Chianti: Visit the olive mill and taste extra virgin olive oil

Discover Chianti through its extra-virgin olive oil: a visit to the oil mill, a stroll through the olive groves, and a guided tasting of single-varietal, blended, and flavored oils.

Step into the heart of Chianti and discover how a true Tuscan extra virgin olive oil is made on a visit to the olive mill and a guided tasting at the Olio Maggi estate. An authentic, family-run experience designed for those who want to go beyond the label and learn to recognize the quality, aromas, and nuances of olive oil. You will be welcomed to the estate by the producer family, who have made hospitality a way of life. The experience begins with an introduction to the farm and to olive growing in Tuscany, right among the olive trees that surround the property. During this initial phase, you will learn about the history of the estate, the characteristics of the Chianti region, and the crucial role that climate, soil, and olive variety play in the production of a great extra virgin olive oil. After a stroll through the olive groves, we will then arrive at the oil mill, where the guided tour will take place. Here, you will get a close-up look at where olives are transformed into oil, learn about the different stages of processing, and understand the difference between traditional methods and modern cultivation and pressing techniques. Extra virgin olive oil will no longer be a “sacred mystery”; it will become a product that you will be able to understand, select, and appreciate with greater awareness. Inside the oil mill, you will also take part in a more technical tasting by the glass, just as professional tasters do. You will learn to use your sight, smell, and taste to recognize herbaceous notes and hints of artichoke, almond, tomato, or aromatic herbs, and to distinguish a quality oil from an ordinary one. Afterward, we will move to the garden for a second, more convivial tasting session, where various oils from the estate will be paired with food. You will have the opportunity to taste single-varietal oils, which highlight the characteristics of a single cultivar, blends designed to create a balance of aromas, bitterness, and pungency, and flavored oils that are ideal for creative pairings in the kitchen. During the tasting, the family will also share practical tips on how to store oil at home and how to pair it with everyday dishes. At the end of the experience, you will have time to ask questions, learn more about the aspects that interest you most and, if you wish, purchase the estate’s products to take a little bit of Chianti home with you. This is the perfect opportunity to find an oil to give as a gift or to share with your friends and family once you return home. The experience is suitable for couples, small groups, food and wine enthusiasts, and anyone who wants to add an authentic activity to their stay in Tuscany, away from the more touristy spots. No technical expertise is required – all you need is curiosity and a desire to discover what lies behind a great Extra Virgin Olive Oil.