Lecce: Oil Mill Tour & Olive Oil Tasting

Lecce, a picturesque city in Italy’s Puglia region, is home to a rich tradition of olive oil production that dates back centuries. Visitors can now enjoy this captivating culinary journey with the Lecce Oil Mill Tour and Olive Oil Tasting. Led by knowledgeable guides, this 1.5-hour experience offers a rare glimpse into the age-old techniques of olive picking and the meticulous process of crafting premium extra-virgin olive oils. With a hands-on tasting session and insights into the distinct flavors and aromas, this tour promises to tantalize the senses and leave you craving more of Lecce’s gastronomic delights.

Good To Know

Key Points:

• Immersive olive oil experience at Agros oil mill, featuring a 1.5-hour tour with English and Italian guides, and live olive oil production during harvest season.
• Opportunity to learn traditional olive picking techniques, tour the oil mill, and enjoy a tasting session of two premium extra-virgin olive oils.
• Hands-on tasting session with sensory analysis, where guests can identify key characteristics of premium extra-virgin olive oils, including flavors, textures, and aromas.
• Agros oil mill serves as the meeting point, located 4 km from Lecce, with car required for arrival and pickup/drop-off from Lecce available for an additional cost.
• Comfortable shoes, water, and sun protection advised for the tour, with a focus on savoring flavors and learning the nuances of premium extra-virgin olive oils.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Activity Overview

Travelers embark on an immersive olive oil experience, exploring the Agros oil mill just 4 km from the historic city of Lecce.

This 1.5-hour tour offers insights into the world of olive oil, with English and Italian guides leading the way. Accessibility is ensured, as the experience is wheelchair-friendly.

Priced from €30 per person, the tour provides a chance to witness live oil production during the harvest season, October through December.

Visitors can learn olive picking techniques, tour the mill, and savor a tasting session featuring two premium extra-virgin olive oils, all while enjoying the opportunity to cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Tour Highlights

The tour begins with a visit to the recent olive groves, where visitors learn the time-honored techniques of olive picking.

After this, they embark on a guided tour of the oil mill, delving into the intricate world of old and modern machinery. Guests gain insights into the entire olive oil production process, from storage to bottling.

The highlight comes during the harvest season (October-December), when visitors witness the live olive oil production.

The tour culminates in a tasting session, where two premium extra-virgin olive oils are savored, allowing participants to identify their key characteristics through sensory and organoleptic analysis.

Tasting Experience

At the tasting session, participants indulge in a hands-on experience with bread and blue glasses.

They learn to identify key characteristics of the premium extra-virgin olive oils through sensory and organoleptic elements.

The tasting unlocks a world of flavors, textures, and aromas, allowing visitors to:

• Detect subtle notes of fruit, herbs, or spices
• Discern the oil’s intensity, from delicate to robust
• Appreciate the harmony of bitterness and pungency
• Savor the lingering finish that distinguishes high-quality oils
• Expand their palate and develop a deeper understanding of olive oil complexity.

This immersive tasting adventure heightens the senses and leaves participants with a newfound appreciation for the craftsmanship and diversity of Lecce’s celebrated olive oil.

Transportation and Meeting Point

The Agros oil mill, located just 4 km from the charming city of Lecce, serves as the meeting point for this immersive olive oil experience. Visitors will need to arrive by car, as transportation to and from Lecce town is available upon request for an additional cost. Upon arrival, the meeting point is the shop on the right side of the main building, where you will begin their guided tour.

Transportation	Meeting Point
Car required	Shop on the right side of the main building
Pickup/drop-off from Lecce town available	–
Additional costs apply	–

Comfortable shoes are recommended for the walking involved in the tour, and guests should come prepared with water and sun protection during the warmer months.

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Preparation and Important Information

Comfort and preparedness are essential for an engaging olive oil tour. Wear comfortable shoes suitable for walking, as the tour involves exploring the olive groves and oil mill.

Bring a water bottle to stay hydrated, and a hat during the summer months to protect against the sun. Smoking isn’t permitted on the premises.

