Imagine enjoying the heart of the Italian countryside, surrounded by the verdant olive groves and the rich history of traditional farming. At the Olive Farm, visitors can embark on a captivating journey, learning the intricate process of producing premium extra virgin olive oil. But the experience doesn’t stop there. Guests will also dive into the art of fresh pasta-making, crafting their own delectable Italian dishes and savoring the flavors alongside locally-sourced wines and produce. This intimate, small-group setting offers a unique opportunity to connect with the land, traditions, and culinary heritage that define the essence of Italy. What secrets will the farm unveil?
This experience made our list of the 3 Best Shopping Tours In Matera.
Key Points
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Immersive experience in a picturesque olive farm setting, allowing guests to learn about olive oil production and sustainable farming practices.
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Hands-on pasta-making lesson, where participants prepare authentic Italian pasta and sauce using locally sourced ingredients.
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Shared meal of traditional Italian dishes, including antipasti, pasta, and local wines, in a convivial farmhouse atmosphere.
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Fruit picking and tasting in the farm’s orchards, offering a chance to savor the seasonal bounty of the region.
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Opportunity to explore the olive groves, observe the olive mill, and gain insights into the various olive varietals and their impact on flavor.
Authentic Italian Farmhouse Experience
Nestled in the rolling hills of Italy’s picturesque countryside, the Olive Farm offers a truly authentic Italian farmhouse experience.
Guests embark on a journey through the farm’s olive groves, learning about the intricate process of producing high-quality extra virgin olive oil. The small group setting allows for an intimate and immersive experience, with a maximum of 7 participants.
Under the guidance of an English-speaking instructor, guests will learn to make fresh pasta, pasta sauce, and other local dishes, using the farm’s own seasonal produce. The opportunity to taste freshly picked fruit straight from the trees adds to the delightful sensory experience.
This four-hour cooking class is a perfect way to take in the local culture and traditions of rural Italy.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Matera.
Olive Farm Tour and Tasting
The tour of the olive farm provides guests with an in-depth look into the intricate process of producing high-quality extra virgin olive oil. Visitors can explore the property’s expansive olive groves, where they’ll learn about the cultivation and harvesting techniques that contribute to the farm’s exceptional oil.
The tour also includes:
- A walkthrough of the state-of-the-art olive mill, where participants observe the pressing and filtration of the olives
- An explanation of the different olive varietals grown on the farm and how they impact the flavor profile
- Tastings of the farm’s award-winning olive oils, highlighting the nuances of each variety
- Insights into the importance of sustainable farming practices and their impact on the environment
- An opportunity to purchase bottles of the farm’s prized olive oil to take home.
Fresh Pasta Making Lesson
During the Farmers Lunch experience, participants dive into the art of handcrafting fresh pasta under the guidance of the English-speaking instructor.
The lesson covers essential techniques for preparing, rolling, and shaping various pasta varieties, providing guests with the skills to recreate these beloved Italian staples at home. From kneading the dough to delicately cutting the strands, each step is demonstrated with care, allowing everyone to actively participate and master the process.
The freshly made pasta is then used to prepare an authentic Italian pasta sauce, complementing the local antipasti dishes served throughout the meal.
This hands-on experience offers a true taste of traditional Italian farmhouse cooking.
Typical Pasta Sauce Preparation
Under the watchful eye of the instructor, participants dive into crafting an authentic Italian pasta sauce, drawing on the freshly made pasta as the foundation.
The step-by-step process involves carefully selecting the finest local ingredients, including sun-ripened tomatoes, fragrant herbs, and a splash of robust red wine, before meticulously simmering the mixture to achieve the perfect balance of flavors.
As the aromas fill the air, guests learn the nuances of seasoning and the art of achieving the quintessential Italian taste, preparing them to recreate this beloved dish in their own kitchens.
The pasta sauce preparation includes:
- Dicing and sautéing onions and garlic
- Crushing and adding fresh tomatoes
- Infusing the sauce with fragrant basil and oregano
- Adjusting seasoning with salt, pepper, and red wine
- Simmering the sauce to develop the complex flavors
Antipasti and Local Dishes
Alongside the fresh pasta, participants learn to craft a selection of authentic Italian antipasti and local dishes, drawing on the bounty of the olive farm’s gardens and orchards.
The instructor guides the class through the preparation of classic bruschetta, featuring juicy tomatoes, fragrant basil, and a drizzle of the farm’s own extra virgin olive oil. They also learn to make a vibrant salad of crisp greens, tangy aged balsamic, and sweet figs plucked straight from the trees.
As they work, the group shares stories and insights into traditional Italian culinary customs, creating a convivial atmosphere reminiscent of a true farmhouse lunch. The lesson culminates in a shared meal, where the fruits of their labor are savored alongside local wines.
Fruit Picking and Tasting
As the class completes the pasta-making lesson, they’re invited to venture out into the olive farm’s vibrant orchards and groves. There, they can pick ripe, juicy fruits straight from the trees, savoring the sweet flavors and learning about the farm’s diverse produce.
The orchard overflows with:
- Juicy oranges bursting with citrus brightness
- Soft, fuzzy peaches ready to drip with nectar
- Crisp, green apples begging to be crunched
- Ruby-red pomegranates concealing jewel-like seeds
- Luscious figs, their skins splitting to reveal the jammy interior
The group eagerly gathers the seasonal bounty, delighting in the opportunity to taste the farm’s fresh, flavorful fruits in their natural setting.
Meal With Wine and Water
After the class has savored the fresh produce from the orchards, they reconvene in the farmhouse kitchen to enjoy a meal showcasing the fruits of their labor.
With glasses of crisp, local wine and refreshing water, the group indulges in the pasta they created earlier, accompanied by the rich, flavorful sauce they prepared.
The meal is a celebration of the region’s bountiful ingredients and the skills they’ve learned throughout the day. Plates are filled with the aromatic dishes, and the satisfied participants savor every bite, appreciating the depth of flavor and the care that went into their preparation.
The shared experience of creating and enjoying this authentic Italian meal brings the group closer together, leaving them with a deeper understanding and appreciation for the culinary traditions of the countryside.
Booking Details and Restrictions
Pricing for the Farmers Lunch experience starts at CZK 3,677 per person, with the option to reserve and pay later.
The activity is subject to certain restrictions, as it isn’t suitable for children under the age of 10.
Some key booking details and restrictions include:
- Prices start from CZK 3,677 per person
- Reserve now and pay later
- Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance
- Activity not suitable for children under 10 years old
- Small group size, maximum of 7 participants
The Farmers Lunch offers an authentic, immersive experience in Italian farmhouse cooking, complete with a tour of the olive farm and the opportunity to taste fresh produce straight from the trees.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Dress Code for the Activity?
The activity doesn’t specify a dress code. However, casual and comfortable clothing is recommended, as the class involves hands-on cooking and a tour of an olive farm. Participants should dress for an active, outdoor experience.
Can Participants Assist With Olive Oil Production?
Participants can tour the olive farm and learn about extra virgin olive oil production, but they don’t actively assist with the olive oil production process during this activity. The focus is on the cooking class and meal.
Are There Any Dietary Restrictions Accommodated?
The cooking class accommodates dietary restrictions. Participants can let the instructor know of any allergies or preferences, and the chef will work to provide suitable alternatives for the meal. Vegetarian and gluten-free options are available upon request.
Can Participants Take Home the Food They Prepare?
Participants can take home the food they prepare during the authentic Italian farmhouse cooking class. The class includes a lesson on making fresh pasta, pasta sauce, and local dishes that attendees get to enjoy and bring with them.
Is Transportation to and From the Olive Farm Provided?
The activity does not include transportation to and from the olive farm. Participants are responsible for arranging their own transportation to the olive farm where the cooking class takes place.
Recap
Visitors to the Olive Farm can enjoy an authentic Italian culinary experience.
They’ll tour the olive groves, learn to make fresh pasta, and enjoy a meal showcasing local ingredients and wines.
This intimate, small-group setting offers a unique opportunity to connect with the land, traditions, and flavors that define Italian culinary heritage.
You can check availability for your dates here:More Lunch Experiences in Matera
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