The unique micro-climate of Lake Garda's eastern shore (Veneto) has a mild winter climate and balmy summers, ideal conditions for producing the area's gentle olive oils. It is the northernmost point of olive production in Europe. Since the olive groves along the lake shore are very small, the various owners have formed a cooperative to press their olives. During harvest the neighbors gather together to pick the olives by hand. The olives are quickly transported to the frantoio and pressed as the harvest continues. The olives are hand-picked and quickly pressed to avoid bruising and acidity-causing fermentation.