Dive into the rich legacy of Greek olive oil production with Markellos Olive’s captivating Olive Oil Tour & Tasting. This immersive experience takes visitors through four generations of family tradition, showcasing the diverse olive varieties and sustainable cultivation practices that define the brand. Guests will observe the meticulous production process and savor distinctive flavors and aromas during an interactive tasting seminar led by the Markellos family. Set in the stunning backdrop of Galataki, this tour promises a memorable blend of knowledge, taste, and breathtaking scenery. Discover the secrets behind this storied olive oil and uncover the passion that has shaped its enduring legacy.

Good To Know

  • Immersive tour showcasing a family’s four-generation legacy in extra virgin olive oil production, including insights into olive varieties, cultivation, and the production process.
  • Guided visit to the olive oil mill to observe the cold-press extraction method and learn about the family’s commitment to sustainability.
  • Interactive olive oil tasting seminar led by the Markellos family, featuring their diverse offerings and highlighting the unique characteristics of high-quality Greek olive oil.
  • Conveniently located in Galataki, with accessible facilities and stunning views of the Saronic Gulf, providing a memorable and authentic experience.
  • Comprehensive tour package including complimentary tasting menu, knowledgeable family guides, and flexible cancellation policies, as reflected in the tour’s excellent customer reviews.

Overview of the Tour

Olive Oil Tour & Tasting by Markellos Olive - Overview of the Tour

Visitors to the Olive Oil Tour can experience a family tradition of four generations in extra virgin olive oil production.

They’ll learn about olive varieties, cultivation, and harvest, as well as view the production process at the olive oil mill.

The tour culminates in an interactive olive oil tasting seminar, where participants can sample the family’s flavorful offerings.

This immersive experience provides a unique opportunity to explore the rich heritage and craftsmanship behind artisanal Greek olive oil.

Olive Oil Production History

The family’s olive oil production legacy stretches back generations, rooted in a centuries-old tradition of cultivating the region’s prized olive groves.

Over the decades, they’ve carefully tended to their olive trees, passing down the expertise and techniques from one generation to the next.

The tour provides a glimpse into this rich history:

  • The family’s olive trees are over 100 years old, thriving in the unique microclimate of the Peloponnese peninsula.
  • They use traditional methods of hand-picking the olives during the optimal harvest season.
  • The state-of-the-art olive oil mill utilizes a cold-press process to preserve the flavor and quality of the extra virgin olive oil.
  • Unique olive varietals, such as Koroneiki and Manaki, lend their distinct characteristics to the award-winning oils.
  • The family’s passion for sustainability is evident in their eco-friendly practices and commitment to producing the finest olive oil.

Olive Varieties and Cultivation

Olive Oil Tour & Tasting by Markellos Olive - Olive Varieties and Cultivation

During the tour, visitors learn about the diverse olive varieties cultivated by the family.

The Markellos estate grows several ancient Greek olive cultivars, each with unique characteristics. These include the robust Koroneiki, the mild Kothreiki, and the fruity Manaki.

The olives are handpicked at the peak of ripeness, a labor-intensive process that ensures the highest quality.

The family takes great pride in their sustainable farming practices, which prioritize the health of the olive trees and the surrounding environment.

Guests gain a deeper appreciation for the care and attention that goes into producing the estate’s renowned extra virgin olive oil.

Olive Oil Production Process

Olive Oil Tour & Tasting by Markellos Olive - Olive Oil Production Process

After learning about the estate’s olive varieties and cultivation practices, visitors move on to observe the olive oil production process firsthand.

The Markellos family guides visitors through each step:

  • Witnessing the olives being washed, inspected, and carefully sorted
  • Observing the cold-pressing of the olives to extract the precious liquid
  • Understanding the centrifugation process that separates the oil from the solids
  • Seeing the oil stored in temperature-controlled tanks to preserve its quality
  • Learning about the rigorous testing procedures to ensure the oil meets strict standards

This immersive experience allows guests to appreciate the meticulous care and attention that goes into crafting the family’s exceptional extra virgin olive oil.

Interactive Tasting Seminar

Olive Oil Tour & Tasting by Markellos Olive - Interactive Tasting Seminar

Following the tour of the olive oil production process, visitors partake in an interactive tasting seminar led by the Markellos family.

The tasting allows guests to fully appreciate the nuances of the family’s extra virgin olive oil. Under the guidance of a knowledgeable presenter, participants learn to identify the oil’s distinctive aromas and flavors.

