Olive Oil Tasting in Ancient Masseria in Ostuni

Imagine wandering through ancient olive groves, surrounded by trees so old they seem carved from history itself, within a 16th-century farmhouse that has seen centuries of Puglia’s changing landscape. This tour offers just that—an in-depth look at organic olive oil production in the heart of Apulia, near Ostuni. For $46 per person, you get a 60-minute guided visit that combines history, nature, and a chance to taste some of Italy’s finest extra virgin oils.

What makes this experience truly special? First, the opportunity to walk among millennium-old olive trees in a protected regional park, where each gnarled branch tells a story. Second, the expert-led tasting where you’ll learn to distinguish how different oils can vary in bitterness, spiciness, and aroma—transforming your understanding of what you’re pouring on your salad or bread. A potential drawback? The tour doesn’t include transportation, so you’ll need to arrange your own way to get there. Still, this experience is ideal for food lovers, history buffs, and curious travelers eager for a genuine taste of Puglia’s land and traditions.

Key Points

• Authentic Setting: A 16th-century masseria in the Coastal Dunes Regional Park.
• Deep Connection to Nature: Walk among trees older than many countries.
• Expert Guidance: Learn from a certified olive oil sommelier, Lucia Leone.
• Historical Insight: Visit an underground olive press carved into the rock.
• Tasting & Education: Sample four distinct organic oils and understand how to pair them.
• Value for Money: Price includes a full farm tour, history, and a detailed tasting.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Exploring the Historic Masseria and Its Surroundings

The tour starts at a beautifully restored 16th-century masseria, a traditional farmhouse that’s been carefully preserved to showcase its historical charm. Unlike some touristy spots, this place feels genuine—the kind of spot where you can feel the weight of centuries in the stone walls and cobbled courtyard. It’s situated in the Coastal Dunes Regional Park, offering a lush landscape of monumental olive trees and wild flora. We loved the way the setting seamlessly blends history, nature, and agriculture.

The initial part of the experience involves a walk around the masseria’s courtyard and historic rooms, leading to the hypogeum, an underground olive press carved into the rock. This hypogeum is a real highlight. It’s a tangible reminder of how olive oil was produced long before mechanization—pressing olives in a cool, shaded environment that’s remained remarkably intact over centuries. It provides a visceral connection to the past, and you can almost hear the echo of ancient workers turning the presses.

Walking among olive groves that have seen generations grow and harvest, we appreciated the care taken to preserve these ancient trees. The guide explained different harvesting methods—hand-picking for the younger trees and mechanical shakers for the giants—showing a respectful approach to tradition and sustainability. The peacefulness of the surroundings, combined with the scent of olive leaves and the warm earth, creates an atmosphere perfect for reflection on the land’s long-standing relationship with olive oil.

The Guided Tour and Historical Insights

Lucia Leone, the olive oil sommelier guiding the tastings, is a passionate and knowledgeable host. She walks you through the history of olive oil in Puglia, from Roman times through today’s organic practices. We loved her clear explanations about how the estate’s oils are produced using sustainable harvesting techniques that prioritize both quality and respect for nature. For example, the use of careful hand-picking on the younger trees shows a dedication to preserving the health of the trees and the purity of the fruit, which directly impacts the flavor of the oils.

The tour’s educational aspect is thorough without feeling overwhelming. Lucia explained how different oils can have varying bitterness, spiciness, and fruitiness, helping us to develop our palates. She also offered practical advice on how to select and store olive oil at home, making this experience useful beyond just the tasting.

The Tasting Experience: Four Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oils

The heart of the tour is the tasting of four organic oils produced right on the estate. Each one offers a different profile, showcasing the diversity of flavors that come from different olives, harvest times, and pressing techniques. Lucia guided us through each sip, pointing out aromas of fresh fruit, hints of spice, and the subtle bitterness that signals high-quality oil.

We appreciated how Lucia’s explanations demystified the process—learning to distinguish bitterness from spiciness helped us appreciate the complexity of each oil. As one review noted, “The tasting was accompanied by a very good explanation,” and that’s exactly what you get here: a detailed, accessible education that elevates your appreciation of olive oil from a mundane condiment to a culinary treasure.

Lucia also shared her tips on how to pair each oil with different foods, whether drizzling over salads, pasta, or bread. We left feeling confident about choosing good quality oils and understanding how to make the most of their flavors in our cooking.

The Overall Experience and Practicalities

While the tour is priced at $46 per person, it offers a rich blend of history, nature, and education. For travelers who value authentic experiences, this is a chance to connect with the land and traditions that make Puglia special. The cost includes the guided tour, the visit to the hypogeum, the walk through monumental olive groves, and the detailed tasting with an expert.

One thing to keep in mind is that transportation isn’t included, so you’ll need to arrange your own way there, whether by car or organized transfer. The meeting point is accessible via the SS 16 Adriatica road, marked clearly with a sign that reads “Il Frantoio Azienda Agricola.” It’s a straightforward drive, but some travelers may want to plan ahead.

The tour lasts about 60 minutes, making it a perfect addition to a day exploring Ostuni or the wider Puglia region. The group size is likely small, allowing for personal attention from Lucia and a relaxed atmosphere that encourages questions and interaction.

More Great Tours Nearby

Authenticity and Value

Many reviewers have praised the authenticity of this experience. “Lucia is exceptional; she conveyed her passion for olive oil to us,” one visitor remarked, emphasizing the personal touch that elevates this tour over more commercialized options. The focus on local, organic oils and traditional practices means you’re getting a genuine taste of Puglia’s agricultural heritage.

Compared to other culinary experiences in Italy, this tour offers a more intimate look at olive oil production, away from tourist hotspots. For those interested in food, history, or simply wanting a peaceful walk in the countryside, it’s a meaningful way to spend an hour and leave with new knowledge—and perhaps a few bottles of excellent oil to bring home.

This experience suits travelers who appreciate authentic cultural encounters and are eager to learn about traditional food production. It’s perfect for foodies, history lovers, and nature admirers looking for a peaceful, educational outing. If you’re curious about olive oil’s role in Italian life or want to deepen your culinary knowledge, this tour provides a solid foundation.

It’s also well suited for those who enjoy small-group experiences, personalized guidance, and scenic walks. If you prefer guided outings that combine history, landscape, and gastronomy without the hassle of planning, this is a wonderful choice.

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts about 60 minutes, including the walk, historical visit, and tasting.

Is transportation included?
No, transportation to the masseria is not included. You’ll need to arrange your own way to the meeting point.

What is the price for?
The $46 fee covers the guided farm tour, visit to the hypogeum olive press, walk through the olive groves, and the tasting of four organic oils.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering flexibility.

What languages are available?
Tours are conducted in English.

What makes this experience unique?
Walking among trees older than many countries and tasting oils crafted with traditional and organic methods make this a rare and authentic experience.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes for walking, a bottle of water, and an open mind to savor new flavors.

Is this suitable for children?
While not explicitly stated, the focus on history and tasting suggests it’s best for older children or teenagers interested in food and history.

This olive oil tour near Ostuni offers more than just a tasting; it’s a journey through time, land, and tradition. For those who love discovering authentic regional products, it’s a chance to gain a new appreciation for the craftsmanship that goes into every drop of high-quality olive oil. The combination of history, breathtaking scenery, and expert guidance makes it a valuable addition to any Puglia itinerary.

If your travel style favors slow, meaningful experiences over quick sightseeing, this tour rewards with genuine connections to the land and its people. It’s especially suitable for travelers who enjoy learning about food origins, walking through scenic landscapes, and tasting oils that truly reflect their environment. Overall, it’s a small but memorable step into the heart of Apulia’s culinary and cultural landscape.

You can check availability for your dates here: