Olive Tour & Tasting

Discover the captivating world of olive oil production in the heart of Greece’s Peloponnese region. At Ben Olive Mill, visitors embark on an immersive tour that blends tradition with modern techniques. From hand-harvesting to bottling, witness the meticulous process that transforms olives into premium extra virgin oils. Indulge in a guided tasting, exploring the diverse flavors and aromas that make this artisanal craft so unique. As you savor local Greek snacks, you’ll deepen your appreciation for the dedication and passion behind every drop.

Key Points

• Immersive, hands-on experience exploring the full olive oil production process at a local mill in Peloponnese, Greece.
• Guided olive oil tasting to appreciate the complex flavors and nuances of premium extra virgin olive oils.
• Opportunity to learn about the region’s olive heritage and dedication to quality through traditional and modern production techniques.
• Private, personalized tour with flexible booking options and broad accessibility for diverse interests.
• Sampling of traditional Greek snacks, including local bread, olives, and cheese, to complement the olive oil experience.

Overview and Experience

Visitors embarking on the Olive Tour & Tasting experience a private, immersive journey into the heart of olive oil production in the Peloponnese region of Greece.

They’ll learn the full process, from olive harvest to bottling, at a local mill. Under the guidance of experts, guests participate in an olive oil tasting, developing their palates to identify the unique flavor profiles.

Traditional Greek snacks, including local bread, olives, and cheese, complement the experience, providing a holistic introduction to Hellenic culinary traditions.

This private tour allows for a personalized, hands-on exploration of the region’s acclaimed olive oil heritage.

Exploring the Olive Mill

Upon arrival at the Ben Olive Mill, guests step into a world where centuries-old traditions converge with modern olive oil production techniques.

They’re guided through the mill, witnessing the meticulous process from harvest to bottling. Visitors learn how olives are hand-picked, washed, and crushed using a traditional stone mill.

The aromatic oil is expertly extracted, filtered, and stored in stainless steel tanks. Throughout the tour, guests gain insights into the region’s rich olive heritage and the dedication required to craft high-quality extra virgin olive oil.

The experience culminates in a guided tasting, allowing visitors to savor the nuanced flavors of this liquid gold.

Olive Oil Production Process

As guests step into the Ben Olive Mill, they witness the meticulous process of olive oil production, a centuries-old tradition that blends centuries-old techniques with modern advancements.

The olives are:

1. Harvested by hand from the mill’s groves, a laborious task that requires care and precision.

2. Washed, sorted, and crushed using state-of-the-art machinery to extract the precious liquid gold.

3. Centrifuged to separate the oil from the water and solids, ensuring a pure, unfiltered product.

4. Bottled and sealed, ready to be savored and shared with the world.

Guided Olive Oil Tasting

Next, the olive oil tasting allows guests to explore the complex flavors of the mill’s premium extra virgin olive oils. A knowledgeable guide leads the tasting, educating visitors on the nuances of olive oil production and sensory evaluation. Attendees will sample several oils, comparing and contrasting their aromas, tastes, and mouthfeel. The tasting is structured to highlight the diversity of flavors, from grassy and peppery to buttery and fruity.

Tasting Notes	Oil A	Oil B	Oil C	Oil D
Aroma	Grassy	Peppery	Fruity	Nutty
Flavor	Peppery	Buttery	Herbal	Mild
Intensity	Medium	Light	Robust	Smooth
Finish	Short	Lingering	Bold	Creamy

The guided tasting provides a memorable sensory experience and a deeper appreciation for the artisanal olive oils produced at the mill.

Traditional Greek Cuisine

While guests savor the nuanced flavors of the mill’s artisanal olive oils, they’re also treated to a taste of traditional Greek cuisine.

The starter course features a local lunch, showcasing the region’s fresh, seasonal ingredients. This is followed by:

1. Traditional bread served with fragrant olive oil and aromatic herbs.
2. A selection of briny Kalamata olives, tangy local cheese, and savory smoked pork.
3. A sampling of homemade bread, peppery oregano, and sweet figs – quintessential Greek snacks.
4. All accompanied by the mill’s own extra virgin olive oil, the heart and soul of the Mediterranean diet.

Accessibility and Participation

The olive tour and tasting experience is accessible to a wide range of guests. The venue and tour are wheelchair and stroller-friendly, allowing everyone to comfortably explore the olive mill.

Most travelers can participate in the activities, from learning about olive oil production to savoring the flavors during the guided tasting. The private nature of the tour ensures a personalized experience tailored to your group’s needs.

Whether you’re a foodie, history buff, or simply looking to learn about Greek culture, this olive experience caters to diverse interests and accessibility requirements.

Pricing and Booking Information

The tour is priced from $56.67 per person, with the exact cost varying based on the size of your group.

Booking is easy and flexible – you can reserve your spot now and pay later. Cancellations are free up to 24 hours before the experience starts, providing peace of mind.

Additionally:

1. Confirmation is received at the time of booking.
2. The tour offers a Lowest Price Guarantee.
3. Travelers can take advantage of the Reserve Now and Pay Later option.
4. With an overall rating of 4.9 out of 5 and 97% traveler recommendation, this is an experience worth booking.

Reviews and Recommendations

29 reviews with an impressive 97% traveler recommendation solidify this olive tour and tasting as a must-do experience.

Visitors rave about the knowledgeable guide who brings the olive oil production process to life. They applaud the opportunity to sample a variety of olive oils and learn to distinguish subtle nuances in flavor.

Guests delight in the traditional Greek snacks, relishing the chance to savor the local cuisine.

With a Badge of Excellence and an overall rating of 4.9, this private olive tour in Peloponnese is a top-rated activity not to be missed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are There Any Discounts Available for Larger Groups?

Yes, the olive mill offers discounted pricing for larger groups. The per-person cost decreases as the group size increases, providing a more affordable experience for those visiting with family or friends.

Can We Customize the Tour to Our Dietary Restrictions?

The tour can be customized to accommodate dietary restrictions. The staff is happy to work with you to ensure the menu and experience aligns with your needs, so you can fully enjoy the olive oil tasting and traditional Greek specialties.

How Long Does the Overall Experience Take?

The overall experience typically takes around 2-3 hours, including the guided tour of the olive mill, the olive oil tasting, and enjoying the traditional Greek snacks. Visitors can expect a comprehensive and immersive exploration of olive oil production and local culinary traditions.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Participants?

There are no age restrictions for this experience. Travelers of all ages can participate, making it suitable for families. The tour is wheelchair and stroller accessible, allowing everyone to enjoy the olive mill visit and tasting.

Can We Purchase Olive Oil and Other Products On-Site?

Yes, visitors can purchase olive oil and other local products on-site during the olive mill tour. The tour includes an opportunity to taste and buy the freshly-pressed olive oil, as well as artisanal goods like olives, cheese, and traditional Greek snacks.

The Sum Up

The olive tour and tasting in the heart of Peloponnese, Greece, offers a captivating immersion into the art of olive oil production. Witness the meticulous process, from hand-harvesting to bottling, while savoring premium extra virgin olive oils and local Greek snacks. This personalized experience provides a deeper appreciation for the artisanal craft, leaving visitors with unforgettable memories of Greece’s rich culinary heritage.