The seminar includes a sample menu of bread, crackers, olives, and olive paste, all perfectly complementing the olive oil. This immersive experience enables visitors to develop their palates and gain a deeper understanding of what defines high-quality extra virgin olive oil.

The tasting seminar is an engaging and informative highlight of the Markellos Olive Oil Tour.

Location and Accessibility

Olive Oil Tour & Tasting by Markellos Olive - Location and Accessibility

The Markellos Olive Oil Tour is located in the picturesque village of Galataki, just 17 km from the city of Corinth and 85 km from Athens.

The meeting point is at Eparchiaki Odos Korinthou – Agelokastrou, Korinthos 201 00, Greece. The facilities are accessible to visitors in wheelchairs and strollers.

The tour offers a stunning view of the Saronic Gulf and the surrounding hills. Personal anecdotes from previous visitors emphasize the warmth of the family and the depth of knowledge shared during the experience.

  • 20-minute drive from Corinth
  • 1 hour 7 minute drive from Athens
  • Wheelchair and stroller accessible
  • Spectacular view of the Saronic Gulf
  • Warm and knowledgeable family guides

Included Features and Benefits

Olive Oil Tour & Tasting by Markellos Olive - Included Features and Benefits

The Markellos Olive Oil Tour includes a guided experience led by a family member. Visitors will learn about olive varieties, cultivation, and the production process at the olive oil mill. An interactive olive oil tasting seminar allows them to appreciate the distinct flavors and aromas of the extra virgin olive oil. Included in the tour are complimentary tastings of bread, crackers, olives, and olive paste, providing a well-rounded sensory experience. The tour also offers free cancellation up to 24 hours prior, ensuring flexibility for guests.

Key Features Benefits
Guided tour by family member Authentic, first-hand knowledge
Olive oil tasting seminar Appreciation for product quality
Complementary tasting menu Enhanced sensory experience
Free cancellation Convenient and flexible

Customer Reviews and Highlights

Olive Oil Tour & Tasting by Markellos Olive - Customer Reviews and Highlights

Visitors to the Markellos Olive Oil Tour have consistently raved about their experiences, with the tour boasting an impressive 5.0 rating across 20 reviews.

Highlights of the tour include:

  • Beautiful, well-maintained facilities that showcase the family’s four-generation legacy
  • Engaging presentations that delve deep into olive varieties, cultivation, and the production process
  • A delightful interactive olive oil tasting seminar that allows visitors to truly appreciate the flavors
  • Spectacular views of the Saronic Gulf and surrounding hills that complement the experience
  • The warmth and depth of knowledge shared by the family members leading the tour

Visitors describe the Markellos Olive Oil Tour as a must-see in Greece, offering an authentic and educational glimpse into the art of extra virgin olive oil production.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Best Time of Year to Visit the Olive Oil Tour?

The best time to visit the olive oil tour is typically during the olive harvest season, usually from October to December. This allows visitors to witness the production process firsthand and sample the freshly pressed extra virgin olive oil.

Can I Purchase Olive Oil and Other Products On-Site?

Yes, visitors can purchase extra virgin olive oil and other products on-site during the olive oil tour. The family-run facility offers a selection of their high-quality olive oils and related items for visitors to take home.

Are There Any Age Restrictions or Requirements for the Tour?

There are no age restrictions for the olive oil tour. Children are welcome to join the experience. The tour facilities are accessible for all visitors, including those with mobility aids or strollers.

How Long Does the Entire Tour Experience Typically Last?

The tour typically lasts around 1.5-2 hours, allowing visitors to fully experience the family’s olive oil production process, participate in a tasting seminar, and explore the beautiful facilities with stunning views of the surrounding landscape.

Are There Any Additional Activities or Sights to Explore Nearby?

After the olive oil tour, visitors can explore the nearby Corinth Canal, Ancient Corinth, and beaches along the Saronic Gulf. The surrounding countryside also offers opportunities for hiking and enjoying the scenic Greek landscape.

The Sum Up

The Olive Oil Tour & Tasting by Markellos Olive offers a captivating journey through Greece’s rich olive oil heritage. Guests enjoy the family’s four-generation tradition, exploring diverse olive varieties and sustainable cultivation. The interactive tasting seminar allows visitors to savor distinctive flavors and aromas, while the stunning Galataki setting provides a memorable backdrop. This tour promises a unique blend of knowledge, taste, and breathtaking views.