Lecce: Oil Mill Tour & Olive Oil Tasting

Nestled just 4 km from the charming city of Lecce, the Agros oil mill offers visitors a unique opportunity to enjoy the rich traditions of olive oil production. Through a guided tour, guests can expect to gain insights into the meticulous process of olive picking, oil-making, and the chance to savor exceptional extra-virgin olive oils. With both modern and traditional machinery on display, this 1.5-hour experience promises to be an engaging and educational exploration for all. But the true allure lies in the chance to discover the flavors that have been honed over generations, just waiting to be uncovered.

Key Points

• Guided 1.5-hour tour of the Agros oil mill located 4 km from Lecce, available in English and Italian.
• Explore recent olive groves, learn about olive picking techniques, and witness the olive oil production process.
• Taste two premium extra-virgin olive oils from the mill, accompanied by warm bread and guided insights.
• Tour includes a visit to the oil mill’s old and modern machinery, learning about storage and characteristics of high-quality olive oil.
• The tour is wheelchair accessible, and transportation is available for an additional cost.

Tour Overview

This 1.5-hour guided tour allows visitors to experience olive oil tasting at the Agros oil mill, located just 4 km from Lecce.

The tour is available in both English and Italian. Guests can cancel their booking up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

The tour is wheelchair accessible, making it inclusive for all.

During the tour, you will explore recent olive groves, learn about olive picking techniques, and visit the oil mill to see both old and modern machinery.

Visitors will also gain insights into olive oil production, storage, and the characteristics of extra virgin olive oil before indulging in a tasting session featuring two premium extra-virgin olive oils.

Activities and Highlights

The guided tour allows visitors to explore recent olive groves and gain insights into olive picking techniques.

Guests will then visit the oil mill, engaging with both old and modern machines. Here, they’ll learn about olive oil production, storage, and the characteristics of premium extra-virgin olive oil.

The highlight of the tour is the tasting session, where visitors can indulge in two exceptional extra-virgin olive oils.

If visiting during the harvest season (October-December), guests may even witness the live oil production process, including filtering, storage, and bottling.

Seasonal Experience

If visiting during the harvest season, which runs from October through December, guests may have the opportunity to witness the live oil production process firsthand.

They’ll see the olives being filtered, stored, and bottled – a unique and fascinating experience. Watching the oil mill in action provides a deeper understanding of how extra virgin olive oil is made.

Visitors can observe the various stages, from the initial pressing to the final product. This seasonal opportunity offers a behind-the-scenes look at the olive oil industry, providing a more comprehensive appreciation for the care and expertise required to produce premium extra virgin olive oil.

Inclusions and Transportation

Included in the tour is a visit to the olive groves, a guided tour of the oil mill, insights on the oil production process, and a tasting session featuring two premium extra-virgin olive oils accompanied by bread and blue glasses.

Transportation to and from the oil mill can be arranged for an additional cost. Visitors will need to provide their own transportation to reach the site, as a car is required.

The meeting point is at the shop on the right side of the main building.

Preparation and Important Information

For the tour, visitors are advised to wear comfortable shoes and bring water, especially during the summer months.

A hat is also recommended to provide protection from the sun. Smoking isn’t permitted during the tour.

The meeting point for the activity is at the shop on the right side of the main building. Guests are encouraged to arrive at the meeting point on time to ensure they can participate in the full experience.

The tour is wheelchair accessible, making it accessible to all visitors.

Following these simple preparations and guidelines will help ensure a smooth and enjoyable olive oil tasting experience.

Meeting Point

The meeting point for the activity is at the shop on the right side of the main building. This is where you will meet up before starting the guided tour of the olive groves and oil mill.

The shop serves as the central meeting point, making it easy for everyone to find and gather before the experience begins. It’s important for participants to arrive at the designated meeting spot on time to ensure the tour runs smoothly and efficiently.

Once everyone has arrived, the knowledgeable guide will provide an overview of the day’s activities and lead the group through the olive oil tasting and production facilities.

Olive Oil Tasting

During the olive oil tasting, visitors will sample two premium extra-virgin olive oils produced at the Agros oil mill.

They’ll learn about the characteristics that define top-quality olive oil, including aroma, flavor, and color. The tasting is led by knowledgeable staff, who’ll guide participants through the nuances of each oil and provide insight into the production process.

Visitors will have the opportunity to compare the two oils, noting the subtle differences in taste and texture. The tasting is complemented by warm bread, allowing participants to fully experience the richness and complexity of the oils.

It’s an engaging and educational activity that provides a deeper appreciation for the artistry of olive oil making.

Guided Tour of Oil Mill

Visitors embark on a guided tour of the Agros oil mill, where they engage with both old and modern machinery used in olive oil production.

The tour provides insights into the entire olive oil-making process, from harvesting techniques to storage and bottling. Guests learn about the characteristics of high-quality extra virgin olive oil and have the opportunity to taste two premium varieties.

For those visiting during the harvest season (October-December), the tour includes observing live oil production, including filtering, storage, and bottling.

The tour lasts approximately 1.5 hours and is available in both English and Italian.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes, visitors can purchase premium extra-virgin olive oils sampled during the tasting session at the end of the tour. The oils are available for sale on-site at the oil mill shop.

Is Photography Allowed During the Tour?

Yes, photography is allowed during the tour. The tour overview specifically states that visitors can engage with and learn about the olive oil production process, which would likely include opportunities to take photographs of the olive groves, machinery, and tasting session.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Tour?

There are no age restrictions for the tour. The experience is suitable for all ages, and children are welcome to participate under the supervision of their parents or guardians.

Can I Take the Olive Oil Samples Home?

Yes, you can take the olive oil samples home. The tour includes an olive oil tasting session, and visitors are allowed to take the premium extra-virgin olive oils they taste as souvenirs.

Is There a Dress Code for the Tour?

There is no specific dress code for the olive oil mill tour. Visitors are advised to wear comfortable shoes and bring a hat during summer months, but otherwise casual attire is appropriate for the experience.

Recap

The "Lecce: Oil Mill Tour & Olive Oil Tasting" offers a unique opportunity to discover the rich tradition of olive oil production. Visitors can explore the Agros oil mill, learn about the oil-making process, and taste exceptional extra-virgin olive oils. With its engaging activities, accessibility, and available language options, this tour provides a delightful experience for all who wish to enjoy the region’s olive oil heritage.