There’s something magical about Tuscany in the fall. The golden hues of the rolling hills, the crisp air perfumed with the scent of ripe olives, and the shared joy of harvesting nature’s bounty. This year, at Tuscookany, we experienced a truly special milestone: the first harvest from our 600 olive trees, lovingly planted seven years ago.

Not only was this an exciting moment for us, but it also turned into an unforgettable experience for our guests, who joined us for the entire process—from picking to pressing—culminating in the creation of Tuscookany’s 2024 extra virgin olive oil.

The Journey of the Olive

Olive trees have been a cornerstone of Tuscan culture for centuries. At Tuscookany, we planted a mix of traditional olive varieties to create a beautifully balanced oil. These include:
    •    Frantoio: Known for its vibrant, fruity flavor with hints of herbs and artichoke.
    •    Leccino: A delicate variety that produces a mild, buttery oil.
    •    Pendolino: Often used as pollinators, they contribute smooth, harmonious notes to the blend.
    •    Revece: A rare Tuscan variety prized for its intense, slightly bitter taste with herbal undertones.
    •    Bianchera: Originating from Northern Italy, this olive is rich in antioxidants and produces a robust oil with a spicy finish.

Together, these varieties capture the complexity and character of Tuscany, producing an extra virgin olive oil that’s as flavorful as it is authentic.

Picking Olives: A Hands-On Tuscan Tradition

This season, our guests rolled up their sleeves and embraced the age-old tradition of olive picking. They joined us in the groves, carefully plucking olives by hand to preserve their quality. Some opted for the more modern approach, using rakes to gently sweep olives from the branches onto nets below. Either way, the atmosphere was filled with laughter, camaraderie, and the satisfaction of being part of something meaningful.

From Grove to Mill: Witnessing the Magic of Pressing

After a morning of harvesting, we took the olives to a nearby mill, where the true magic happens. Our guests watched in awe as the olives were cleaned, crushed into a paste, and cold-pressed to extract the liquid gold. This first pressing, known as cold extraction, is crucial to producing high-quality extra virgin olive oil. It ensures the oil retains its vibrant flavor and health benefits.

The moment the first drops of oil flowed from the press, there was a collective cheer. This wasn’t just olive oil—it was the culmination of years of patience and care, brought to life through the hands of our team and our guests.

A Souvenir Like No Other

As a token of this incredible experience, each guest took home their very own bottle of Tuscookany 2024 extra virgin olive oil. This wasn’t just any olive oil; it was the product of a shared journey, from tree to table, with every bottle brimming with the flavors of Tuscany and the memories of an unforgettable harvest.

The Taste of Tuscookany

Back at the villa, we celebrated the harvest with a Tuscan picnic in the olive grove. Guests drizzled the freshly pressed oil over crusty bread, pasta, and salads, marveling at its rich, peppery notes. It wasn’t just the taste that delighted—it was the story behind it, the connection to the land, and the shared experience of creating something extraordinary.

Join Us Next Season!

This year’s harvest was a resounding success, and we can’t wait to make it an annual tradition. If you’ve ever dreamed of immersing yourself in Tuscan culture, connecting with the land, and savoring the fruits of your labor, join us at Tuscookany for next year’s olive harvest. There’s nothing quite like taking a piece of Tuscany home with you—especially when it comes in a bottle of your own creation.

We have several weeks to choose from—see availability here.

Until then, we’ll be savoring every drop of this season’s oil and looking forward to welcoming you to our grove. Cheers to good food, good company, and the simple joys of life in Tuscany!