New Olive Oil and Noble Wines: Tuscany’s Autumn Delights
Autumn in Florence is a time to slow down and savor life.
The heat of summer fades, replaced by crisp, sunny days that gently light up Renaissance palaces and quiet piazzas. Without the crowds of peak season, the city reveals its most authentic side—calm, captivating, and full of charm.
Staying at Hotel Orto de’ Medici, right in the heart of the historic center, places you steps from Florence’s masterpieces, in the ideal season to explore Tuscany’s landscapes, scents, and flavors at your own pace.
Autumn Flavors: The Aroma of Freshly Pressed Olive Oil
October and November are special months across the region. The grape harvest has just finished, olive mills begin pressing their first batches, and the air is filled with unmistakable aromas—those of vino novello, Italy’s young and fruity new wine, and just-pressed extra virgin olive oil. In Tuscany, olive harvesting traditionally begins in late October and runs through November.
The result is olio nuovo—a brilliant green, intensely fragrant, and peppery oil, packed with antioxidants and unmistakable flavor. To enjoy it at its best, pour it over toasted bread for the classic fettunta, or drizzle it generously over soups and seasonal vegetables. Its bold character brings out the soul of autumnal Tuscan cuisine—something you’ll certainly discover during your stay.
A Celebration of Fine Tuscan Wines
Autumn is also the perfect time to visit wineries around Florence and taste the fruits of the recent harvest. Vino novello—young, fresh, and fruity—is ready to be enjoyed in a setting where time slows down for this pleasurable ritual.
Take this opportunity to visit the rolling hills where Tuscany’s most iconic red wines are born—Chianti, Brunello di Montalcino, and Vino Nobile di Montepulciano—just a short drive from our hotel, and well worth the trip.
During the fall, your senses will be rewarded twice over: the flavors of wine pair with spectacular views of rolling hills bathed in red, orange, and gold. Traditional wine roads come to life with local fairs, tastings, and harvest festivals. It’s the perfect time to discover the convivial spirit and rural roots of Tuscany, through cellar visits, wine tours in medieval villages, and leisurely lunches in countryside estates.
Experiences Just Outside Florence
Autumn is ideal for experiencing Tuscany without filters, immersed in nature’s vibrant colors. Just a short trip from Hotel Orto de’ Medici, the Chianti Classico region awaits—with scenic drives, vineyards, historic wineries, and artisan shops nestled between Greve and Radda.
If you’re curious about olive oil production, head to Reggello, one of the region’s most celebrated olive-growing areas. Many local mills offer guided tastings and live demonstrations of cold pressing.
