Private Provence Olive Oil + Wine Tasting & Vinaigrette Workshop

Experience the essence of Provençal culinary traditions through a private olive oil and wine tasting workshop. Explore the rich heritage of olive oil production, then craft your own custom-blended souvenir. Pair the oils with local charcuterie, olives, and regional wines as you learn the art of vinaigrette making. This immersive experience promises an unforgettable taste of the Provence countryside. What secrets will you uncover?

Key Points

• Immersive private tasting experience exploring the history, culture, and unique flavors of Provence olive oils.
• Guided olive oil tasting to discern different varieties and learn about the impact of terroir and processing.
• Hands-on blending and bottling of a personalized olive oil souvenir to take home.
• Sampling of local charcuterie, olives, and tapenade paired with regional wines.
• Held at a private olive estate in Ménerbes, France, with expert olive oil connoisseur guidance.

Experience Overview

Visitors can enjoy the history and culture of Provence olive oil at this private tasting workshop.

They’ll learn to discern the flavors and optimal food pairings through a guided olive oil tasting. Attendees will also prepare 200 ml of custom-blended olive oil as a souvenir.

Visitors will learn to identify flavors and pairings through an olive oil tasting, blending their own 200 ml souvenir.

The experience includes sampling local charcuterie, olives, and tapenade paired with regional wines. A fresh salad with French vinaigrette, cheeses, and a charcuterie board are featured on the tasting menu.

The workshop takes place at a private olive estate in the charming village of Ménerbes.

Taking in Olive Oil History and Culture

At this private olive oil workshop, guests embark on a journey through the rich history and cultural significance of Provence’s olive oil production.

They learn about:

• The ancient Roman and Greek influences that shaped Provence’s olive oil traditions

• The adaptive techniques used by local producers to maintain quality in challenging climates

• The unique flavor profiles of Provençal olive oils, which vary by region and cultivar

• The strict certification system that ensures the highest standards of authenticity and purity

• The versatility of olive oil in French cuisine, from cooking to dressings and dips

Guided Olive Oil-Tasting Workshop

As the centerpiece of the experience, the guided olive oil-tasting workshop allows participants to discern the unique flavors and nuances of Provence’s prized olive oils.

Under the expert guidance of the estate’s olive oil connoisseur, guests will learn to distinguish between the different varieties and understand how factors like terroir, processing, and blend impact the oil’s taste profile.

Under the expert guidance of the estate’s olive oil connoisseur, guests will learn to distinguish between different varieties and understand how factors impact the oil’s taste.

Participants will have the opportunity to sample a selection of olive oils, noting aromas, textures, and aftertastes, and exploring optimal food pairings.

This interactive session equips guests with newfound appreciation for the art of olive oil tasting.

Preparing a Custom-Blended Olive Oil Souvenir

After the guided olive oil tasting, participants have the opportunity to blend and bottle their own personalized olive oil souvenir.

They select from a variety of local olive oils, experimenting with different flavor profiles to create a unique 200ml bottle.

The process includes:

• Choosing the base olive oil

• Deciding on added herbs or spices

• Blending the ingredients to achieve the desired taste

• Bottling the custom-blended oil

• Applying a custom label to the bottle

This hands-on experience allows guests to bring home a piece of Provence in the form of their own artisanal olive oil.

Feasting on Local Charcuterie, Olives, and Tapenade

Guests indulge in a feast of local charcuterie, olives, and tapenade that are expertly paired with a selection of regional wines.

The fresh salad comes dressed in a homemade French vinaigrette, complementing the array of local cheeses and bread.

The fresh salad comes dressed in a homemade French vinaigrette, perfectly complementing the array of local cheeses and bread.

The regional charcuterie board features an assortment of cured meats, further enhancing the flavors.

Tapenade, a savory olive paste, is served alongside the olives, providing a salty and umami-rich contrast.

Throughout the tasting, guests sample the wines, learning how the flavors interplay with the various dishes and local ingredients.

Sampling the Delectable Menu

The delectable menu features an array of tantalizing local delicacies.

Feast on a fresh salad dressed in a homemade French vinaigrette, savor a selection of regional cheeses and crusty bread, and indulge in a charcuterie board brimming with artisanal cured meats.

Complement these flavors with the rich, velvety texture of olive tapenade and briny Provençal olives.

Pair these delights with a tasting of the estate’s finest wines, expertly chosen to accentuate the depth and complexity of the food.

This curated menu offers a truly immersive experience in the flavors of Provence.

• Fresh salad with French vinaigrette

• Local cheeses and bread

• Regional charcuterie board

• Tapenade and olives

• Wine tasting

Meeting and Logistics

To begin, the meeting point for this private Provence olive oil and wine tasting workshop is Domaine de La Citadelle, located at 601 Route de Cavaillon, 84560 Ménerbes, France.

The activity will end back at the same meeting point. The start time is 9:30 am, and this is a private experience, with only your group participating.

Confirmation is received within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability. Infants must sit on laps, and the activity isn’t wheelchair accessible.

Dogs and children aren’t allowed due to the setting and safety reasons. Free cancellation is available up to 2 days in advance.

Pricing and Reviews

This private Provence olive oil and wine tasting workshop is priced from $269.00 per person.

According to reviews, the experience has a 5.0 rating based on feedback from Viator and Tripadvisor.

Highlights include:

• Engaging and informative workshop

• High-quality instruction on olive oil tasting and pairings

• Opportunity to create a custom-blended olive oil souvenir

• Feast on local charcuterie, olives, and tapenade paired with wine

• Free cancellation up to 2 days in advance

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Container for the Olive Oil?

While participants are provided a 200 ml container for the custom-blended olive oil, bringing your own container is generally allowed. It’s best to check with the olive estate beforehand to confirm their policies on bringing personal containers.

Is There a Vegetarian/Vegan Option for the Food Menu?

The experience offers a vegetarian/vegan option for the food menu. Guests can enjoy a fresh salad with French vinaigrette, local cheeses and bread, and tapenade and olives, catering to dietary preferences.

Is the Activity Suitable for People With Dietary Restrictions?

The activity can accommodate some dietary restrictions. Guests with vegetarian or vegan needs can be catered for, though it’s best to check in advance. Those with other dietary needs should inquire to see if the experience can be tailored to their requirements.

Can I Take Photos/Videos During the Olive Oil Tasting?

The experience allows participants to take photos and videos during the olive oil tasting. However, it’s important to be respectful and not disrupt the guided workshop or other guests. Check with the instructor for any specific guidelines.

Is There a Minimum/Maximum Group Size for This Activity?

The activity is a private tour, so the group size is tailored to your party. There’s no stated minimum or maximum, allowing for flexibility to accommodate your preferred group size.