Vasilis Frantzolas

Vasilis Frantzolas

Founder

Olive Oil Seminars, Greece

Vasilis Frantzolas was born in Athens originating from Lygourio, Argolida,
following the family’s tradition concerning olive oil.

Studies
A Varvakeio School graduate, he studied Civil Engineering (E.M.P.). He completed his M.Sc. in Construction Management (WPI) in Worcester, Mass, USA, where he then worked for two years. In 2010, he completed his M.Sc. in Food Policy ( City, University of London).

Professional activity
Civil Engineering -- Steel buildings
Founded CM prefabricated steel structures company(1989) introducing big-opening buildings in Greece. Among the projects he completed was the steel roof of the Galatsi Olympic Gym, now a hall for various events.

Seminars for olive oil

In 2004, he founded the seminars company Oliveoilseminars.com, participating as a main instructor. The seminars are mainly addressed to olive growers and millers, with the main objective being the production of high quality extra virgin olive oil. More than 2,600 producers and 290 mill operators have attended the seminars.

Training seminars for olive oil tasters

Since 2016, training seminars for olive oil tasters are held in Greece, with the collaboration of the Italian National Association of Olive Oil Tasters (ONAOO). Till 2024, 257 participants completed the 4-month (65 hours) programme, many of whom continue to attend the unique 10-month Continuing Education Programme (CECP), unique in the EU.

Writing activity
Authored and published the book 'Modern Techniques of Olive Growing
and Production of Quality Olive Oil', (380 pages, 3rd Edition Oct. 2023).
Translation and publication of the book 'Modern techniques of olive tree
pruning' by Prof. Riccardo Gucci (6th Edition, 2023).
Author of the cookery book, 'Flavours of the Sea', 8th Edition, Pataki
Publications, Prize of French Academy of Gastronomy (2006).
Regularly contributes articles on agriculture and olive oil, for Kathimerini,
Agricola insert