A Family Story Rooted in the Heart of Umbria
l Fontanaro is first and foremost a family story.
A story that began in 1976, when Alessandro and Lucia Pinelli made a life-changing decision: they purchased an abandoned farmhouse from the late 1800s in the green hills of Umbria, Italy.
It was not an easy place. The house was almost completely destroyed, the land had been neglected, and the olive groves were in need of care and patience.
But they saw something others did not: potential, beauty, and a future rooted in nature.
From a Ruin to a Living Farm
With their own hands, Alessandro and Lucia began restoring the old farmhouse, stone by stone.
There were no shortcuts, no machines doing the work—only time, dedication, and a deep respect for the land.
Slowly, the abandoned estate came back to life:
- the olive trees were restored
- the fields were cultivated again
- the farmhouse became a home
What was once a ruin became Il Fontanaro.
Nearly 50 Years of Passion and Dedication
Today, almost 50 years later, that same spirit still guides everything we do.
Il Fontanaro is not just an olive oil producer—it is the continuation of a family journey built on:
- love for the land
- respect for nature
- traditional farming methods
- and a deep connection to Umbria
Each bottle of our extra virgin olive oil carries this history inside it.
Crafting One of the Best Italian Olive Oils
We produce extra virgin olive oil in small quantities, focusing on quality rather than volume.
Our philosophy is simple:
- respect the natural cycle of the olive tree
- avoid intensive farming
- preserve biodiversity
- harvest and press with care
This approach allows us to create what many consider among the best Italian olive oils, with a strong identity and a clear sense of place.
A Family Tradition That Continues Today
Today, the next generation continues the journey started by Alessandro and Lucia.
What remains unchanged is the heart of Il Fontanaro:
a family working together, living on the land, and sharing its fruits with people around the world.
Rooted in Umbria, Recognized for Quality
Our olive oil has been recognized by leading guides and movements dedicated to quality and sustainability, including the
Slow Food Guide to Extra Virgin Olive Oils.
This recognition reflects not only the quality of our oil, but also the way it is produced: with respect, patience, and authenticity.
Discover Our Olive Oil
We invite you to explore our collection of award-winning extra virgin olive oils:
👉 https://www.bestitalianoliveoil.com/shop/
Learn more about our philosophy and story:
👉 https://www.bestitalianoliveoil.com/
Our Promise
Il Fontanaro is not just about olive oil.
It is about a place, a family, and nearly half a century of dedication to a simple idea:
when you respect nature, it gives back something truly exceptional.
We are a small family adhering to principles of quality extra virgin olive oil making. We firmly believe that the olive oil we make is capable of competing with world famous brands.
Our extra virgin olive oil is a combination of hard work of our makers and the unique terroir: thoroughness on each stage of olive oil making and usage of up-to-date techniques.
In our wine racks you will find a vast selection of different wines from the four corners of the globe. Our friendly and experienced staff will help you to find that ideal bottle.
