Discover the secrets behind the production of premium extra virgin olive oil and fine wines in the heart of Spain’s renowned Montilla-Moriles region. This guided tour offers an exclusive peek into the family-run olive oil mill and renowned Alvear Wineries, where you’ll uncover the intricate processes that transform humble olives and grapes into culinary and oenological delights. From the olive grove to the tasting room, this immersive experience promises to tantalize your senses and leave you with a newfound appreciation for the art of crafting exceptional olive oil and wine. Prepare to embark on a journey that will…
Key Points
- Guided tour of a family-run olive oil mill in Sierra de Montilla, showcasing the entire olive oil production process from cultivation to extraction.
- Exclusive visit to the renowned Alvear Wineries, providing an in-depth exploration of the Montilla-Moriles region’s winemaking traditions and the Pedro Ximénez grape variety.
- Opportunity to taste two distinct varieties of premium extra virgin olive oil and three wines from the Montilla-Moriles appellation.
- Live guides available in Spanish and English to enhance the educational experience and provide insights into the olive oil and wine heritage.
- Seamless experience with skip-the-line access and transportation to and from the activity included in the tour package.
Tour Overview and Pricing
The guided tour of the olive mill and winery is priced at €999.00 per person, with a duration of 3 hours.
Guests can take advantage of free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. There’s also a reserve now and pay later option available.
The tour provides a guided exploration of the olive mill and winery, allowing visitors to discover the secrets of olive oil production and the local winemaking process.
Participants will skip the ticket line and have a live tour guide available in both Spanish and English, ensuring an insightful and engaging experience.
Olive Oil Production Tour
Visitors discover the secrets of olive oil production as they explore the family-run olive oil mill nestled in the Sierra de Montilla region. Here, they’ll learn about the entire journey – from cultivating and planting olive trees to the final harvesting and extraction processes.
The tour guides them through the olive grove, explaining the intricacies of olive growth, pruning, flowering, and harvesting. Inside the mill, they’ll witness the evolution of olive oil production, from ancient Roman techniques to modern 21st-century methods.
The highlight is tasting two distinct varieties of the mill’s premium extra virgin olive oil, allowing guests to truly appreciate the quality and naturalness of this liquid gold.
Winery Tour
Alongside the olive oil tour, the guided experience includes a visit to the renowned Alvear Wineries, where guests can explore the intricacies of the local D.O Montilla-Moriles breeding system, known as criaderas and soleras.
Visitors will explore the fermentation room and the largest aging cellar, ‘La Monumental,’ while gaining an understanding of the region’s climate, landscape, and the unique Pedro Ximénez grape variety.
The tour culminates in a tasting of three distinct wines – a Young Wine, a Fine CB, and a PX 1927 – allowing guests to appreciate the nuances and complexities of the local winemaking traditions.
Experience Highlights
Live tour guides available in Spanish and English let visitors skip the ticket line and gain insight into the traditional methods that ensure the quality and naturalness of the olive oil.
The tour provides an in-depth look at the olive oil production process, from the olive grove to the family-run mill.
Guests learn about the cultivation, harvesting, and extraction techniques that have been passed down through generations. They’ve the opportunity to taste two varieties of the estate’s renowned extra virgin olive oil.
This unique experience offers a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the time-honored traditions that define the region’s olive oil heritage.
Inclusions and Exclusions
The tour includes a guided visit to the olive grove, a tour of the family-owned olive mill, and tastings of two varieties of the estate’s extra virgin olive oil.
Transportation to and from the activity is also provided. However, the tour doesn’t include meals or additional drinks. It’s also not suitable for people with mobility impairments.
The guided tour is available in both Spanish and English, allowing visitors to fully enjoy the experience.
Olive Grove and Mill Exploration
What can visitors expect during the olive grove and mill exploration portion of the tour?
They’ll have the chance to discover the secrets behind olive oil production, from the cultivation and harvesting of olives to the traditional extraction process. Guests will venture into the family-owned olive grove situated in the Sierra de Montilla region, learning about the meticulous care and techniques involved in growing and nurturing this vital crop.
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Explore the olive trees and learn about the planting, growth, pruning, flowering, and harvesting of olives.
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Discover the olive oil extraction process, from ancient methods to modern techniques.
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Gain insight into how the family-run mill ensures the quality and naturalness of their extra virgin olive oil.
Olive Oil Tasting and Appreciation
After exploring the olive grove and mill, visitors then get to appreciate the high-quality olive oil through a guided tasting.
They’ll sample two distinct varieties of extra virgin olive oil produced by the family-owned mill, learning to discern the nuances in aroma, flavor, and texture that distinguish the different cultivars.
The expert guide explains how the region’s unique microclimate and traditional production methods contribute to the oils’ exceptional quality and character.
Participants discover the subtleties that set apart the two oils, developing a deeper understanding and appreciation for the care and craftsmanship involved in creating these artisanal products.
The tasting provides a fitting conclusion to the immersive tour, leaving visitors with a newfound respect for the art of olive oil making.
Wine Tasting and Education
Following the olive oil tasting, visitors embark on an enlightening tour of the Alvear Wineries, delving into the unique D.O. Montilla-Moriles breeding system and the region’s renowned Pedro Ximénez grape variety.
The tour takes guests through the fermentation room and the largest aging cellar, ‘La Monumental,’ where they learn about the local climate, landscape, and the intricate process of winemaking.
The experience culminates in a tasting of three distinct wines: a Young Wine, a Fine CB, and the esteemed PX 1927, allowing visitors to savor the flavors and complexities that define the Montilla-Moriles appellation.
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Explore the unique D.O. Montilla-Moriles breeding system
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Discover the significance of the Pedro Ximénez grape variety
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Indulge in a tasting of three exceptional Alvear wines
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks?
According to the information provided, the tour does not include meals or additional drinks. Guests are not permitted to bring their own food or drinks to the activity.
Do I Need to Wear Any Special Clothing?
The tour doesn’t require any special clothing. Casual, comfortable attire is recommended, as you’ll be walking through olive groves and the winery. Wear closed-toe shoes for safety.
Is the Tour Suitable for Children?
The tour is generally suitable for children, but it’s not specifically designed for them. Visitors with mobility impairments may have difficulty, so it’s best to check with the tour operator beforehand.
Can I Take Photos During the Tour?
Participants are generally allowed to take photos during the tour. However, they should be respectful and avoid disrupting the experience for others. It’s best to check with the tour guide for any specific photography guidelines.
Is There a Discount for Group Bookings?
Yes, there is a discount for group bookings. Groups of 4 or more people can receive a 10% discount on the tour price. Discounts cannot be combined with other offers or promotions.
Recap
The guided tour of the family-run olive oil mill and renowned Alvear Wineries offers a unique opportunity to take in the intricate processes of olive oil production and the art of winemaking.
Visitors can expect to gain a deeper appreciation for the craftsmanship and dedication behind these premium products through hands-on experiences and informative tastings.