Autumn in Siena: Discover Tuscany’s New Olive Oil with Hotel Athena
November in Siena marks the arrival of new olive oil, with its intense aroma and vibrant colour telling the story of one of Tuscany’s most authentic traditions.
The hills surrounding the city come alive with the olive harvest, the mills start their steady rhythm, and the tables fill with the perfect harmony of Tuscan bread, seasonal vegetables, soups, and freshly pressed extra virgin olive oil.
Staying at Hotel Athena means experiencing this tradition up close — right in the heart of Siena, yet surrounded by the hills where the finest Tuscan olive oils are born.
Why November Is the Month of New Olive Oil in Siena
Olive growing in the Siena area has ancient origins. Olive oil is not just a condiment — it is a symbol of hospitality, conviviality, and a way of being together.
The Terre di Siena DOP certification tells the story of an oil born from carefully selected varieties, timely harvesting, and expert craftsmanship.
Sienese tables celebrate the new olive oil with simple yet rich dishes: warm bruschetta with freshly pressed oil, legume soups, and garden vegetables enhanced by the fruit of the local land. In autumn, this ritual becomes an opportunity to walk through the countryside, visit olive groves, and discover that even within Siena’s historic centre, ancient olive trees still grow — green spaces where the harvest is still done by hand.
Guided Tours and Olive Mills near Siena: Tastings among the Hills
Around Siena, there are several olive mills and farms that offer guided visits, tastings, and hands-on experiences.
Here are three examples that tell the story of three unique Tuscan areas — Val d’Orcia, Val d’Elsa, and Val di Chiana — all just a short drive from the city:
- Frantoio La Macina in Chianciano Terme: guided tours, tastings among the olive groves, and insights into production methods.
- Frantoio di San Gimignano: interactive tours and tastings of Tuscan IGP extra virgin olive oil.
- Frantoio Buraschi in Montepulciano: organic production, award-winning labels, and food & wine experiences.
From Hotel Athena, all of these can be reached in less than an hour — a day surrounded by olive groves and rolling hills, filled with stories, views, and authentic flavours. It’s an itinerary that blends countryside and medieval towns, with hand-picked olives, freshly pressed oil, and a return to the city for a special dinner.
Siena and Beyond: The Tuscany of New Olive Oil
The excellence of olive oil is not limited to Siena — it’s a treasure that belongs to all of Tuscany. Those who wish to explore further can enjoy unique experiences in the provinces of Florence, Arezzo, and Grosseto, all just a short journey from Hotel Athena through landscapes that glow with warm autumn colours.
Experiences Between Nature and Taste
New olive oil becomes the heart of experiences that connect nature and the table. Imagine a walk among Siena’s olive groves in autumn: crisp air, the scent of the countryside, and a table waiting with freshly pressed oil, bruschetta, crunchy bread, and local legumes.
The experience continues with pairings that enhance traditional Sienese dishes — ribollita, bread and black cabbage soup, autumn panzanella. It’s a different and deeply authentic way to discover Siena — not only through its monuments, but through the living flavours of its land.
Even within the city, the olive harvest can still be seen: some green spaces preserve ancient olive groves that continue to produce high-quality oil. Our staff will be happy to recommend local farms and mills to visit during this vibrant and fascinating season.
Experience the Season of New Olive Oil with Hotel Athena
After a day spent among olive trees, mills, and Tuscan hills, returning to Hotel Athena means rediscovering comfort, peace, and charm in the heart of Siena’s historic centre. Our rooms overlooking the city or the countryside offer relaxation and quiet, while the Mangia Restaurant celebrates Sienese cuisine with dishes enhanced by the finest local olive oil.
Staying in Siena in November means combining art, history, and flavour in a single journey — among medieval streets, olive oil tastings, and landscapes that change with the light. A weekend dedicated to new olive oil is the perfect idea for anyone seeking an authentic Tuscan experience.
Book your stay at Hotel Athena and experience autumn in Siena — where taste, tradition, and beauty meet.