• Comfortable shoes
• Water bottle
• Hat (summer months)
• No smoking
• Avoid loose, flowy clothing that could get caught in machinery

The olive oil tasting experience is an immersive sensory adventure.

Be ready to engage your senses, savor the flavors, and learn the nuances that distinguish premium extra-virgin olive oils.

Olive Picking Techniques

Visitors on the olive oil tour are welcomed into the recent olive groves, where they’ll learn the age-old techniques of olive picking.

Skilled local experts demonstrate how to gently pluck the dark, glossy olives from the branches, taking care not to damage the delicate fruit or the tree itself. Guests participate hands-on, feeling the weight of the olives and the texture of the leaves.

They’ll discover the importance of timing the harvest, ensuring the olives are at their optimal ripeness. This interactive experience provides an authentic glimpse into the laborious yet rewarding process that yields the liquid gold at the heart of the region’s culinary traditions.

Olive Oil Production Processes

After learning about the traditional olive picking techniques, guests are ushered into the heart of the oil mill.

They’ll witness the meticulous olive oil production process, from old-world machinery to modern bottling. The guided tour showcases the mill’s inner workings, revealing:

• The careful crushing and pressing of olives
• Temperature-controlled storage vaults
• State-of-the-art filtration systems
• Efficient bottling and packaging procedures
• Rigorous quality control measures

Throughout the journey, visitors gain valuable insights into the art of olive oil making, appreciating the care and craftsmanship behind each bottle.

This immersive experience culminates in a tasting session, where guests savor the nuanced flavors of the mill’s premium extra virgin olive oils.

Premium Extra-Virgin Olive Oils

Though the oil mill tour has captivated guests with its behind-the-scenes insights, the true highlight awaits in the tasting room. Here, visitors embark on a sensory journey, guided by expert sommeliers who unveil the nuances of premium extra-virgin olive oils. The tasting experience is an intimate affair, with guests savoring the oils’ distinct flavors, aromas, and textures through a meticulously curated lineup.

Characteristic	Delicate	Medium	Robust
Aroma	Subtle, grassy	Herbaceous, peppery	Intense, pungent
Flavor	Smooth, buttery	Peppery, nutty	Earthy, artichoke
Texture	Light, silky	Medium, velvety	Thick, viscous
Bitterness	Mild	Moderate	Pronounced
Pungency	Gentle	Lively	Powerful

This tasting expedition offers a deeply immersive, adventurous journey into the world of premium extra-virgin olive oils, leaving guests with a newfound appreciation for this liquid gold.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Purchase Olive Oil at the End of the Tour?

Visitors can cap off their olive oil tasting experience by purchasing premium extra-virgin olive oils from the mill’s shop. From locally sourced to signature blends, there’s a wide selection to choose from and take home as souvenirs.

Is There Any Photographic Equipment Allowed During the Tour?

Yes, guests are welcome to bring cameras and capture their olive oil tasting experience. The tour guides encourage photo-taking to document the fascinating process of olive oil production at the Agros oil mill.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for Participating in the Tour?

The tour welcomes visitors of all ages, offering a delightful olive oil experience for the whole family. Children are encouraged to participate, providing they’re accompanied by a responsible adult throughout the engaging, educational journey.

Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?

Sure, for those seeking a longer experience, the tour can be extended up to 2.5 hours. You’ll dive deeper into olive oil production, savor more premium oils, and gain even greater appreciation for this liquid gold.

Can I Sample More Than Two Olive Oils During the Tasting?

Yes, you can sample more than two olive oils during the tasting. The experience includes a guided tasting session where you’ll get to explore the unique flavors and characteristics of several premium extra-virgin olive oils.

The Sum Up

Enjoy the rich history and traditions of olive oil production at the Lecce Oil Mill Tour and Olive Oil Tasting. Discover the age-old techniques of olive picking and the meticulous process that crafts premium extra-virgin oils. Savor the distinct flavors and aromas in a hands-on tasting, and embark on a memorable culinary adventure.

You can check if your dates are available here: