Ostuni: Farm tour among thousand-year-old olive trees with oil tasting

If you’re visiting the stunning region of Apulia and have a penchant for authentic local experiences, the Ostuni farm tour among ancient olive trees promises a fascinating peek into Italy’s olive oil heritage. This 1.5-hour guided excursion is more than just a walk through olive groves—it’s a journey through time, innovation, and flavor that brings Puglia’s tradition of oil making vividly to life.

What makes this tour stand out? Firstly, the chance to wander among millennium-old olive trees, which are silent witnesses to centuries of history. Secondly, the exclusive visits to both an underground cave oil mill—a relic of ancient techniques—and a modern, high-tech oil mill. Lastly, the guided tasting session that helps you truly understand what makes genuine extra virgin olive oil a prized treasure.

However, potential visitors should consider the duration of 1.5 hours, which, while ideal for a quick yet immersive experience, might feel a bit brief for those wanting a more in-depth exploration. The tour is well-suited for those curious about olive oil production, lovers of nature, and anyone interested in authentic regional traditions.

Key Points

• Historical depth: Walk among olive trees over 1,000 years old, connecting you with the roots of Puglia’s agricultural history.
• Unique visits: Experience both ancient cave mills and modern facilities, offering insight into traditional and contemporary methods.
• Tasting focus: An expert-led session to sharpen your palate and understand the nuances of high-quality extra virgin olive oil.
• Authentic setting: The tour is based at Masseria Rienzo, a charming farm that encapsulates the spirit of Puglia’s countryside.
• Educational value: Learn about olive oil’s journey from orchard to table, with insights into both past and present techniques.
• Flexible booking options: Cancel up to 24 hours in advance and reserve without immediate payment, ideal for spontaneous plans.

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Experience: A Closer Look at the Itinerary and Highlights

Starting Point: Masseria Rienzo

Your adventure begins at Masseria Rienzo, a scenic farm that sets the perfect tone for the day. Expect a welcoming atmosphere, with knowledgeable guides ready to share their passion for olive oil and the farm’s history. The location itself is picturesque, surrounded by lush olive groves and traditional stone architecture, giving you a sense of place even before the tour starts.

The Guided Stroll among Ancient Olive Trees

The highlight for many is simply wandering among olive trees over a thousand years old. As one reviewer noted, seeing these “ancient guardians” was especially memorable—perfect for those who love history wrapped up in nature. Your guide will point out the different varieties, share stories about their resilience, and explain how these trees have survived wars, droughts, and countless seasons, making each step a connection to centuries past.

Exploring the Underground Oil Mill

Next, you’ll visit an underground cave oil mill, a feature that adds an element of awe and authenticity. This cave is a relic of traditional oil pressing, likely used for over 2,000 years. Walking through the dimly lit tunnels, you’ll learn how ancient techniques involved crushing olives in stone presses and extracting oil in simple yet effective ways. As one review highlights, this experience offers a rare glimpse into “pressing in a cave used for pressing 2000 years ago,” making it a standout feature for lovers of history and craftsmanship.

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The Modern Oil Mill

After stepping back into the present, the tour continues at a state-of-the-art oil mill. Here, technology and passion combine to produce high-quality extra virgin olive oil. The contrast between the ancient cave and the modern facility underscores how tradition and innovation coexist in Puglia. You’ll see advanced machinery, learn about the latest extraction methods, and understand how quality standards are maintained in current production practices.

The Guided Tasting Session

No olive oil tour would be complete without tasting, and this experience doesn’t disappoint. A trained guide leads a short oil tasting course, helping you identify flavors, aromas, and textures that define premium extra virgin olive oil. Accompanying the tasting are friselline—thin, crispy bread—and water, which cleanse the palate and prepare you for a sensory journey.

Many visitors, including one who described the experience as “interesting and informative,” appreciated how the tasting sharpened their appreciation for quality oil and helped distinguish subtle notes that make each bottle unique.

