Olive Oil Tasting and Visit at Lake Como

Key Points

• Short but rich experience: The tour lasts approximately 30 minutes, making it easy to fit into a busy schedule.
• Educational and flavorful: Learn about extra virgin olive oil production and taste a DOP olive oil sample with distinct tasting notes.
• Optional scenic walk: Enhance your visit with a self-guided 3 km walk through a picturesque olive grove, available during select sessions.
• Local products and souvenirs: The shop offers locally produced honey, olive oil-based cosmetics, and flavored olive oils to take home or enjoy on the spot.
• Flexible booking: You can reserve now and pay later, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Discover the Olive Oil World at Lake Como

The Olive Oil Tasting and Visit at Lake Como offers a compact yet enriching experience filled with sensory delights. For just 30 minutes, visitors step into a charming olive mill/shop where they learn about extra virgin olive oil (EVO), celebrated for its low acidity and fruity flavor profile. This tour is perfect for those curious about olive oil production or anyone eager to add a flavorful touch to their culinary collection. While the duration is brief, the experience provides valuable insights and authentic tastings, making it ideal for travelers with tight schedules or those who want a quick taste of local craftsmanship.

A key highlight is the opportunity to taste a DOP olive oil sample, which allows visitors to appreciate the distinct tasting notes of high-quality, locally produced extra virgin olive oil. The shop also features a selection of honey, olive oil cosmetics, and flavored oils, offering fantastic options for souvenirs or culinary enhancements. While the scenic olive grove walk is optional, it adds a lovely opportunity to enjoy stunning landscapes and see olive cultivation firsthand—though availability depends on the activity of the farming season and may be limited.

Key Points

• Short but enriching: The 30-minute visit delivers a well-rounded introduction to olive oil and local products.
• Educational tasting: You will learn about the production process and sample a DOP (Denomination of Protected Origin) olive oil.
• Scenic walk option: The self-guided 3 km walk through the olive grove offers scenic views, weather permitting.
• Local shop treasures: Find honey, olive oil cosmetics, and flavored oils to enhance your culinary experiences or as souvenirs.
• Flexible booking process: Book without upfront payment and cancel free up to 24 hours ahead, adding peace of mind.

Visiting the Olive Mill and Shop at Lake Como

Upon arrival, the warm welcome sets the tone for an engaging introduction to the shop’s specialized offerings. The staff provides clear explanations about olive oil production, focusing on extra virgin qualities, especially low acidity. Visitors quickly learn how quality oils are made, often during the olive harvest season, when the state-of-the-art continuous extraction mill operates to produce DOP extra virgin olive oil.

The tasting session is the core of the experience. Guests savor the rich flavors of the oil, noting its fruity character and freshness. The sample of DOP olive oil highlights the distinct tasting notes, offering a deeper appreciation for local culinary traditions. The shop’s selection of locally produced honey and olive oil-based cosmetics provides possibilities to purchase unique souvenirs or add a special touch to meals.

The Optional Scenic Walk through the Olive Grove

Enhancing the visit is an optional self-guided 3 km walk through the olive grove. This route is available during the 10:00 AM and 2:30 PM sessions but is subject to availability depending on the farmer’s schedule. When accessible, the walk offers a chance to enjoy the landscape and learn about olive cultivation directly from the local farmer.

The stroll is designed to be leisurely, giving guests the chance to appreciate the scenery and see olive trees up close. The host indicates the route and helps reach the field, providing insight into olive farming practices. This walk is ideal for nature lovers or those wanting a photo opportunity amid the stunning Lombardy landscape.

More Great Tours Nearby

Practical Details for Participants

The tour is designed to be accessible for most visitors, though it is not suitable for wheelchair users. Participants are advised to wear comfortable shoes, a hat, and sunscreen, especially during warmer months. The weather-dependent nature of the walk means it may not be available during field treatments by the farmer.

The overall experience is short but informative, making it perfect for families, couples, or individuals seeking a culinary highlight without a lengthy commitment. The shop’s offerings also support lasting memories of the visit, with options to purchase local honey, cosmetics, and flavored oils.

Comparing and Booking the Experience

This olive oil tasting is offered by Slow Travel, an experienced provider known for authentic local experiences. The duration of 30 minutes ensures it can fit into various itineraries, while the flexible reservation system allows pay later options. The free cancellation policy provides reassurance if plans change.

While this tour does not include transportation, meals, or guided walks as standard**, the optional olive grove walk adds a scenic component for those who choose to include it. It is worth noting that the availability of the walk depends on seasonal activities, so it may not always be possible to combine both parts.

Authentic Flavor and Local Connection at Lake Como

The Olive Oil Tasting and Visit at Lake Como offers a quick yet meaningful glimpse into olive oil craftsmanship. The quality of the olive oils, notably the DOP sample, and the friendly staff make this a memorable stop. It’s an excellent choice for culinary enthusiasts and landscape lovers alike who want to combine taste and scenery in a brief visit.

The opportunity to also explore the olive grove enhances the connection to the local farming traditions and offers a peaceful, scenic retreat. The shop’s products add to the experience, providing tangible souvenirs to remember your time in Lombardy.

This experience suits those seeking a quick, authentic taste of Italian olive oil, especially during the olive harvest season when the production process is in full swing. While not extensive, it delivers valuable insight and delightful flavors that complement any Lake Como trip.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the olive oil tasting last?
The tasting experience lasts approximately 30 minutes.

Is the olive grove walk always available?
No, the self-guided 3 km walk through the olive grove is available during the 10:00 AM and 2:30 PM sessions, but not always, depending on the farmer’s schedule and field treatments.

What should I wear for the tour?
Participants should wear comfortable shoes, a hat, and sunscreen suitable for warm weather.

Is transportation included?
No, transport to and from the olive mill/shop is not included.

Can I buy products at the shop?
Yes, the shop offers local honey, olive oil cosmetics, and flavored oils, which can be purchased during your visit.

Is this tour suitable for children or wheelchair users?
The experience is not suitable for wheelchair users and is primarily designed for adults.

Can I cancel my booking?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the scheduled start.

What languages are available?
The experience is offered in Italian and English.

Is there a cost for the olive oil sample?
The sample is included as part of the tasting experience, and participants receive a small bottle (25ml) of premium olive oil at no extra charge.

What makes the olive oil at this location special?
The DOP olive oil sample is prized for its authenticity and distinct tasting notes, representing local quality standards.

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