Jaén: Unforgettable visit to the olive mill + EVOO tasting

Step into the world of olive oil production with a 1.5-hour journey at Picualia in Jaén, Andalusia. This tour offers a comprehensive look at one of Spain’s top olive oil mills, known for its innovative approach and high-quality oils. With a rating of 4.9 out of 5 from 31 reviews, it’s clear that visitors find this experience both informative and enjoyable. The tour includes a guided visit of the state-of-the-art facilities, a panoramic walk through lush olive groves, and a guided tasting of award-winning Extra Virgin Olive Oils (EVOO). The only potential consideration is the need for comfortable clothes for walking around the mill and groves, plus the tour’s availability in English.

Designed for those eager to learn about olive oil’s role in health and culture, this experience is perfect for foodies, curious travelers, or anyone interested in Andalusian agriculture. The tour is accessible for wheelchairs and offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, providing flexibility for your plans. With many positive reviews praising the knowledgeable guides and the quality of the tasting, this tour clearly offers a rewarding glimpse into olive oil craftsmanship.

Key Points

• Learn at one of the best olive oil mills in the world, Picualia in Jaén.
• Experience a guided tour that lasts about 45 minutes and covers production, innovation, and bottling.
• Taste multiple varieties of award-winning EVOOs, feeling like a professional taster.
• Explore miles of olive groves with panoramic views of Andalusian landscapes.
• Discover recent innovations in the olive oil industry led by Picualia.
• The tour is accessible for wheelchair users and conducted in English.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Visiting Picualia in Jaén: The Starting Point of the Tour

The tour begins at the Picualia gourmet shop, where you present your digital voucher. This spot serves as the base for the guided experience and the tasting session. The coordinates for the meeting point are 38.09397888183594, -3.8055388927459717, making it easy to locate within the olive-growing region of Jaén. The facilities are well set up for visitors, including the opportunity to purchase olive oils and other products in the shop.

The initial briefing introduces the importance of olive oil in Andalusian culture and explains what makes Picualia’s oils particularly special. The guided tour then takes place in the modern mill, showcasing the latest innovations in olive oil extraction and bottling.

Inside the State-of-the-Art Olive Mill

The 45-minute guided tour of Picualia reveals the entire process of producing olive oil, from harvesting olives to bottling. You see how local farmers supply the Picualia mill with carefully harvested olives, specifically of the Picual variety, which is noted for its high antioxidant effects—the highest among roughly 2,600 types of olives worldwide.

The tour explains recent innovations that have made Picualia a leader in the olive oil industry. Visitors learn about the latest techniques in extraction and how the quality control process ensures the excellence of the final product. The facilities are described as state-of-the-art, highlighting how technology and tradition combine in Jaén’s olive oil industry.

The Panoramic View of Olive Groves

After the mill tour, visitors are invited to explore miles of olive groves. The panoramic views showcase vast landscapes dotted with thousands of olive trees, illustrating the scale and significance of olive cultivation in Andalusia. This part of the experience offers a breath of fresh air and a chance to see how olives are grown in their natural environment.

The scenic walk provides a peaceful backdrop for understanding the connection between olive farming and olive oil production. It also offers excellent opportunities for photography and appreciating the landscape that has supported olive agriculture for generations.

Tasting Award-Winning EVOO Varieties

The final part of the tour is the guided tasting of Picualia’s oils. You are guided through the organoleptic characteristics—the flavors, aromas, and textures—of two varieties of the award-winning oils. This segment is designed to help you feel like a professional taster, learning to identify distinctive notes and flavor profiles.

The tasting session lasts about 1.5 hours, giving ample time to sample, discuss, and appreciate the quality of Picualia’s oils. Visitors often comment on the exceptional quality and complexity of the oils, which reflect the care and expertise invested in their production.

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Shopping at the Gourmet Shop and Dining Options

After the tasting, visitors can browse the gourmet shop to purchase olive oils and related products. The shop features the first and only restaurant located inside an olive cooperative, which has earned recognition in the Michelin Guide 2024. Though the restaurant is outside the scope of the tour, it offers an opportunity for a culinary experience after visiting the mill.

This setup allows guests to continue their exploration of olive oil through purchases and potential dining experiences, making the visit both educational and sensory-driven.

Practical Details: Duration, Accessibility, and Booking

The entire tour lasts approximately 1.5 hours, with a 45-minute guided mill visit followed by a guided tasting. The meeting point at the gourmet shop is easy to find, and reservations can be secured with the option to pay later, providing flexibility for your trip planning.

The tour is wheelchair accessible and conducted in English, making it suitable for a range of visitors. Remember to bring comfortable clothes for walking around the mill and groves, and note that pets and smoking indoors are not allowed.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out?

Picualia’s reputation for innovation and high-quality EVOO sets this tour apart from others in the region. Visitors appreciate the expertise of guides, who are praised for their knowledge and ability to explain complex processes clearly. The tasting experience is often highlighted as a highlight, with many noting the oils’ exceptional flavor and aromatic complexity.

The scenic olive groves add a visual element to the experience, connecting the production process with the landscape of Jaén. The combination of modern facilities, educational content, and sensory tasting creates a well-rounded and satisfying visit.

Final Thoughts on the Olive Oil Tour at Picualia

This tour delivers a comprehensive look into the olive oil industry, with a focus on innovation, quality, and local culture. Visitors who enjoy learning about food production and sampling high-quality oils will find this experience particularly rewarding. The knowledgeable guides and beautiful surroundings ensure a memorable visit.

However, it’s best suited for those comfortable with walking and looking for a structured, educational experience. The pricing and duration make it an excellent choice for a half-day activity in Jaén. For olive oil enthusiasts, culinary travelers, or curious explorers, this tour offers both insight and delight.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the tour last?
The entire experience lasts around 1.5 hours, including guided mill tour and tasting.

Where do I meet for the tour?
At the gourmet shop inside Picualia’s facilities. The exact location is at coordinates 38.09397888183594, -3.8055388927459717.

Is the tour accessible for wheelchair users?
Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible.

What should I bring?
Comfortable clothes suitable for walking around the mill and groves.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours in advance.

Are there options to buy olive oil after the tour?
Yes, the gourmet shop offers olive oils and related products for purchase.

Is there a dining option on-site?
The restaurant is inside the olive cooperative and recognized by the Michelin Guide 2024, but it is not included in the tour.

What makes Picualia’s oils special?
The oils are award-winning and made from the Picual variety, known for its high antioxidant effects and innovative production techniques.

Is the guide bilingual?
Guides speak English throughout the tour.

What sets this tour apart from others in Jaén?
Its focus on industry innovations, quality of oils, and comprehensive experience make it a standout choice.

This olive oil tour at Picualia offers an engaging, educational, and sensory journey into Andalusian olive oil culture. Perfect for those wanting to understand the craft, enjoy beautiful landscapes, and sample top-quality oils in a friendly setting.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby