Kalamata- Olive Oil & Wine Tour With Traditional Lunch

The Kalamata Olive Oil & Wine Tour provides a captivating blend of culture, culinary delight, and historical exploration in the picturesque Peloponnese region of Greece. Participants embark on a guided journey, uncovering the secrets of olive oil production, savoring the nuances of local wine varieties, and indulging in a traditional Greek lunch featuring regional specialties. This immersive experience promises to captivate the senses and leave lasting impressions on those seeking a deeper understanding of Kalamata’s rich heritage.

Key Points

• Guided 3-hour tour in Peloponnese, Greece, with visits to a medieval castle, olive groves, an olive oil mill, and a local winery.
• Includes coffee in an ancient olive grove, tastings of olive oil and three wine varieties, and a traditional Greek lunch.
• Explores the history and production of Kalamata olive oil, with guidance from experienced tasters on flavor profiles and health benefits.
• Discovers unique local grape varietals and their flavor profiles during a guided wine tasting at a family-owned winery.
• Indulges in a traditional Greek lunch featuring local specialties, such as smoked pork, sausage, and Kalamata olive tapenade, paired with renowned regional wines.

Tour Overview

The "Kalamata Olive Oil & Wine Tour" is a 3-hour guided experience that showcases the rich agricultural heritage of Greece’s Peloponnese region.

Travelers embark on a small-group tour (maximum 12 participants) to explore a medieval castle, olive groves, an olive oil mill, and a local winery.

The tour includes coffee in an ancient olive grove, tastings of olive oil and at least three wine varieties, as well as a traditional Greek lunch featuring local specialties and desserts.

The experience is highly rated by travelers, with 99 reviews and a 100% recommendation rate.

Exploring Androusa Castle

As guests embark on the Kalamata Olive Oil & Wine Tour, they first visit the medieval Androusa Castle, a captivating landmark that sets the stage for the day’s immersive experiences.

Built in the 13th century, the castle stands tall, its stone walls and turrets evoking a sense of timelessness.

Tour participants explore the castle’s grounds, learning about its rich history and the role it played in the region’s past.

From the castle’s vantage point, guests take in panoramic views of the surrounding olive groves and vineyards, a preview of the delights that await them during the tour.

Discovering the Olive Oil Mill

Where do the tour participants next venture after exploring the historical Androusa Castle?

The group heads to a local olive oil mill to learn about the production and quality of Kalamata olive oil.

At the mill, they:

1. Observe the olive oil extraction process.
2. Taste different varieties of the renowned Kalamata olive oil.
3. Receive guidance from experienced tasters on detecting the oil’s flavor profiles and health benefits.
4. Gain insights into the region’s centuries-old olive-growing traditions and the significance of this culinary staple to the local economy.

After the engaging olive oil workshop, the tour continues to a nearby winery.

Tasting Kalamata Olives and Olive Oil

After exploring the olive oil mill, the tour participants make their way to an ancient olive grove. In the peaceful grove, they are treated to a coffee break while learning about the history and cultivation of Kalamata olives. The group then gathers for an olive oil tasting, guided by an experienced olive oil expert. They compare the flavors, aromas, and textures of different olive oil varieties. The tasting is accompanied by a spread of traditional Greek appetizers, allowing the participants to fully experience the versatility of Kalamata olives and olive oil.

Olive Oil Tasting Notes
Olive Oil Variety	Fruity	Peppery	Bitter	Pungent	Overall
Monovarietal A
Monovarietal B
Blended C
Organic D
Certified PDO E

Visiting the Local Winery

Next, participants make their way to a nearby family-owned winery.

At the winery, they:

1. Explore the vineyards and learn about the local grape varietals and winemaking techniques.

2. Participate in a guided wine tasting, sampling at least three different wines produced on-site.

3. Discover the unique flavor profiles and how the local terroir influences the wine.

4. Receive expert insights from the winemaker on the importance of proper wine storage and food pairing.

The winery visit provides a comprehensive understanding of the region’s proud wine heritage and how it complements the exceptional olive oil.

Indulging in the Traditional Lunch

Following the guided tour of the olive oil mill and winery, participants are treated to a traditional Greek lunch featuring local specialties.

The spread includes fresh garden vegetables, tzatziki, feta and Gruyère cheeses, and Kalamata olive tapenade.

The main course consists of traditional smoked pork and sausage.

For dessert, guests enjoy either halvas or Greek yogurt with fruits.

The meal is served with the region’s renowned wines.

Throughout the dining experience, guests gain insight into the flavors and culinary traditions of the Peloponnese.

The hearty, flavorful lunch completes the immersive olive oil and wine tour.

Highlights of the Experience

The guided small-group tour (maximum 12 participants) is the centerpiece of this immersive olive oil and wine experience.

Highlights include:

1. Visiting the medieval Androusa Castle, olive groves, and an authentic olive oil mill for a behind-the-scenes look at production and quality.

2. Enjoying coffee in an ancient olive grove and participating in a wine tasting workshop featuring at least three local varietals.

3. Indulging in a traditional Greek lunch showcasing regional specialties, including smoked pork, Kalamata olives, and homemade desserts.

4. Gaining insights from experienced tasters during the olive oil and wine pairings.

Practical Information

The tour begins at the Castle of Androusa, located approximately 20 kilometers from the city of Kalamata.

The experience starts promptly at 10:00 am. Transportation is provided from and to the hotel, making it convenient for participants.

The tour is not wheelchair accessible, but strollers and service animals are allowed.

Guests should be aware of the cancellation policy, which offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before the tour.

With an average rating of 5.0 out of 99 reviews, this tour provides exceptional value and an educational experience for travelers of all ages amidst picturesque scenery.

The Sum Up

The Kalamata Olive Oil & Wine Tour offers a comprehensive cultural and culinary experience in the Peloponnese region. Participants explore historical sites, discover the production of olive oil and wine, and savor a traditional Greek lunch featuring local specialties. This tour provides an immersive glimpse into the rich heritage and gastronomy of the area, making it a must-do for those seeking an authentic Greek adventure.