Where Heritage Meets Healing: Palazzo di Varignana Bridges Italy and New York

In a year when the world’s finest Italian extra virgin olive oils gathered in New York City for the prestigious New York International Olive Oil Competition 2025, two extra virgin olive oils Vargnano and Cabianca Organic by Palazzo di Varignana, a luxury wellness resort claimed multiple Gold Awards.

This win marks more than international recognition. It’s a moment that connects Italy’s heritage of craftsmanship with New York’s hunger for authenticity and philosophy of sustainable living

From Bologna’s Hills to New York’s Heart

This fall, Palazzo di Varignana, nestled in the hills outside Bologna, Italy, brought its story to life in Manhattan through a holiday pop-up at Eataly Flatiron — a hotspot for food lovers seeking genuine Italian flavor. The showcase featured the estate’s award-winning extra virgin olive oils, wines, and wellness products, each representing a fusion of sustainable tourism and culinary tradition.

Meanwhile, the brand’s oils and philosophy have found a permanent home at Lucciola, a beloved Upper West Side restaurant led by Chef Michele Casadei Massari. Known for highlighting terroir-driven ingredients, Massari calls Palazzo di Varignana’s extra virgin olive oils “liquid heritage.”

As per Massari, it’s not just about taste, it’s about understanding the land, the hands and the heart behind every drop.

The estate is also collaborating with Susan Abramovic, whose educational masterclasses on longevity and holistic health match Palazzo’s own approach to wellness tourism.

A Living Ecosystem of Wellness and Taste

Built around a beautifully restored 18th-century villa, Palazzo di Varignana spans more than 700 hectares of rolling land including olive groves, vineyards, orchards and herb gardens. It is more of a living ecosystem than a resort.

Each olive oil bottle tells a story. The estate revives ancient Italian olive varieties, cultivates them sustainably, and mills the oils just steps from where the fruit is grown. These same oils then appear in spa treatments, blending taste and touch in a uniquely sensory wellness experience.

The vineyards are equally intentional. Native grape varieties like Albana, Sangiovese, and Pinot Nero grow in amphitheater-shaped fields designed for harmony between nature and production. Even the cellar, which is built partly underground, balances modern technology with quiet contemplation.

These practices have earned Palazzo di Varignana multiple awards, including Condé Nast Awards for Excellence for Best Immersive Experience and Best for Weddings & Celebrations. But the real charm is its authenticity. It’s the grace of a place where nature tells the story.

Why New York Is Listening

In a fast-paced city where wellness trends change overnight, Palazzo di Varignana’s philosophy feels timeless. Today’s American consumers want to know where their food comes from and why it matters.

By merging sustainability with luxury wellness travel, the estate provides exactly that clarity. Winning at the New York Olive Oil Competition wasn’t just about taste; it was about shared values.

“Being honored here means our values travel,” said Eleonora Berardi, Head of Food Division of Palazzo di Varignana. “It proves that sustainable luxury, the kind that heals both people and the planet, belongs in cities like New York as much as it does in Italy.”

The Bridge Between Heritage and Healing

For visitors to Bologna, Palazzo di Varignana represents the future of Italian wellness retreats where food, culture, and sustainability intertwine. For New Yorkers, it’s becoming a bridge: a way to connect with the soul of Italy through flavor, design and mindful living.

As Palazzo di Varignana continues expanding across the Atlantic, it’s redefining what modern luxury travel looks like — less about extravagance, more about essence.