Bookings For You work closely with producers of superb extra virgin olive oil in Tuscany, Umbria and Marche.

In Tuscany, we are proud to work with a wonderful estate in the hills outside Florence. Set on top of a hill overlooking the Chianti region, the estate comprises a 15th century villa which once belonged to the Gheradini family, the family of the famous Mona Lisa. The house is surrounded by 30 hectares of olive groves containing 6000 olive trees. For the past 200 years, the property has been in the Calamai family and the current owners, Eleanora and Marco, lovingly look after the property and tend the olive groves.
Marco looks after the olive trees, following strict rules handed down over the generations. The olives are all picked by hand in order to keep each fruit in tact until it is crushed in the oil mill – a process that has to take place the same night that it has been picked. This, combined with the combination of different olive varieties used – the Frantoiano, Moraiolo and Leccino olive trees each have their own characteristics (taste, perfume and colour) – is what ensures this Tuscan oil is so special.

Marco and Eleonora will be delighted to give you a tour of the estate, allow you to sample the different produce and explain the process by which they make their wonderful extra virgin oilve oil.

Eleanora can also offer visiting guests the opportunity to share her passion for cooking, running cookery courses throughout the year.

In Umbria, we work closely with the Pinelli family, who produce award winning olive oil from their beautiful estate in Umbria. Their extra virgin olive oil is rated among the best in Italy by the official national guide of the Italian Association of Olive Oil Sommeliers and Lucia Pinelli is a qualified Sommellier of Olive Oil.

Produced using five different olive varieties – Dolce Agogia, Frantoio, Leccino, Moraiolo and Pendolino – their olive oil has a distinctive, fruity taste with bitter and spicy notes.

The Pinelli family will be delighted to give you a tour of the olive groves, and show how the oil is produced in their own mill. You will have the chance to enjoy a tasting session with them and they will happily answer any questions you may have. They can also show you the bee hives within their grounds and allow you to sample the wonderful honey they also produce. In addition, Lucia also runs superb cookery lessons for you to enjoy if you wish to extend your trip with the family.

Whilst in Marche, we are proud to offer an unforgettable experience for visitors wanting to learn about the production of olive oil. The olives are picked in November each year and visitors are welcome to come and take part in the harvesting and pressing of the olives across this busy season. Of course, visitors at any time of year can also enjoy a tasting tour where the production process will be explained.