Nestled in the hills of Umbria, our estate is more than an olive grove. It is a place of history, centred around the 12th-century Sanctuary of Madonna di San Gregorio, a landmark that has long served as a place of faith, healing and community. Its restoration, along with the preservation of the surrounding landscape, is at the heart of everything we do.
Our vision is to breathe new life into this historic estate through regenerative farming practices that work in harmony with nature. By nurturing healthy soil, encouraging biodiversity and carefully tending every tree, we produce extra virgin olive oil of exceptional quality while protecting the land for future generations.
The Story
Every olive is handpicked and first cold pressed to preserve its remarkable flavour, freshness and naturally high polyphenol content. From the grove to the bottle, every decision is guided by craftsmanship, patience and an unwavering commitment to quality.
As the estate continues to grow, our vision extends beyond olive oil. We are restoring forgotten olive groves, reintroducing traditional farming methods alongside modern innovation, cultivating medicinal herbs and saffron, and integrating carefully managed livestock to create a truly regenerative ecosystem where the land, animals and people thrive together.
For us, sustainability is not a trend. It is a return to the way agriculture was always meant to be: thoughtful, balanced and deeply connected to the landscape.
San Gregorio is our promise to honour the past while cultivating a regenerative future, sharing the authentic taste and timeless traditions of Umbria with every bottle we produce.
The Olives
At the heart of the San Gregorio estate stands the Sanctuary of Madonna di San Gregorio, a beautiful stone church nestled among the rolling olive groves of Umbria. Dating back to the 12th century, the sanctuary is believed to have been built by Benedictine monks and has remained a cherished landmark for generations.
Over the centuries, the church has served not only as a place of worship but also as a refuge during times of hardship, offering comfort to both body and spirit. Inside, chapels dedicated to Saint Crispoltus, the patron saint of Bettona, and Saint Gregory the Great reflect the rich spiritual heritage of the region.
Local tradition tells of a miraculous fresco of the Virgin Mary that transformed the sanctuary into a place of pilgrimage, inspiring centuries of devotion. Even today, the church remains a symbol of faith, resilience and community, lovingly preserved by those who recognize its importance.
Surrounded by ancient olive trees that have flourished on these hillsides for generations, the sanctuary stands as a reminder that exceptional olive oil begins with a deep respect for the land, its history and the traditions that continue to shape it.
For us, San Gregorio is more than an olive grove. It is a place where centuries of history, faith, craftsmanship and the timeless rhythms of the Umbrian countryside come together in every bottle of olive oil.
The Church
Behind The Estate-
Dave & Anna DeVries
Sometimes a place finds you before you ever go looking for it.
For Dave and Anna DeVries, the story of San Gregorio began with a visit to friends in Umbria—and a connection to the land that was impossible to ignore.
Not long after returning home, they learned of an estate near Bettona: 45 acres, approximately 1,200 olive trees, and an old church waiting to be cared for once again.
With Anna’s background in homeopathic medicine and Dave’s experience in organic and regenerative agriculture, the connection felt natural. What began as a love for Umbria became something deeper—a commitment to the land, its olive trees, and the traditions surrounding them.
Today, Dave and Anna are the stewards of the San Gregorio estate, honouring what was already there while writing the next chapter of its story.
Because some places aren’t simply acquired.
Behind the Scenes-
Meet Jay & Angela MacPherson
Jay and Angela MacPherson are the people behind Taste of Umbria Limited, the exclusive Canadian distributor of San Gregorio extra-virgin olive oil.
Their connection to San Gregorio began with their friendship with Dave and Anna DeVries, stewards of the San Gregorio estate in Umbria and the people behind San Gregorio extra-virgin olive oil.
Through that friendship, they fell in love with the estate, its story, and, of course, the incredible olive oil produced there.
Today, they’re proud to share San Gregorio with Canada while staying true to the people and place behind it.
Rooted in Umbria. Proudly shared with Canada.