Oil and Surroundings

Friuli's Oil Takes Center Stage at Villa Maseri

Few know that Friuli Venezia Giulia, a land of great wines, also boasts a growing olive-growing tradition. Celebrating it is Olio e Dintorni, the event that enlivens the picturesque Villa Maseri in Oleis, a hamlet of Manzano in the province of Udine, every May. Now in its twenty-first edition in 2026, the festival has become a benchmark for those who want to learn about regional extra virgin olive oil and the territory that produces it.

Tastings, Workshops, and Oil Culture

The heart of the event is oil culture, presented in many forms. The seminar "Discovering Extra Virgin Olive Oil" and the sensory workshops of OlioLab guide visitors in understanding this product, while the pruning course with experts like Ennio Scarbolo and Franco Diacoli introduces the work of olive growers. The conference "Extra Virgin Olive Oil Between History and Future" delves into the production and economics of the sector. The competitive core of the festival is the Olio dell'Abate-Maseri Award, which pits the best olive oil companies in Friuli Venezia Giulia against each other through chemical-physical analyses and blind tastings conducted by a panel of experts.

Nature, Art, and Good Food

Olio e Dintorni is also a feast for the senses and the body. The botanical walks through the olive groves, the "Ator pai roncs" free hikes, and the cycling tour allow visitors to discover the hilly landscape around Oleis. There are also a photographic exhibition, literary encounters, and activities for children with "Olivarelli Junior." At the table, the gourmet cuisine of chef Kevin Gaddi, Ambassador of Taste FVG, accompanies the days with the "Artfully Prepared Lunch.".

A Community Celebration

Organized by the association Arc Oleis e Dintorni with the patronage of the Municipality of Manzano and the Region, the event has attracted over nine thousand visitors, confirming itself as one of the most appreciated spring food and wine events in eastern Friuli. The evenings are enlivened by tribute concerts, from Furlans' liscio to Manete, and a convivial atmosphere that combines taste, nature, and culture.