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One of the products most synonymous with Italy is its delicious olive oil. Most areas have their own version of this sacred drop, and not only is it eaten and used in cooking as an absolute staple, it’s also a very common souvenir for tourists to take back home. It’s a little bit of Italy in a bottle, if you will… Discover the Olive Oils at the Source As the world’s second biggest producer of the delectable oil (behind only Spain), Italy’s age-old traditions of production are embedded into the fabric of its culinary heritage. Throughout the country you’ll find countless small, family-run farms, as well as larger mills, all toiling away at the production of some of the finest pressed oils in the world. If you’re lucky enough to be visiting the gorgeous region of Chianti, you’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to activities and attractions. One of the most popular things to do in Chianti, however, is to sample the local wine and food – including, of course, the olive oil. These three mills are the perfect places to get some tastings in and learn a few things about how it’s made as well. Frantoio Pruneti If you’re staying in or around Florence, a visit to Frantoio Pruneti is one of the most rewarding things to do in Chianti. This 160-year-old family run mill still uses techniques developed nearly two centuries ago, while also evolving with the use of technology in order to produce a superior product. The mill produces a variety of oils made from Moraiolo, Frantoio and Leccino olives. It’s a wonderful place to visit for those who want to understand and appreciate the provenance of their food, with tours covering harvesting, bottling and, of course, tasting! There’s also plenty to tempt you in the onsite shop if you fancy taking some home – and you will. Azienda Olearia del Chianti Situated in beautiful Panzano, Azienda Olearia is a state-of-the-art operation that produces more than 20,000 bottles an hour. Using the purest of local olives, their range includes the famous IGP Tuscan and also the DOP Chianti Classico. The shop here is one of the best you’ll find, stocked with a fantastic array of not just the oil but also a huge number of associated products. Gonnelli 1585 The name of this mill gives a clue as to how old it is, and Gonelli 1585 is a wonderful example of a company that’s endured for centuries by doing what it does best. Using local olives from the estimated 43,000 trees in the area, the mill has a reputation for excellence in quality, producing a range of DOP and IGP recognised varieties. You can visit the mill and take a tour to see how the cold pressing occurs and, as ever, they are not short of souvenirs for you to fill your bags with. For anyone researching things to do in Chianti, olive oil tasting should be top of the list. But going beyond simply appreciating the finished product, seeing exactly where it comes from and how it gets from grove to table is one of the most interesting ways to spend a day – or two! Author Plate Mauro Bramante is the Director of WalkAbout Florence, an independent business offering unforgettable excursions in Tuscany that offer you a chance to experience some of the best things to do in Chianti. Whether you want to ride a Vintage Vespa, try the famous Chianti wine or get cooking with fresh local ingredients, Mauro's company promises excitement, adventure and above all, fun. If you're keen to experience the magic of Italy with the help of some passionate and knowledgeable tour guides, look no further than WalkAbout Florence for your next getaway.
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