Carman Bonfante Founder of EVO Sicily holding a bottle of Embrace Extra Virgin Olive Oil

meet Carmen Bonfante

The story of EVO Sicily and Embrace EVO oil is one of inspiration, showcasing a woman's unwavering passion and determination in pursuing her dream. Carmen Bonfante, deeply connected to her Sicilian roots and equipped with years of experience in the wine and olive oil sector, felt a profound calling to create an olive oil that truly embodied the soul of Sicily.

Sicily is an island off Italy offering breathtaking landscapes and over 3,000 years of history and art. As the birthplace of many Mediterranean civilizations rich in stories and mythologies Carman, along with fellow native Sicilians, welcomes this cultural diversity, blending their legacies to create the rich tapestry of Sicilian heritage.

Drawing inspiration from the traditions passed down by her grandparents, her deep exploration into her native land, and her perpetual pursuit of innovative and sustainable cultivation practices, Carman has created an extra virgin olive oil rich with antioxidants and heart-healthy fats, bursting with an unparalleled freshness and vibrant flavor; each bottle celebrating Sicily, reflecting the unique terrain and honoring the stories passed down through generations; an extraordinary oil that truly does Embrace the spirit of her remarkable land.

We are honored to collaborate with Ms. Carmen Bonfante and to be among the first U.S. importers offering limited numbered bottles of this meticulously crafted and prestigious extra virgin olive oil.

Azienda Agricola EVO Sicily Carmen Bonfante Embrace EVO oil

Embrace…all that we need

To Carmen, the term Embrace carries a personal significance as well, it embodies a profound embrace of life itself, offering sustenance not only for the physical body but also for the soul. Similar to the unwavering olive tree standing tall, resilient, and exuding vitality for all to see, its roots intertwined in a symbolic embrace, we are all encouraged to face life's obstacles, transitions, and advancements head-on. Embrace urges us to greet fresh starts with appreciation and determination, embracing them with open hearts and clear intentions.

the Land

Embrace was born in a 5 hectacre olive grove with 1,400 Nocellara del Belice trees between 60-70 years old in Menfi, Sicily in the province of Trapani. This renowned and prized olive cultivar is perfectly adapted to the flat, red, and sandy terrain of the Western end of the island and most adored for the fragrant and fresh fruitiness of its oil.

Founded on the principles of environmental protection and human well-being, EVO Sicily is committed in their own small way to improving the quality of life of farmers, consumers and society as a whole; striving to be socially honest, transparent, and fair. This dedication to environmental stability can be seen through their implementation of sustainable farming practices.

By avoiding deep tillage and herbicides EVO Sicily can preserve the integrity and fertility of their soil. They also utilize a range of techniques to safeguard tree health and promote biodiversity, reducing their reliance on pesticides. In addition, through the implementation of high-efficiency irrigation systems and advanced moisture detection technology, they effectively manage water resources in regions facing arid conditions.

EVO Sicily's commitment to environmental sustainability is truly commendable. Their efforts extend to the restoration of dry stone walls and infrastructure to preserve their region's identity and historical importance. They also prioritize protecting ponds, wild flora within olive groves, and the surrounding ecosystems, showcasing their dedication to the preservation of their breathtaking landscape.

Azienda Agricola EVO Sicily Olive Grove
Azienda Agricola EVO Sicily Olive Grove
Azienda Agricola EVO Sicily Olive Grove

The Harvest

  • Picture of Carmen Bonfante harvesting olives from Azienda Agricola Evo Sicily grove by hand

    The olives are harvested by hand between the first and third weeks of October, during the early morning hours when the temperature is still cool.

  • Olives from Embrace EVO Sicily are harvested and loaded to be taken to the mill

    After an initial defoliation, the olives are sorted and placed in 20-kg perforated boxes to ensure the passage of air. The olives are then taken to the mill, 10 minutes from the olive grove and to be milled within 6 hours.

  • At the mill, the olives are crushed into a paste using a cold, continuous 2-stage cycle (no water added) with hammer crushers. The paste is then centrifuged and decanted to separate the oil from the pomace, a by-product formed from the pulp residue and stone fragments.

  • Filtration process of Embrace EVO Oil Siciliy

    The last step is the filtration process, where the oil is passed through a porous cardboard medium to remove the remaining solids and excess water to ensure a more stable oil with greater resistance to aging. Filtration is essential to preserve the organoleptic properties of the oil over time.

Experience the olive groves and harvest of Azienda Agricola EVO Sicily. Experience Embrace.

Experience Embrace