Additional Considerations

While the tour covers a lot of ground in just 1.5 hours, some visitors might wish for a longer experience, especially those eager to delve even deeper into olive oil production or taste more varieties. The group size is not specified but generally seems manageable, ensuring enough interaction with guides. Pricing offers good value, considering the inclusion of guided tours, visits to both ancient and modern mills, and tasting.

Practical Details and Tips for Travelers

• Duration & Timing: The tour lasts about 1.5 hours, with specific start times available upon booking. Check availability beforehand, especially during peak seasons.
• Language Options: The tour is conducted in English and Italian, so confirm your preferred language while booking.
• Cost & Payment: You can reserve now and pay later, offering flexibility if your plans change. Cancelation is free up to 24 hours in advance.
• Accessibility: While not explicitly mentioned, expect some walking on uneven surfaces and inside caves; comfort with these conditions will enhance your experience.
• What to Bring: Comfortable shoes are recommended, and a camera to capture the scenic olive groves and ancient structures.

Comparing Value and Experience

This tour strikes a nice balance between educational content and sensory engagement. It’s especially suited for those interested in sustainable agriculture, history, and culinary arts. The inclusion of both a cave mill and a modern facility makes it a rundown of olive oil production, from ancient techniques to modern innovations.

For the price, you get not just a walk in the trees but a meaningful story told by passionate guides, combined with tasting authentic, high-quality oil. Many reviewers found it to be “interesting and memorable,” with one noting that the experience was particularly rich for travelers from New Zealand, who appreciated the historic caves and ancient trees.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This experience is ideal for food lovers, history buffs, and nature enthusiasts who want to connect with Puglia’s agricultural roots. It’s a smart choice for curious travelers eager to learn how local traditions continue to thrive today. If you’re keen on tasting genuine extra virgin olive oil while understanding its backstory, this tour will meet your expectations.

It’s also suitable for small groups, couples, or solo travelers looking for a guided, intimate experience. Those with limited mobility should inquire about cave access, but for most, the tour offers a balance of walking and seated tasting.

The Ostuni farm tour among thousand-year-old olive trees delivers a beautifully curated glimpse into Puglia’s olive oil legacy. From walking beneath ancient olive canopies to pressing olives in a cave mill and tasting the final product, this experience combines tradition, technology, and flavor in a way that’s engaging and educational.

For travelers who value authentic regional experiences that tell a story beyond the surface, this tour offers genuine insight into Italy’s olive heritage without feeling rushed. The friendly guides, scenic setting, and memorable tasting make it a worthwhile addition to any Apulian itinerary.

Whether you’re a foodie eager to elevate your olive oil knowledge or a history lover fascinated by ancient practices, this experience provides a meaningful, flavorful, and visually stunning journey through Italy’s olive-growing roots.

Is the tour suitable for children?
While not explicitly stated, the tour involves walking among olive trees and inside caves, which might be suitable for older children comfortable with uneven terrain. It’s best to check with the provider beforehand if you’re traveling with young kids.

How long does the tour take?
The tour lasts approximately 1.5 hours, making it a short but immersive experience perfect for fitting into a day of sightseeing.

Can I cancel the booking?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, giving you flexibility if your plans change.

Are the tours conducted in multiple languages?
Yes, the tours are available in both English and Italian. Be sure to specify your preferred language when booking.

What is included in the price?
Your fee covers the guided tour, visits to both the underground cave mill and the modern oil mill, a guided olive oil tasting, friselline, and water.

Is there any food or drink provided beyond the tasting?
The main consumables are the tastings of extra virgin olive oil, friselline, and water. No additional meals are included, but the focus remains on oil exploration and tasting.

This detailed review aims to give you a clear picture of what to expect from the Ostuni olive oil farm tour. It’s a balanced, authentic experience that combines learning, history, and flavor—perfect for travelers wanting more than just sights, but a taste of Puglia’s heart and soul.

You can check availability for your dates here: