Oikogeneia Konte | Kotili

Our Story

Our family began its journey in Kotyli, Xanthi, growing tobacco, just like many families in the Rhodope Mountains. For many years, tobacco cultivation shaped both our work and our daily life. Around twenty years ago, we decided to take a different path and turn to aromatic and medicinal herbs, choosing to cultivate the plants that had always grown naturally around us, on the mountain slopes and in the surrounding forests. Since then, we have been growing and harvesting organic herbs, including oregano, thyme, sage, rosemary and Greek mountain tea, continuing to work the same land with the knowledge and experience passed down through generations.

Our Land

Kotyli is a mountain village in the heart of the Rhodope Mountains, surrounded by dense forests, high elevations and a landscape shaped by changing seasons. Cold winters, forest humidity and mountainous soils create favourable conditions for aromatic and medicinal herbs. These natural conditions influence the character, aroma and development of the plants we cultivate.

How We Work

We cultivate our herbs at an altitude of approximately 1,000 metres, following the natural cycle of each plant. Harvesting is carried out by hand during the flowering period, when every herb reaches the stage considered most suitable for collection. After harvesting, the herbs are naturally dried in shaded and well ventilated areas to preserve their colour and aroma. Every batch is inspected individually before packaging, and all of our production follows certified organic farming practices.

At a Glance

• Producer: Konte Family
• Brand: Kotili
• Location: Kotyli, Xanthi
• Products: Organic aromatic and medicinal herbs
• Method: Organic cultivation, hand harvesting and natural drying
• Cultivation Altitude: Approximately 1,000 m