Local Ambassador Stories: Alessandro and Il Giuncheto, Olive oil in Trequanda

A return to one’s roots among hills, olive groves, and a new vision of sustainable hospitality

Il Giuncheto is a farm and hospitality project nestled in the hills of Trequanda. Here, Alessandro—together with the support of his family—has chosen to build a model of sustainable hospitality, restoring a historic farmhouse and dedicating himself to the cultivation of olive trees, lavender, and fruit orchards in full respect of the surrounding landscape.A project born from a conscious decision: to return to the land and give it value.

«Il Giuncheto,» Alessandro explains, «was created from the desire to return to the land, but also from the need to protect it and to be part of it in an authentic way.»

A genuine return to the land

Originally from Campania, Alessandro and his family chose Tuscany with their hearts: they were looking for a place away from the most crowded tourist routes, somewhere the agricultural soul was still alive and visible. Trequanda—with its quiet hills and welcoming community—became their home.

For Alessandro, however, this return is more than a professional choice. It represents the fulfillment of a family story that spans several generations: his paternal great-grandfather was a coltivatore diretto, a traditional farmer who lived by and for the land.
Working in agriculture today means embracing that heritage and transforming it into a contemporary project—a circle that comes full turn.

This choice suits him well, also because his interests are naturally multifaceted: he holds a degree in Engineering and has always nurtured a lively curiosity for everything that connects science, the environment, and rural life.

The project began with the restoration of an old farmhouse, carried out with great respect for both the environment and the history of the territory. Today, Il Giuncheto is a plastic-free structure, equipped with rainwater harvesting systems, a plan for energy self-sufficiency through solar panels, and a vision of tourism that is truly sustainable—environmentally and socially.

Olive oil, lavender, and harmony with nature

In recent years, the farm has expanded its agricultural identity by focusing on organic extra virgin olive oil—a courageous choice, perfectly aligned with the slow rhythms of the land.
«The olive tree is our metaphor,» Alessandro explains, «because it requires patience and deep roots. It represents what we want to be: solid, grounded, and deeply connected to the territory.»

The varieties grown follow the specifications of the Terre di Siena DOP – Colline Senesi: Frantoio, Correggiolo, Leccino, and Moraiolo, four cultivars that have expressed the character of Siena’s olive oil for centuries.

Alongside the olive trees, the property includes a small orchard, a vineyard, and a one-hectare lavender field—planted with a touch of boldness and a great deal of passion. In the coming years, the field will also become a sensory pathway for guests, a place to breathe in the fragrance of the plants and pause for a tasting among the olive trees.

Hospitality with a soul

Il Giuncheto is designed as a place where guests should never feel like simple visitors.
The five rooms—each carefully curated—reflect an aesthetic sensibility that blends tradition, comfort, and a strong sense of home.

«Our guests are not clients,» Alessandro says. «They’re people who share a part of our life with us. We want them to feel welcomed, listened to, and cared for.»

At breakfast, every product tells a story: from artisan cold cuts to local honey, and soon, to the farm’s own creations—lavender fragrances and Il Giuncheto’s very own olive oil.

A community that welcomes

As Alessandro speaks, a deep connection with the community of Trequanda emerges.
The territory, he explains, welcomed them warmly, and over time a true relationship of mutual respect and collaboration has taken shape.

«Here, everyone knows each other. From the mayor to the parish priest, to the local police: there’s a real sense of closeness and mutual protection. When you take care of the land, it takes care of you in return.»

Looking to the future, slowly

The future of Il Giuncheto is a constantly evolving project, made of measured steps and shared visions. Alessandro imagines a farm increasingly intertwined with nature, where sustainability is not just an economic choice but a genuine way of life.

«We like to imagine a slow future, one that grows alongside the trees we’ve planted. That’s what Il Giuncheto is: a place where we sow today to reap tomorrow, knowing that every gesture, even the smallest, can make the territory a better place.»