Olive Oil Tasting in Ancient Masseria in Ostuni

If you’re headed to Italy’s sunny Apulia region, a visit to a 16th-century masseria for a guided olive oil tasting offers a fascinating glimpse into the land’s most celebrated product. While I haven’t personally taken this tour, I’ve researched it thoroughly and can tell you it’s a wonderful way to connect with Puglia’s traditions, taste exquisite organic oils, and learn about centuries-old farming techniques.

What makes this experience stand out? First, the chance to walk among monumental olive trees that have weathered more than a few generations. Second, the opportunity to taste four different organic oils with an expert olive oil sommelier, expanding your palate and understanding of quality. And third, visiting an ancient hypogeum olive press carved into the rock—an authentic peek into past methods of pressing olives.

Of course, a potential consideration is the duration of just 1 hour, which might feel brief if you’re eager to explore more. Still, this concise format makes it ideal for travelers seeking a quick, meaningful culinary experience. It suits those who love food, history, and hands-on learning, especially if you want an authentic taste of Puglia’s land and traditions.

Good To Know

• Authentic setting: Explore a 16th-century masseria surrounded by centuries-old olive groves.
• Expert guidance: Learn from a certified olive oil sommelier who’s passionate and knowledgeable.
• Historical intrigue: Visit an ancient hypogeum olive press carved into the rock.
• Tasting mastery: Sample 4 organic extra virgin olive oils, understanding their unique qualities.
• Educational focus: Discover how to select, store, and pair olive oil at home.
• Value for money: Priced at $46, offering a compact yet enriching experience.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Discovering the Masseria and Its Setting

Located near Ostuni in the peaceful countryside, the masseria is a beautifully restored farm that’s over 500 years old. Surrounded by monumental olive trees and set within the Coastal Dunes Regional Park, it offers more than just a tasting—it provides a visceral sense of place. As you approach, the white posts and rocky dirt road set the tone for an authentic experience that feels removed from touristy trappings.

Once inside, the courtyard and historic rooms evoke a sense of timelessness, blending tradition with a commitment to sustainable, organic farming practices. The estate’s focus on respectful harvesting methods—hand-picking younger trees and using gentle mechanical shakers on the older giants—speaks to a dedication to quality that truly shows in the final oils.

The Guided Tour: History and Heritage

Your host begins with a 15-minute tour that walks through the estate, touching on its history and the importance of olive oil in Puglia. One highlight is the hypogeum olive press, a cool, underground chamber carved into the rock, illustrating how farmers pressed olives before modern machinery. Visiting such a piece of history brings a tangible sense of what it took to produce the region’s famed oil.

Walking among centuries-old olive trees, some older than nations, you’ll hear stories about how these giants have been cared for over generations. The estate’s methods—such as careful hand-picking on younger trees and gentle mechanical shaking on the giants—highlight both tradition and sustainability, ensuring the health of the trees and purity of the fruit.

The Tasting Experience: Education and Flavor

Led by Lucia Leone, a certified olive oil sommelier, the 40-minute tasting is less about simply sipping and more about training your palate. Expect to learn how to detect bitterness, spiciness, and fruity aromas, and to distinguish between good and exceptional oils.

Lucia’s enthusiasm is infectious, and her explanations make complex sensory details accessible. Reviewers note that she conveyed her passion beautifully—one even described her as “exceptional.” She educates on how to use olive oil at the table and in cooking, transforming your future meals.

The oils themselves are produced on the estate, and tasting four side-by-side allows you to appreciate the subtle differences created through harvesting techniques and olive varieties. It’s a lesson in quality and nuance that elevates your appreciation of this humble ingredient.

Why This Tour Offers Real Value

At $46, this experience is a cost-effective way to deepen your understanding of Puglia’s agriculture and gastronomy. Unlike larger, less focused tours, this one zeroes in on quality over quantity, offering an intimate look at both the land and the craft.

The inclusion of the ancient underground press adds a layer of historical fascination, and the guided explanation ensures you leave with more than just a few tasting notes—you gain practical knowledge about choosing and using olive oil, which is especially useful when shopping in Italy or at home.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

The Authentic Charm

The entire experience is steeped in authenticity. The setting, the stories, and the oils all reflect a land where tradition still holds sway. Reviewers appreciated the balance of history and tasting, with one mentioning that the focus was more on the oils than on the history, but still calling it enjoyable.

Many found the stunning scenery—olive groves stretching as far as the eye can see—added to the sense of connection. The professional guidance from Lucia and the estate’s dedication to sustainable practices** make this a memorable, meaningful activity.

Practical Details: What You Need to Know

Getting to the masseria is straightforward—directions involve entering an open gate marked “Il Frantoio Azienda Agricola,” following a dirt road with rock walls. The tour lasts about an hour, making it easy to fit into a day of exploring Ostuni or the surrounding area.

Participation is in English, and there’s the option to cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, providing peace of mind. Note that transportation isn’t included, so plan to drive or arrange local transport.

Group sizes tend to be small, making the experience personal and interactive, perfect if you prefer intimate, expert-led tours over large, impersonal groups.

Reviews and Real Experiences

With a 4.7-star rating from 6 reviews, travelers have expressed clear enthusiasm. One traveler from Italy praised Lucia as “exceptional” and recommended the experience to everyone. Another appreciated the “very good explanation” accompanying the tasting, highlighting the educational aspect.

A guest from Australia enjoyed that the farm was beautiful but wished for a longer tour or more focus on history. Overall, reviews reflect a well-balanced experience that combines scenic beauty, expert guidance, and delicious oils.

This olive oil tasting in a historic masseria is perfect for food lovers eager to deepen their understanding of Italy’s culinary traditions. It’s also ideal for culture seekers interested in the land’s history and sustainable farming practices. The experience’s intimate setting and expert guidance make it a great choice for those who appreciate authentic, hands-on learning.

While it’s short, the tour offers lasting value—leaving you with new knowledge, a refined palate, and memories of stunning olive groves. It’s an excellent way to connect with Puglia’s soul, especially if you want a meaningful taste of Italy beyond the usual sights.

Is transportation to the masseria included?
No, transportation is not included. You’ll need to drive yourself or arrange your own transport to reach the estate.

How long does the tour last?
The experience lasts about 1 hour, including the guided tour and tasting.

What is the language of the tour?
The tour is conducted in English, making it accessible for most visitors.

What should I wear?
Comfortable clothes suitable for walking outdoors are recommended, especially since you’ll stroll among olive trees and visit the historic press.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

What makes the oils special?
The oils are organic and produced on-site, with variations based on harvesting techniques and olive varieties, offering a diverse tasting experience.

This guided olive oil experience offers a wonderful blend of history, nature, and flavor. Whether you’re a foodie, history enthusiast, or simply seeking a meaningful activity in Ostuni, it promises a taste of Puglia’s land and traditions that won’t soon be forgotten.

You can check if your dates are available here: