In the heart of Umbria, surrounded by olive groves and rolling hills, Il Fontanaro has been recognized in the Slow Food Guida agli oli extra vergini 2026 —one of the most respected references for quality olive oil in Italy. For us, this is not just an award. It is a meaningful confirmation that a simple, honest approach— rooted in family tradition and respect for the land—still matters.
A Family Story Behind Every Bottle
Being included in the Slow Food Guide 2026 is a quiet but important milestone for us. It shows that even a small family story—built on passion, patience, and respect—can be recognized. And that authenticity still matters.
Il Fontanaro is, first of all, a family story. We didn’t begin with a business plan or big ambitions. Everything started many years ago with our parents, Lucia and Alessandro, driven by passion, hard work, and love for the land.
What we do today together as a family, is simply a continuation of their journey.
- the same olive trees
- the same attention to quality
- the same respect for nature
What is Slow Food
Slow Food is a global movement founded in Italy that promotes food that is:
- Good (high quality and taste)
- Clean (sustainable for the environment)
- Fair (respectful of producers and communities)
Its olive oil guide is one of the most selective in Italy, focusing not only on flavor, but also on sustainability, biodiversity, and authenticity.
The Slow Food Guide 2026: Key Numbers
The 2026 edition highlights how selective this recognition is:
- over 1,200 extra virgin olive oils evaluated
- 766 producers included
- around 240 top recognitions awarded
Each producer is selected through:
- blind tastings
- on-site visits
- evaluation of farming practices
- analysis of local olive varieties
Understanding the Awards
Slow Food recognitions are not generic—they reflect specific values.
Great Olive Oil
Awarded to oils with outstanding sensory quality and a strong connection to their territory.
Great Olive Oil Slow
Given to oils that go beyond taste, representing:
- sustainability
- biodiversity
- authentic production methods
The Snail Award
Assigned to producers who fully embody the Slow Food philosophy.
What This Recognition Means to Us
For us, this recognition is not about prestige. It simply tells us that staying true to our roots still has value
It means that:
- working in harmony with nature matters
- small-scale production still counts
- family traditions are worth preserving
Most of all, it is a recognition of those who started everything—our parents.
A Different Kind of Olive Oil Guide
One unique aspect of the Slow Food guide is its philosophy.
It does not reward mass production.
Instead, it focuses on:
- small and medium producers
- traditional olive varieties
- sustainable agriculture
This makes it not just a guide, but a collection of real stories.
Discover Our Award-Winning Olive Oil
If you would like to experience our olive oil and our story:
👉 https://www.bestitalianoliveoil.com/about-us/
👉 SIX REASONS WHY OUR OLIVE OIL TOUR AT FONTANARO IS UNMISSIBLE
