Ostuni: Olive Oil Tasting in Ancient Masseria

Discover the heart of Apulian olive oil culture on a guided tour. Visit an underground oil mill, explore a modern facility, and enjoy a guided olive oil tasting.

In the peaceful countryside near Ostuni, where the red earth meets the silvery green of ancient olive trees, a timeless masseria invites you to experience the soul of Puglia through its most precious gift: extra virgin olive oil. Discover the heart of Apulian olive oil culture with a guided experience set in a noble 18th-century estate just a few steps from the sea and only 3 km from Ostuni’s historic center. The Masseria stands among ancient olive trees and rolling countryside, offering an authentic journey into the region’s agricultural heritage. Begin with a guided walk through the monumental olive grove, rich in millennia-old history. As you stroll along ancient rural paths, admire majestic trees shaped by time and learn about traditional cultivation methods, local biodiversity, and the deep connection between the land and Apulian identity. Walking among these natural sculptures creates a sense of harmony and immersion in nature. Next, visit one of the oldest underground oil mills (Frantoio Ipogeo) in the area. Carved into the rock, this atmospheric space reveals how olive oil was produced centuries ago. Your guide will explain the ancient techniques, the role of the mill in rural life, and the importance of olive oil in Apulian history. Continue to the modern oil mill, a small but highly innovative two-phase continuous-cycle facility. Here, learn about the contemporary production process, from harvesting to extraction, and discover how advanced technology and research ensure the creation of superior-quality extra-virgin olive oil. Your guide will walk you through each stage, highlighting the differences between traditional and modern methods. To complete the experience, take part in a guided olive oil tasting, learning how to recognize aromas, flavors, and characteristics of high-quality EVOO. This small tasting course will help you appreciate the nuances of Apulian olive oil and understand what makes it one of the region’s most prized products. At the end of the tour, have the opportunity to purchase the estate’s own extra-virgin olive oils, produced from the very trees you’ve just explored. You can also browse a selection of other local products made on the farm, including fruit-only jams, “glyphosate-free” pasta made from the estate’s own wheat, and their house red Primitivo wine.