals for our 6 entries. This included a National Champion award for our Spanish Varietal Picual. These EVOOs are now available.
2018 - New Harvest EVOO
16.7.2018
Our 2018 harvest is now complete and the olive oil is now in settling tanks. This will become available in the new few months.
2017 - The Mirror
5.7.2017
Article highlighting success in New York International Olive Olive Oil competition
2017 - Weekly Times Farm Magazine
18.8.2017
Spurred on by success - article highlighting success in New York International Olive Olive Oil competition
2017 - New York International Olive Oil Competition
28.4.2017
Grassy Spur was awarded Gold for our Picholine and a Silver for our Picual in this "world's best olive oil" competition
https://www.bestoliveoils.com/
2016 - Australian Olive Association National Awards
18.9.2016
Grassy Spur was awarded a Gold Medal for our Picual, and Silver Medals for Frantoio, Coratina and Lemon Agrumato
2016 - Royal Adelaide Show
1.9.2016
Grassy Spur was awarded a Gold Medal for our Picholine.
2015 - Weekly Times Article
18.11.2015
Article covers history on establishment of Grassy Spur Olives
The Wright Blend
2015 - Australian Olive Association National Awards
14.9.2015
Grassy Spur was awarded Gold for our Frantoio and Silver for Picholine and Coratina.
2015 - Los Angeles International EVOO Awards
01.08.2015
Our Grassy Spur Picual EVOO for 2015 harvest was awarded a Gold Medal in this international EVOO competition.
2014 - Australian Olive Association National Awards
12.9.2014
Grassy Spur Olives was awarded a Gold Medal for our Picual for a third year. Our Picholine received a Silver Medal and our Coratina and Frantoio both received Bronze Medals.
2013 - Australian Olive Association National Awards
08.10.2013
Grassy Spur Olives was awarded best EVOO in show for 2013 Picual as well a Best in Class. Awarded 3 Class 1 Gold Medals for Picual, Coratina and Frantoio EVOO's.
2012 - Golden Olives Awards
23.09.2013
This year our three EVOO varieties were all successful in being awarded medals, Picual - Gold and Peoples Choice Trophy, Frantoio - Silver, Coratina - Silver Medal.
2012 - Australian Olive Association National Awards
20.11.2012
Grassy Spur Olives awarded a Gold Medal for our Picual, Silver for Coratina and Bronze for Frantoio, Arbequina blend.
