Olive oil lovers won’t want to miss the chance to explore Ostuni’s rich olive oil heritage on the Olive Oil Tasting Tour. This 1-hour guided experience at Masseria Valente takes visitors through an ancient olive grove and historic oil mill, culminating in a tasting of three locally-produced olive oils. With insights into the region’s agricultural traditions, the tour offers a unique cultural journey that’s sure to delight. At just $48.96 per person, it’s an opportunity to discover the flavors that have defined this part of Italy for generations.
Key Points
- Masseria Valente in Ostuni offers a 1-hour guided olive oil tasting tour for $48.96 per person, available in English and Italian.
- The tour includes exploring thousand-year-old olive trees, visiting a historic oil mill, and tasting three locally produced olive oils.
- The tour provides educational insights into the evolution of the countryside and olive oil production in Ostuni, along with cultural appreciation.
- The tour has an overall rating of 4.3 out of 5 based on 141 reviews, with positive feedback on the guide’s expertise and engagement.
- The tour offers flexible booking options, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Tour Overview
The Olive Oil Tasting Tour in Ostuni offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore the rich history and traditions of olive oil production in the region.
Located at Masseria Valente, the tour lasts an hour and costs $48.96 per person. Available in English and Italian, it features a guided exploration of thousand-year-old olive trees, a visit to an ancient oil mill, and tastings of three locally produced olive oils.
Participants can take advantage of the tour’s flexible cancellation policy, which allows for a full refund up to 24 hours in advance.
Looking for more options in Ostuni? We've reviewed plenty of other experiences.
Highlights of the Experience
Visitors can explore thousand-year-old olive trees believed to have been planted by veterans of the Punic Wars over 2000 years ago.
They’ll visit an ancient oil mill built in 1846 that operated until the 1960s.
The tour includes tasting three types of olive oil produced on the farm. Guests will learn about the evolution of the countryside and the process of making extra virgin olive oil from the knowledgeable guide.
The experience offers a unique chance to appreciate the rich history and traditions of olive oil production in the Ostuni region.
Itinerary
The tour begins at the Masseria Valente in Ostuni, where participants arrive 15 minutes before the activity starts. The guided tour includes the following:
| Activity | Location | Duration |
| — | — | — |
| Guided Tour | Olive Grove | 1 hour |
| Photo Stops | Countryside | As Needed |
| Food Tasting | Masseria Valente | 30 minutes |
After exploring the ancient olive trees and learning about the olive oil production process, the tour concludes back at the Masseria Valente. The total duration of the experience is approximately 1.5 hours.
Customer Reviews
Customers have consistently praised the quality of the olive oil tasting tour, with an overall rating of 4.3 out of 5 based on 141 reviews.
The olive oil tasting tour has consistently received high ratings, with an overall score of 4.3 out of 5 based on 141 reviews.
The guide, Angela, received a 4.4 rating for her expertise and engaging presentation. Reviewers found the tour "excellent and interesting," appreciating the guide’s "humor and knowledge."
One guest from the USA recommended extending the visit with appetizers and wine, while a reviewer from Switzerland praised the guide’s explanations about olive oil differences.
The value for money rating of 3.6 out of 5 indicates the tour offers good but not exceptional value.
More Great Tours NearbyBooking Information
Booking the olive oil tasting tour in Ostuni is flexible, as visitors have the option to reserve now and pay later. This keeps travel plans adaptable.
Before booking, guests should check availability to confirm starting times and secure their spot.
The cancellation policy allows for free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, providing peace of mind.
With straightforward booking and flexible terms, travelers can easily experience the highlights of the olive oil tour at Masseria Valente in Ostuni.
Exploring the Ancient Olive Grove
As visitors step into the ancient olive grove at Masseria Valente, they’re immediately transported back in time. The thousand-year-old trees, believed to be planted by veterans of the Punic Wars, tower overhead.
The guide leads the group through the tranquil orchard, pointing out:
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The gnarled, twisted trunks of the olive trees.
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The silver-green leaves shimmering in the gentle breeze.
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The centuries-old stone walls surrounding the grove.
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The historic oil mill, operational until the 1960s.
Guests gain a deeper appreciation for the land’s rich history and the painstaking process of crafting premium olive oil.
Inside the Historic Oil Mill
After exploring the ancient olive grove, the tour moves inside the historic oil mill, where guests are greeted by the rustic charm of its stone walls and worn wooden beams.
Here, they learn about the mill’s storied past, operational from 1846 until the 1960s. The guide explains the intricate process of olive oil production, from harvesting to pressing.
Visitors are invited to see the original machinery and learn how it was used to extract the precious liquid gold. This hands-on experience offers a glimpse into the region’s rich agricultural heritage and the traditional methods that have endured for generations.
Tasting the Different Olive Oils
Having explored the historic oil mill, visitors now turn their attention to the main event – tasting the different olive oils produced on the farm.
The guided tasting features four carefully selected varieties:
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A fruity, peppery extra virgin olive oil made from olives harvested early in the season.
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A balanced, full-bodied oil from mid-season olives.
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A delicate, buttery oil pressed from late-harvest olives.
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An infused oil blended with local herbs and spices.
Visitors learn to identify the unique flavor profiles and appreciate the nuances between each oil, gaining a deeper understanding of Puglia’s acclaimed olive oil heritage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Join the Tour With a Group?
Yes, the tour allows visitors to join as a group. The tour’s description indicates it’s open to individual travelers as well as groups, providing a shared olive oil tasting experience in Ostuni.
Are There Any Dietary Restrictions for the Tasting?
The tour does not mention any specific dietary restrictions for the olive oil tasting. Guests can likely participate regardless of their dietary needs, as olive oil is generally suitable for most diets. It’s best to check with the tour operator if you have any concerns.
Can I Purchase Olive Oil at the End of the Tour?
Yes, visitors can purchase olive oil at the end of the tour. The tour includes tastings of three types of olive oil produced on the farm, and participants have the opportunity to buy bottles of their favorite oils.
What Should I Wear for the Outdoor Activities?
For the outdoor activities, visitors should wear comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing and closed-toe shoes. Dressing in layers is recommended, as the temperature may fluctuate throughout the tour.
Is the Tour Suitable for Children?
The tour is suitable for children, though they may find parts of the experience, like the olive oil tasting, less engaging. Parents should consider their child’s interests and attention span when deciding if the tour is a good fit.
The Sum Up
The Ostuni Olive Oil Tasting Tour at Masseria Valente offers a unique cultural experience. Visitors can explore the ancient olive grove, learn about the region’s olive oil heritage, and sample locally produced olive oils. With its engaging tour and affordable price, it’s an ideal opportunity to take in the traditions of Ostuni’s olive oil production.
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