EVO Oil & Montecatini Cable Car Experience: Explore the Tuscan Way
When you think of Tuscany, you can’t miss picturing an EVO oil flavoured bruschetta, rolling hills bathed in golden sunlight, rows of ancient olive trees, and the aroma of freshly baked bread come to mind. Among the many treasures of this region, organic olive oil stands as a symbol of tradition, health, and culinary excellence.
The "Organic Olive Oil Experience with pick up from your accommodation in Montecatini Terme" exclusively offered by Tuscany Daily Tours, offers an intimate look into this rich tradition. Based in Montecatini Terme, the team Ranieri Tour Operator will offer you the most authentic adventure through Tuscan EVO Oil discovering.
This immersive tour is a love letter to the land, its flavors, and its centuries-old customs, promising a day filled with discovery, taste, and unforgettable views—including a ride on the iconic Montecatini cable car.
How Organic Olive Oil Is Made
Let us take you behind the scenes to understand how this liquid gold is created. The process of making organic olive oil involves four primary stages, each of them carried out with an unwavering commitment to nature and sustainability.
Unlike conventional methods, the production of organic EVO (Extra Virgin Olive) oil strictly avoids the use of synthetic chemicals and instead relies entirely on natural substances.
The journey begins in the olive groves, where the fruit is cultivated in pristine conditions. Here, the olive trees are nourished only with organic fertilizers, and meticulous care is taken to preserve the integrity of the environment. These healthy, chemical-free olives then make their way to the frantoio, the olive press, where tradition and innovation merge.
Inside the Frantoio: Processing EVO Oil
As the olives arrive at the frantoio, they are first washed thoroughly with water to remove any impurities. The next step is frangitura or crushing. This process breaks down both the pulp and the pit of the olives into a thick paste. The resulting paste is then transferred into a machine known as the gramola, where it undergoes gramolatura.
This crucial phase lasts between 30 to 40 minutes and takes place at carefully controlled temperatures to maintain the oil's sensory and nutritional qualities. The gramolatura allows the small oil droplets in the paste to merge, effectively breaking the emulsion between water and oil.
The Extraction Phase of EVO Oil
The final step is the actual extraction of the oil. Here, the olive paste is subjected to centrifugation, a technique that separates the oil from the olive water and pomace (solid fragments of pits and pulp). The result is a fragrant, vividly green organic olive oil, ready to be bottled and savored.
Why Choose Organic Olive Oil?
After learning how this exquisite oil is made, you may wonder why organic EVO oil is considered superior. Let's delve into its unique benefits and what sets it apart.
Exclusive Use of Natural Products in EVO Oil Production
In organic farming, only substances approved by strict organic regulations are used. This means saying no to synthetic pesticides and fertilizers.
Instead, farmers carefully select the most fertile land and robust olive varieties, ensuring that the trees can thrive with natural support alone. Regular watering, pruning, and monitoring become essential tasks, all carried out with care and respect.
EVO Oil Farming Respects the Ecosystem
The organic approach not only protects the olives and farmers but also aligns with nature's rhythms. The cultivation practices aim to preserve biodiversity and minimize interference with the natural balance, making this method a true celebration of sustainability.
Reduced Environmental Impact of EVO Oil Farming
Organic farming prioritizes responsible resource management. From water use to soil health, every step is taken with the future in mind. The goal is to create a sustainable model that benefits both present and future generations while delivering a top-quality product.
What Is EVO Oil ?
You’ve seen the acronym EVO, but what does it really mean?
EVO oil stands for Extra Virgin Olive Oil, the highest grade of olive oil available. It is obtained solely by mechanical processes, without any chemical treatment. This ensures that the oil retains all the natural properties of the olives.
A key indicator of its quality is its acidity level, which must be below 0.8%. This low acidity is what gives EVO oil its distinct fruity aroma, smooth texture, and delicate flavor, making it a cornerstone of Mediterranean cuisine.
EVO Oil and its Health Benefits
EVO oil isn’t just delicious—it’s incredibly healthy!
Rich in monounsaturated fats, especially oleic acid, it supports cardiovascular health by lowering "bad" LDL cholesterol levels. It's also a potent source of antioxidants, such as polyphenols, which combat oxidative stress and reduce inflammation.
One standout compound is oleocanthal, known for its anti-inflammatory effects that mimic ibuprofen. Thanks to these properties, EVO oil is a fundamental component of the Mediterranean diet, widely recognized for its health-promoting benefits.
How to Identify and Store Organic EVO Oil
When shopping for EVO oil, always check the label. Look for details about the origin, method of extraction, and harvest date. These indicators help ensure transparency and quality.
Proper storage is equally important.
Choose dark glass bottles that shield the oil from light. Store them in a cool, dark place away from heat sources. Exposure to air, heat, or light can degrade the oil’s flavor and nutritional value over time. By storing it correctly, you preserve its vibrant taste and health benefits.
EVO Oil Experience with Pick Up from Your Accommodation in Montecatini Terme
Your journey begins in the charming town of Montecatini Terme, known for its thermal baths and elegant ambiance. A comfortable car or minivan will pick you up directly from your hotel, whisking you away to a picturesque olive estate nestled in the Tuscan countryside.
Here, surrounded by age-old groves and panoramic vistas, you’ll embark on a walking tour to explore the unique methods of EVO oil cultivation. Learn about sustainable farming practices, observe the trees up close, and connect with the land in a deeply personal way.
Next, you'll be welcomed into the estate's bottling and tasting cellar, a sanctuary where tradition meets expertise. Guided by local connoisseurs, you’ll learn how to evaluate olive oil like a true sommelier—understanding aroma, taste, and food pairings. From peppery notes to grassy hints, each oil reveals a story of its own.
To cap off the experience, you'll visit Montecatini Alto, a hilltop medieval town brimming with history and charm. Explore its ancient fortress ruins, the Romanesque church of San Pietro, and the castle bell tower. The central square offers a variety of quaint restaurants and cafes where you can unwind with a traditional aperitif or dinner.
Don’t forget to ride the Montecatini cable car, an iconic funicular railway dating back to 1898, which gracefully transports visitors between Montecatini Alto and Montecatini Terme.
The ride itself is a piece of history and offers unforgettable views of the valley below.
Montecatini Cable Car: A Journey Through Past and Present
The Montecatini cable car is more than a mode of transportation—it's a heritage treasure. Designed in 1896 by Genoese engineer Alessandro Ferretti, the funicular was inaugurated in 1898 and quickly became a beloved attraction.
Building the Montecatini Cable Car: the Perfect Ending to your EVO Oil Experiences
Construction began in 1897, with workers laying tracks and building viaducts, bridges, and retaining walls. The railway debuted with a festive opening on June 4, 1898, attended by luminaries including composer Giuseppe Verdi. Initially powered by a steam boiler, the system was electrified in 1921, enhancing its efficiency and appeal.
Sadly, WWII brought destruction. On September 2, 1944, retreating forces damaged the infrastructure, halting operations until its restoration in 1949. A second revival occurred in 1982 with the support of the Tuscan Region, which funded renovations and new technologies like a modern control system.
Montecatini Cable Car During Post-War Times
In the post-war boom, Montecatini Terme blossomed into a glamorous destination for health and leisure. Tourists flocked to the spa town, and the Montecatini cable car became a favorite attraction, allowing easy access to the historic "Castello" district.
Though it closed temporarily in 1977 due to modernization challenges, the funicular reopened in 1982, featuring restored carriages and new safety mechanisms. Remarkably, the two original red cars still greet each other mid-journey, their wooden interiors and open balconies offering panoramic views that capture the heart.
Book Your Organic Olive Oil Experience in Montecatini Terme Today
The Organic Olive Oil Experience with pick up from your accommodation in Montecatini Terme is more than a tour—it's an invitation to slow down and savor the essence of Tuscany.
From learning about sustainable farming to tasting liquid gold and riding the historic Montecatini cable car, every moment is steeped in beauty and authenticity.
Don’t miss your chance to explore the Valdinievole region, where tradition, nature, and flavor converge: Our many Food and Wine experiences we offer through Tuscany Daily Tours, will make you discover the authentic spirit of Tuscany.
Book your spot today and let Tuscany Daily Tours guide you on a journey you'll never forget through the amazing flavors of EVO oil and breath-taking landscapes.
