Villa Sant'Andrea Cortona
Villa Sant'Andrea Cortona
Exquisite Vacation Home in Tuscany
Vineyards, Orchards & Gardens
Villa Sant’Andrea’s gardens and orchards are thoughtfully cared for by local Tuscan hands.
Overlooking the Valdichiana, the estate is both a working farm and a place of natural abundance. More than 200 olive trees, approximately 300 Visciola d'Cantiano cherry trees, vineyards, and a diverse collection of fruit trees shape the landscape. A seasonal vegetable garden—planted with artichokes, asparagus, aromatic herbs, and flowering plants—is cultivated organically.
Certified E.U. Biological, the estate’s fruits, vegetables, and herbs may be enjoyed by guests.
Cantiano Cherries, a rare cherry listed on Slow Food Ark of Taste, under maceration to make VICARIO Savage Cherry Liqueur.
VICARIO Mirto Liqueur is the final product, that begins at the farm at Villa Sant'Andrea. Myrtus communis, the common myrtle, is a species of flowering plants in the myrtle family.
VICARIO Olive Trees & Orchard Varieties
VICARIO olive trees produce an exceptional extra-virgin olive oil, and in spring the young leaves are harvested for VICARIO Olive Leaf Liqueur.
The estate is planted with a carefully selected range of olive varieties, chosen for their quality, resilience, and complementary characteristics. Each variety contributes distinct qualities to the oil and reflects the agricultural heritage of central Italy.
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Olive Oil Varieties
FRANTOIO
Considered one of the most renowned olive oil varieties in Italy, Frantoio is traditionally grown in central Italy and occasionally north of the Apennines. The trees are highly productive, yielding an abundant oil with a distinctly fruity flavor. Optimal production occurs when pollinated by Pendolino and Leccino.
LECCINO
Typical of Tuscany and its northern regions, Leccino is an ancient, rustic, and reliable variety. Valued for both oil production and ornamental beauty, it features elegant foliage and a dense canopy. The olives are also suitable for table use. Best results are achieved when pollinated by Pendolino and Frantoio.
MAURINO
Highly regarded in central Italy, Maurino is appreciated for both the quantity and quality of its oil. It performs well at higher elevations and tolerates colder conditions. Pollination is most effective with Moraiolo and Pendolino.
MORAIOLO
An ancient and hardy variety, Moraiolo thrives in higher elevations and windy conditions. It produces olives with excellent oil quality. Naturally sterile, it is optimally pollinated by Maurino and Pendolino.
PENDOLINO
Easily recognized by its narrow leaves and long, drooping branches reminiscent of a weeping willow, Pendolino produces small olives in very high quantities with excellent quality. While self-fertile, it is an outstanding pollinator for many other olive varieties.
RASTRELLINO
The rarest variety on the estate, Rastrellino has nearly disappeared from cultivation in Tuscany and Umbria due to its lower yield despite exceptional olive quality. Highly adaptable, it thrives in challenging environments where other varieties struggle. Auto-fertile, this variety is being reintroduced as part of the estate’s commitment to preserving local agricultural heritage.