The Tuscan estate near Florence earned its fifth Gold Award at the world’s leading olive oil quality contest.
Olive Oil Times |
Florence, Italy — Fattoria di Volmiano S.S.A. has been awarded a Gold at the 2026 NYIOOC World Olive Oil Competition for Laudemio Fattoria di Volmiano.
Laudemio Fattoria di Volmiano is an organic extra virgin olive oil of medium intensity, crafted from Frantoio, Leccino and Moraiolo. Marked by herbaceous aromas and the freshness of unripe fruit, Laudemio Fattoria di Volmiano is distinguished by green almond and arugula notes, with black pepper emerging on the finish. Careful milling and storage practices help preserve the oil’s balance and aromatic clarity from production through bottling.
Located about 20 kilometers from Florence in Tuscany, Fattoria di Volmiano S.S.A. cultivates 22,000 Frantoio, Moraiolo and Leccino trees on an 80-hectare estate. Gerardo and Lapo converted Fattoria di Volmiano to organic methods in 2012, focusing on preserving local biodiversity. In 2018, Fattoria di Volmiano introduced a new crusher with a continuous cycle and an oxygen depression system, and the estate now uses nitrogen containers for storing its extra virgin olive oils. More information about the farm and its broader activities is available through Gondi.
In a 2024 interview with Olive Oil Times, Lapo Gondi described how higher costs and more complex seasons have pushed many quality-focused producers to rethink how they work, while maintaining the standards required to produce a flagship laudemio. The estate has explored new ways to protect quality and long-term viability, including evaluating more mechanized approaches in the groves and working to help visitors better understand the agronomic and technical factors that shape an extra virgin olive oil’s character.
The 2026 Gold marks a continued record of success at the NYIOOC for Fattoria di Volmiano S.S.A., which has earned five Gold Awards overall. The estate’s previous results include one Gold Award each in 2025, 2024, 2023 and 2021.
The NYIOOC recognition also strengthens Fattoria di Volmiano S.S.A.’s standing in the Olive Oil Times World Ranking, where it is ranked #33 in Italy, #72 in the Northern Hemisphere and #76 Worldwide.
The NYIOOC World Olive Oil Competition, widely regarded as the world's leading olive oil quality contest, is a trusted reference for consumers and industry professionals.