A Legacy of Exquisite Golden Oil

Many a cultured traveler will have seen their fare share of wineries, tasted some of the finest vintages and built a good knowledge base around grapes and wines; but how many of these same people can name more than a few varieties of olive (there are in fact hundreds) or describe the difference in taste and colour between “picuda” and “picual”? Olive oil production dates back at least as far as wine production, and many would argue the flavour distinctions between extra virgin olive oils are equally as complex.

Spain is the undisputed powerhouse of olive oil production, led by the southern region of Andalucia, and it is possible to visit some of the very best mills in the world there for tastings and educational tours. According to the appropriately named organisation, World’s Best Olive Oils, eight of the best ten olive oils in the world come from Spain, of these, all of the top five. In all, 29 of the best 50 olive oils hail from Spain; Andalucían mills represent all of the top four and 22 of the top 50 best products.

The ancient city of Antequera is the perfect place to explore olive oil production, where cultivated production began more than 3,000 years ago.

How They Do It Like They Always Have Done

With this “Olive Oil Experience” in and around Antequera, one of the main production centres in Andalusia, unveil the best kept secrets of the “golden liquid.” Arrive in the morning to a family olive oil mill for a traditional, rustic, “Molinero style” breakfast (bread grilled in the fireplace, homemade cakes, farm cheese and other delicacies) at the mill with an instructional olive oil tasting. After breakfast, your expert guides offer an edifying tour of the property to see the grounds and learn about the oil making process. After the visit, transfer to the ancient city of Antequera and travel some 5,000 years back in time. You will visit two of the UNESCO Heritage Dolmens dating back to the Bronze Age, and then head to Antequera city, the heart of Andalusia, to explore its rich Baroque and Renaissance architecture, and its imposing religious heritage. So historic is the town of Antequera that even the Romans called it the “ancient city,” or Antequaria. Given the settlement’s longevity, it comes as no surprise that the architecture of the city reveals a timeline throughout the ages and the city itself is a treasure trove of antiques and art. In fact, Antequera houses about 80% of all the art treasures in the province of Malaga.

At lunchtime you’ll enjoy a memorable tasting menu that recovers the historic Malagueña cuisine, with dishes dating back to an era before the Europeans discovered the New World. The restaurant, located in the historic centre of the city, offers the perfect starting point for a second gratifying stroll around Antequera for more Renaissance reminiscences with your expert guide.

At a Glance:

- The Olive Oil Experience and Antequera Tour is a ten hour excursion from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm
- Private vehicle and driver if desired
- Private guides throughout
- Breakfast
- Instructional olive oil tasting
- Tasting menu for lunch (food and drinks)
- Entrance and all taxes
- To book, enquire further, or for any additional details please get in touch here