November’s Olive Harvest

One of the most special things about Italy in November is the celebration of the olive harvest and the arrival of the new olive oil (olio nuovo). Across regions such as Tuscany, Umbria, Puglia and Sicily, November is a time when olive groves come alive with harvesting activity, local mills press freshly picked olives, and communities celebrate one of the foundations of Italian cuisine.

Freshly pressed olive oil is often vivid green, intensely aromatic and peppery, and Italians celebrate its arrival by drizzling it over toasted bread, a simple dish known as fettunta in Tuscany. Local olive oil festivals, mill visits and tastings offer visitors a wonderful way to experience Italy’s agricultural traditions, regional flavors and autumn countryside.