Ostuni: Farm tour among thousand-year-old olive trees with oil tasting

Ostuni: Farm Tour among Thousand-Year-Old Olive Trees with Oil Tasting
Location: Apulia, Italy
Rating: 4.6/5 (based on 6 reviews)
Supplier: Soc. Agr. Masseria Rienzo S.S.

A Taste of Puglia’s Olive Heritage in a Short, Sweet Tour

If you’re visiting the sunny region of Apulia, this 1.5-hour olive oil farm tour is a wonderful way to connect with the land and its centuries-old traditions. Starting from Masseria Rienzo, you’ll be guided among thousand-year-old olive trees, and get a glimpse into both ancient and modern olive oil production. The tour wraps up with a tasting that’s as educational as it is flavorful.

What we particularly love about this experience is the chance to see both an underground cave oil mill dating back thousands of years and a high-tech, state-of-the-art facility—a rare opportunity to appreciate the evolution of olive oil making. Plus, the guided tasting, with friselline (tiny bread) and water, helps you understand what truly makes a good extra virgin olive oil worth savoring.

A potential consideration is that the tour is relatively short—if you’re seeking a full-day experience, this might feel a bit condensed. Also, since the tour involves walking outdoors among ancient trees and visiting different mills, it’s best suited for those comfortable with a bit of walking and a moderate pace.

This tour suits travelers who are curious about olive growing, enjoy authentic storytelling, and want a memorable taste of Puglia’s agricultural roots—all while fitting into a busy itinerary.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Authentic Experience: Combines history, tradition, and innovation in a compact tour.
• Educational and Tasty: Learn about traditional and modern olive oil production while tasting some of Italy’s best extra virgin olive oils.
• Unique Insights: Visit both an underground cave mill and a high-tech modern facility—seeing past and present side by side.
• Beautiful Setting: Walk among ancient olive trees that have stood for over a thousand years.
• Flexible Booking: Reserve with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, making it easy to plan your trip.
• Ideal for Curious Travelers: Perfect for those interested in agriculture, culinary traditions, or authentic local experiences.

A Deep Dive into the Olive Oil Journey

When you sign up for this tour, you step into a world where history and innovation meet. Starting at Masseria Rienzo, your group — usually small enough to feel intimate — begins by wandering through majestic, ancient olive trees. These silent witnesses to centuries of cultivation are impressive not just for their age but for what they represent: resilience, tradition, and the land’s deep connection to daily life in Apulia.

Walking among the olive trees, you’ll get a sense of why Puglia’s landscape is so rooted in olive-growing. These trees, some over a thousand years old, have survived wars, natural disasters, and changing economies. As one reviewer mentioned, it’s a memorable experience to see these ancient giants, especially for travelers coming from faraway places like New Zealand.

Next, the tour visits an underground cave mill, a site that echoes 2000 years of olive oil production history. If you’ve ever wondered how oil was pressed before modern machinery, this is your chance to see a real cave mill — cool, dark, and atmospheric, built into the bedrock as a centuries-old method of extraction. You’ll learn how ancient civilizations turned olives into oil using simple yet effective tools, giving you a tangible link to the past.

After absorbing those historic methods, the focus shifts to the present with a visit to the modern, high-tech oil mill. Here, you’ll see how technology and passion come together to produce exceptional extra virgin olive oil. It’s fascinating to observe the stark contrast between the old cave and the sleek machinery, illustrating how far the craft has come.

Finally, the guided tasting session is where your senses get the spotlight. You’ll sample the fruity, peppery nuances of freshly pressed olive oil, guided by an expert who helps you distinguish aromas, flavors, and textures. The inclusion of friselline (typical Apulian crunchy bread) and water makes the tasting a simple, enjoyable experience.

What Makes It Special?

What truly sets this tour apart is the combination of tradition and innovation. You’re not only learning about olive oil production but also witnessing the cultural heritage that sustains it. The underground cave mill offers a rare glimpse into ancient techniques, while the modern mill reassures you about the quality standards and technological advancements that ensure consistent excellence.

The personalized storytelling from your guide (often a knowledgeable local) makes the experience more meaningful. As one reviewer noted, it’s “especially memorable” for travelers from faraway countries, giving a sense of time travel from ancient to modern.

The Value of This Experience

At a price that includes guided tours, tastings, and local treats, the experience offers excellent value for those interested in food, history, or culture. The price also makes sense considering the expertise, access to special sites, and quality of the tasting.

While some may find the duration—just 1.5 hours—on the shorter side, it’s a well-paced, concentrated experience. It’s perfect for travelers who want a meaningful taste of Puglia’s olive heritage without committing to a full-day excursion.

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Practical Details

• The tour departs from Masseria Rienzo and generally lasts around 1.5 hours.
• You should check availability for specific start times and reserve in advance.
• The activity is conducted in English and Italian, so language might be a consideration if you prefer one over the other.
• Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before—a plus for flexible travel plans.
• The group size tends to be small, enhancing the intimate, informative atmosphere.

Who Would Enjoy This Tour?

This experience is ideal for food lovers, history buffs, and adventure seekers who want to understand olive oil beyond just tasting it. It’s especially suitable for those curious about how ancient techniques influence modern quality, or travelers who appreciate authentic, hands-on experiences. If you enjoy discovering local crafts and cultural stories, this tour will resonate with you.

It’s also perfect for families with children interested in history or small groups looking for an engaging, relaxed activity. But those who prefer a longer tour or hands-on cooking experiences might want to complement this with other local activities.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 1.5 hours, making it a manageable, insightful experience without taking up your whole day.

Is the tour suitable for non-Italian speakers?
Yes, the tour is offered in English and Italian, so you’ll want to confirm your preferred language when booking.

What is included in the price?
Your fee covers a guided walk among ancient olive trees, visits to both an underground cave mill and a modern mill, olive oil tasting, and small local treats like friselline and water.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Absolutely. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, providing flexibility for your travel plans.

Is this experience good for families or children?
While the tour’s engaging for most, it’s best suited for adults or older children who can appreciate stories of history and enjoy walking outdoors. Be mindful of the walking and tactile nature of the visit.

Do I need to reserve in advance?
Yes, it’s recommended to reserve beforehand to secure your spot, especially during the peak season.

Final Thoughts

This Ostuni farm tour offers a genuine glimpse into puglia’s olive-growing traditions, blending history, innovation, and taste in a compact, enjoyable package. The chance to walk among centuries-old trees, visit both ancient and modern mills, and sample authentic oils makes it a memorable addition to any itinerary.

Whether you’re a culinary enthusiast, history lover, or just curious about how Italy’s famed olive oil is made, this experience delivers value and authenticity. The small group size and expert guidance ensure you’ll come away with more than just a souvenir bottle— you’ll have a richer understanding of Puglia’s agricultural soul.

If you’re after a relaxed, authentic activity that enriches your appreciation of Italy’s culinary traditions, this tour is a perfect pick. It’s especially suited for travelers who want a meaningful, hands-on experience that’s easy to fit into a busy schedule.

You can check availability for your dates here: