Alex

Dionissios

Steve

Ergini

Chris

  • Ergini, a former U.S. foreign service officer, brings the heart of Greece to you, right from its very soul. Born and raised in Greece, she has been the cornerstone of Louisa Farms trips, infusing each journey with authenticity and warmth. With years of experience teaching Greek at the George P. Schultz National Foreign Affairs Training Center in Arlington, Virginia, Ergini is not just a guide but a cultural ambassador. Her expertise shone brightly during her tenure at the Athens U.S. Embassy, where she masterfully orchestrated immersion programs for foreign service officers, connecting them deeply with Greek culture and environment. Ergini’s passion lies in sharing the vibrant tapestry of her culture, from its rich history to the delightful flavors of its cuisine. Join her as she unveils the hidden gems and celebrated wonders of Greece, ensuring your experience is as enriching as it is enjoyable.

  • Hailing from the sun-kissed beaches of Pensacola, Florida, Steve, a retired U.S. diplomat, first discovered his love for Greece during a diplomatic assignment in this land of myths and legends. It wasn’t just the enchanting allure of Greece that captured his heart, but also his meeting with Ergini, together embarking on a journey filled with love, travel, and culinary adventures. Having served at various U.S. embassies around the world, Steve has shared his deep-rooted passion for Greek culture and cuisine with colleagues and friends, guiding them through the wonders of Greece. Now splitting his time between Greece and Washington D.C., Steve is eager to share his unique perspective of Greece – a blend of an outsider's fascination and an insider's knowledge. Expect stories, laughter, and insights into Greek life as Steve takes you on an unforgettable journey.

  • Whether you call him Dionissios or Alex, you'll discover a guide who combines approachability with a rich tapestry of knowledge. The son of Steve and Ergini, Alex's childhood was a mosaic of global travels, with every summer rooted in the warmth of Greece. Now an Economist at the World Bank and the Department of Commerce, Alex's true passion lies in exploring the great outdoors and sharing adventures across Greece with friends and family. Fluent in multiple languages and deeply connected to both Greek and American cultures, Alex excels in weaving together diverse narratives, offering guests unique insights into Greece's multifaceted identity. Not just your guide, but also the trip's photographer, Alex captures the essence of your journey in every frame, ensuring memories that last a lifetime.

  • Chris is a passionate and knowledgeable tour guide who is dedicated to ensuring that you have an unforgettable journey in Greece. With his expertise in historic landmarks and local cuisine, he will provide you with valuable insights and recommendations that will make your trip truly memorable. Whether you’re looking to explore the rich history and culture of Greece or simply relax and have fun, Chris is here to help. With his wide range of interests, including traveling, philosophy, sports, product delivery, and binge-watching TV shows on Netflix, he can keep up a conversation on just about anything. Join Chris on a journey of discovery and adventure in Greece, and let him show you the best that Greece has to offer!

Louisa Farms;

A Legacy of Health and Heritage

Founded in the olive-laden landscapes of Kalamata, Louisa Farms is a tribute to Louisa Kontaxi-Batistatou (1926-), a woman deeply rooted in the art of olive farming. Raised amidst the verdant groves of the Peloponnesus and the Ionian islands, Louisa's childhood was steeped in the rich traditions of olive oil cultivation, a legacy passed down through generations.

In 1953, Louisa married Dionissios Batistatos, a respected Greek theologian from Kefalonia, and embarked on a journey of compassion as a Red Cross nurse. During the turbulent post-WWII era, she not only provided solace to those affected by war but also championed the health benefits of extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) as a cornerstone of well-being.

Louisa's lifelong devotion to natural, healthy living and her reverence for the cultural significance of olive oil in Greek heritage have been the guiding principles of our family-run farm. Today, we proudly offer Thiako and Koroneiko EVOO, each a testament to Louisa's belief in the curative power of EVOO. Cultivated in Skineas, Kefalonia, these single-variety olives yield an oil rich in flavor and nutritional value.

The inception of our "Live Like a Local" trips is a natural extension of this legacy. We recognized that to truly appreciate the essence of our EVOO, one must experience the rich tapestry of Greek culture, history, and tradition that gave birth to it. These trips are not just about visiting Greece; they are about connecting deeply with the land, its history, and its people — the very elements that shape our olive oil and business.

Through these immersive journeys, we aim to offer a window into the authentic Greek way of life that Louisa cherished. It's an opportunity for our guests to walk in the footsteps of their ancestors, understand the meticulous care in olive cultivation, and experience the vibrant local customs and cuisines that make Greek culture so unique.

In essence, our trips are an invitation to explore the heart of Greek heritage, and to see through the eyes of those who have nurtured these lands for generations. At Louisa Farms, we believe that the story of our EVOO is not just in its taste but in the experiences that led to its creation — a story best told through the picturesque landscapes and rich history of Greece.