If you’re exploring Athens and want to add a tasty, educational twist to your trip, the Athens Olive Oil Tasting experience is a fantastic choice. While we haven’t personally tried it, reviews highlight its engaging format, knowledgeable guides, and the chance to sample some of the world’s most exclusive extra virgin olive oils.

What we love about this tour is its focus on quality over quantity—you’ll taste a curated selection of over 200 award-winning EVOOs, learn about their origins, and develop a better understanding of what makes Greek olive oils so revered. Plus, the opportunity to bring home your favorite bottle makes this more than just a tasting; it’s a memorable souvenir.

One potential drawback? The 40-minute duration is short, so if you’re a dedicated olive oil aficionado or looking for a full afternoon activity, you might want to pair this with other Athens adventures. But for those curious about Greek cuisine, or just seeking a relaxed way to deepen their appreciation for local products, this experience hits the sweet spot.

This tour is ideal for travelers who value authentic tastes, enjoy learning from experts, and want a manageable, intimate experience in the city’s elegant Kolonaki district.

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Key Points

Exclusive Selection: Over 200 award-winning extra virgin olive oils from around the globe.
Educational & Tasty: Gain insights into Greek olive oil history and production while sampling.
Gourmet Local Products: Explore a variety of local delicacies, fine wines, and spirits.
Personalized Guidance: Receive expert advice on your flavor preferences and shopping tips.
Ideal Duration: About 40 minutes, perfect for a quick, enriching experience.
Small Group: Limited to 6 participants for a more personal and engaging session.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Exploring the Athens Olive Oil Tasting Experience

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Location and Getting There

Set in the sophisticated Kolonaki district, Maison d’ Olive offers an elegant backdrop for your tasting. Its proximity to major landmarks like Lycabettus Hill, Syntagma Square, and nearby metro stations makes it easily reachable on foot or public transport. You’ll find it just a short 300-400 meter walk from key spots like Syntagma Square and the Evangelismos Metro station, making it easy to fit into a day of sightseeing.

What Makes Maison d’ Olive Special

This isn’t just any olive oil shop. It’s claimed to be the world’s largest exclusive collection of EVOOs, featuring oils that have earned awards at international competitions. The focus on quality and variety means you’ll encounter flavors from different regions, each with their own unique profiles—think fruity, peppery, or grassy notes. Visitors appreciate the professional staff who are dedicated to sharing their knowledge and helping you find a bottle that matches your palate.

The Itinerary Breakdown

Starting Point: Maison d’ Olive, where the tasting begins with a warm welcome from the expert olive oil sommelier. Expect a personalized setup with four different EVOOs poured and ready for tasting.

Tasting of Four Award-Winning EVOOs: You’ll sample oils from around the world, each with distinct characteristics. Reviewers like Daniela praise the informative guidance, stating, “We learnt a lot about different olive oils and enjoyed tasting a variety of flavors.” The staff’s expertise helps you distinguish subtle differences, which elevates the experience beyond just drinking oil.

Food Pairing & Local Products: Alongside the oils, you’ll encounter an array of local products such as fine wines, spirits, and perhaps some artisanal cosmetics or gifts. The guide will offer food pairing advice—a helpful touch if you want to understand how different oils complement cheeses, breads, or traditional Greek dishes.

Personal Shopping Guidance: After the tasting, you’re encouraged to select your favorite bottle to take home. Many reviews mention the helpful guidance in choosing the right product and tips on how to store or use your new favorite olive oil.

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What Travelers Say

Reviewers consistently mention the knowledgeable guides and the quality of the oils. Denice notes, “We left with a ton of goodies and even the option to have products shipped, which is great if you don’t want to carry bottles around.” Robert adds, “Learning about the varieties and regions made me appreciate olive oils much more,” emphasizing how the experience deepens one’s understanding of Greek cuisine.

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The Practicalities

Duration: Around 40 minutes, which makes it a quick but impactful addition to your sightseeing schedule.
Group Size: Limited to 6, ensuring personalized attention and a relaxed atmosphere.
Cost & Value: While the exact price isn’t specified here, the inclusion of four oils, expert guidance, local products, and personal shopping tips offers good value for those interested in gourmet food and authentic tastes.
Accessibility: Not suitable for wheelchair users, but the walk from nearby metro stations is straightforward.

Nearby Attractions to Complement Your Visit

Mount Lycabettus: Climb or take the funicular for panoramic city views—just a 10-minute walk or short ride.
Kolonaki Square & Boutique Shopping: Enjoy cafés, designer shops, and stylish Athenian life just minutes away.
Benaki Museum & Cycladic Art: Dive into Greek culture and art, both within a 7-minute walk.
National Garden and Zappeion: A peaceful green escape perfect for a post-tasting stroll.
Panathenaic Stadium: The marble stadium where the first modern Olympics took place—about 15 minutes away.
Syntagma Square & Changing of the Guard: Witness this iconic ceremony, just around the corner.

Why This Experience Is Worth It

This tasting tour offers a balanced combination of education and indulgence. It’s perfect if you want to deepen your appreciation for Greek products without spending hours on a tour. The small group size ensures personal interaction, and the expert guidance helps you truly understand what makes Greek olive oils special.

If you’re a lover of fine food, a curious traveler wanting to learn about local gastronomy, or simply someone who enjoys tasting high-quality products, this experience will meet your expectations. Plus, the chance to sample oils from different countries broadens your palate and enhances your culinary knowledge.

While the duration is short, the quality of the selection and the expertise involved make this a worthwhile stop on your Athens itinerary. It’s especially valuable for those who want a taste of Greece’s culinary craftsmanship in an accessible, relaxed setting.

FAQs About the Athens Olive Oil Tasting

Is the tour suitable for beginners?
Absolutely. The session is designed to be educational and enjoyable for all levels, whether you’re new to olive oils or a seasoned connoisseur.

How long does the tasting last?
The experience lasts approximately 40 minutes, making it a perfect quick activity that doesn’t take up your whole day.

Are there any dietary restrictions to consider?
While specific dietary info isn’t provided, the focus on olive oils and local products suggests a vegetarian-friendly experience. For special dietary needs, it’s best to contact the provider directly.

Can I buy bottles to take home?
Yes. You’ll receive personalized shopping guidance and can select your favorite oils or local products to purchase and bring home.

Is transportation included?
Transportation to and from Maison d’ Olive is not included, but the location is easy to reach on foot from central Athens’ metro stations.

What languages are the guides available in?
Guides speak both English and Greek, ensuring clear explanations and a friendly atmosphere.

Is this experience suitable for kids or children?
Since it involves tasting and a somewhat adult-oriented environment, it’s best for travelers aged 12 and above. Check with the provider for specific age restrictions.

Final Thoughts

The Athens Olive Oil Tasting experience offers an excellent blend of sensory delight and educational insight. Its carefully curated selection of over 200 oils, combined with expert guidance, makes it a standout for those who genuinely want to understand Greece’s culinary treasures.

It’s perfect for travelers who appreciate quality products, enjoy learning about local traditions, and prefer intimate, small-group settings. Whether you’re a foodie, a gift seeker, or simply curious about Greek culture, this tour provides a meaningful taste of Athens’ gourmet scene.

While brief, the experience packs in a lot of value—an ideal stop that complements your sightseeing with a flavor-filled pause. With its friendly guides, premium oils, and the chance to discover new favorites, this tasting will leave you with a new appreciation for Greece’s olive oil craftsmanship—and perhaps a bottle or two to share with friends back home.