UMBERTIDE (PG) – I GIRASOLI DI SANT’ANDREA OIL MILL

I Girasoli di Sant’Andrea, nestled in the green Niccone Valley in northern Umbria, in the Molino Vitelli area of Umbertide (PG), stands out as a company (oil mill and winery) that celebrates the land and its traditions. The company’s philosophy is based on profound respect for the land, for human labor, and for the adoption of non-invasive agricultural practices; it is, in fact, a completely organic farm. The commitment of the young owners, two siblings, Andrea and Pilar, who combine agricultural and business skills to carry on the family vision, is reflected in every drop of their extra virgin olive oil.

With 14 hectares of olive groves housing approximately 7,000 olive trees, a primarily mechanized olive harvesting system, except for a few groves where harvesting is done manually, and a few hectares of olive groves, where harvesting is done manually, the farm is a true organic farm. The company, with its own olive mill, called “Sant’Andrea,” inaugurated in 2020, has quickly established itself as the “go-to” olive mill for the entire upper Umbria region. In addition to milling its own olives, it also offers contract milling services. This service is carried out with utmost transparency. Customers have the opportunity to witness the entire pressing process of their olives, from weighing the crates to the extraction of the extra virgin olive oil. Separate processing for individual batches is guaranteed; during peak harvest periods, the mill operates 24 hours a day. In preparation for the new olive oil season, the premises adjacent to the mill will be transformed into a welcoming reception area for visitors.

The extra virgin olive oil from “I Girasoli di Sant’Andrea” stands out for its organic quality and for its label, which reflects its identity: a sunflower with a stylized geometric design.

I Girasoli di Sant’Andrea is a landmark for hospitality, especially for foreigners, thanks to the owners’ ability to speak several languages, including German, English, and French. The oil can be tasted at some local restaurants, but is also exported to several countries, especially England and Germany.

The shop, which also serves as a wine and oil shop, offers appetizers featuring bruschetta, charcuterie boards, and cheese platters sourced exclusively from local producers. Themed dinners are often held in the adjacent restaurant.