Ravagni Antico Frantoio, Anghiari, Italy

by The Travel Italy Grapevine Team

For those of you who are tired of the wine tasting, the churches and the artwork, why don't you change tack and visit an ancient oil mill that is still in working order?

The Ancient Ravagni oil mill, Antico Frantoio in Anghiari, Arezzo has been in the same family since 1421 and cold presses the hand-picked olives in the traditional way.

The Antico Frantoio can be found just off the road from Anghiari to Caprese Michelangelo, just over 2 kilometers out of Anghiari.

It is open throughout the year and has a little shop which offers the genuine, green, liquid gold - the peppery green Tuscan olive oil that the region is famous for.

There is nothing like Tuscan olive oil, especially from this region. It is spicy and peppery, and absolutely delicious on leafy greens, artichokes, grilled vegetables, just to name a few.

From mid November to about the first week of January, the Old Mill opens its doors to those who want to learn the secrets of the pressing of the olives and those who want to taste and sample the products made. For the exact dates it is best to contact the mill directly.

They also sell flavoured olive oils, wines and beauty products made from the oil such as soaps, hand creams, body lotions and aftershave etc.

This is a wonderful ancient building and it is fantastic to see that it has been an olive mill for centuries and continues to be so in the 21st century.