Nestled in the heart of Italy’s Valpolicella region, Marano di Valpolicella offers a tantalizing culinary experience for the discerning olive oil enthusiast. The DOP Olive Oil Tasting at Tenuta Santa Maria Valverde promises an immersive journey through the centuries-old traditions of olive oil production. From the picturesque olive tree gardens to the historic winery cellar, this two-hour activity promises a delightful exploration of the region’s gastronomic treasures. As visitors savor the nuanced flavors of four distinct DOP olive oils paired with regional delicacies, they’ll be treated to breathtaking vistas of the Valpolicella hills, setting the stage for an unforgettable cultural encounter.
Key Points
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Tenuta Santa Maria Valverde in Marano di Valpolicella offers a 2-hour DOP olive oil tasting experience, featuring a guided tour of the olive tree garden and 17th-century winery cellar.
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The experience includes tasting four distinct DOP olive oils, paired with local cheeses, salami, bread, and regional wines, while enjoying panoramic views of the Valpolicella hills.
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The olive oil production process is highlighted, from harvesting ripe olives to cold-pressing and monitoring sensory characteristics to ensure the highest quality.
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The scenic Valpolicella hills surrounding the winery, with their lush vineyards and olive groves, frame the experience and emphasize the connection between the land, the product, and centuries-old traditions.
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Along With the olive oil tasting, the winery offers Valpolicella wine tasting tours, truffle hunting excursions, guided nature walks, and cooking classes focused on traditional Veronese cuisine.
Experience Overview
This DOP Olive Oil Tasting Experience offers participants a captivating 2-hour activity at the Tenuta Santa Maria Valverde in Marano di Valpolicella.
Priced from $65.23 per person, the experience is available in Italian and English. Guests can freely cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Plus, a "reserve now & pay later" option is available. The experience allows visitors to stroll through an olive tree garden, tour the 17th-century winery cellar, and learn about olive oil production.
Tastings of four DOP olive oils are paired with local cheeses, salami, bread, and regional wines, all while enjoying scenic Valpolicella hill views.
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Itinerary Highlights
The Olive Oil Tasting Experience begins with a stroll through the property’s olive tree garden, where guests can admire the verdant foliage and picturesque surroundings.
The itinerary continues with a guided tour of the winery and a 17th-century cellar, providing an in-depth look at the olive oil production process.
Guests will then enjoy a tasting of four distinct DOP olive oils, savoring the nuances of each by sight, smell, and taste.
Complemented by local cheeses, salami, fresh bread, and regional wines, the tasting takes place on a scenic terrace offering panoramic views of the Valpolicella hills.
- Stroll through an olive tree garden
- Guided tour of the winery and 17th-century cellar
- Tasting of 4 different DOP olive oils
- Sample local cheeses, salami, fresh bread, and regional wines
- Scenic terrace for tastings with panoramic views
Inclusions
The Olive Oil Tasting Experience includes an olive oil tasting paired with regional wines and appetizers. Visitors get to explore the olive tree garden and a 17th-century rural house on the estate. The scenic terrace offers panoramic views of the Valpolicella hills during the tastings.
| Inclusions | Details |
|---|---|
| Olive Oil Tasting | 4 different DOP olive oils |
| Regional Wines | Paired with the olive oils |
| Appetizers | Local cheeses, salami, fresh bread |
| Olive Tree Garden | Guided tour |
| Rural House | 17th-century cellar visit |
This immersive experience allows guests to savor the flavors of the region while surrounded by its natural beauty.
Meeting Point and Transportation
Where’s the meeting point for the Olive Oil Tasting Experience?
The meeting point is at TENUTA SANTA MARIA VALVERDE, located at loc. Gazzo 4, 37020 Marano di Valpolicella VR.
From there, the experience unfolds:
- The scenic winery is nestled in the heart of the Valpolicella hills.
- Public transportation assistance is available from the center of Verona.
- The journey takes guests through the picturesque countryside.
- The winery offers a stunning panoramic view of the surrounding vineyards.
- Visitors are guided through the olive tree garden and the 17th-century cellar.
Customer Reviews
Visitors have overwhelmingly praised the Olive Oil Tasting Experience, with an impressive overall rating of 4.8 out of 5 based on 9 reviews.
Guests highlight the friendly and informative guides who lead the tour, providing a deeper understanding of the olive oil production process.
The beautiful setting, with its olive and grape trees, as well as the breathtaking views from the scenic terrace, have also been praised.
Reviewers recommend the tasting experience, and note that wine and truffle tours are also available, offering a well-rounded exploration of the Valpolicella region’s culinary delights.
Olive Oil Production Process
During the Olive Oil Tasting Experience, guests explore the intricate process of olive oil production.
The guided tour reveals the meticulous steps involved:
- Harvesting the olives at their peak ripeness
- Transporting the olives to the mill for cold-pressing
- Meticulously controlling the temperature to retain the oil’s natural flavors
- Decanting and filtering the oil to remove any impurities
- Closely monitoring the sensory characteristics, from the color to the aroma and taste
This immersive experience offers a captivating glimpse into the art and science behind producing the region’s coveted DOP olive oils.
Scenic Valpolicella Hills
The Valpolicella hills that surround the Tenuta Santa Maria Valverde estate offer a breathtaking panorama for guests during the olive oil tasting experience.
Lush vineyards and olive groves cascade down the rolling slopes, framed by the majestic Dolomite mountains in the distance. The scenic terrace where the tastings take place provides a stunning vantage point to admire this picturesque landscape.
As visitors sample the estate’s acclaimed DOP olive oils, they can gaze out over the patchwork of verdant vineyards and orchards that characterize the Valpolicella region.
This serene and picturesque setting enhances the immersive olive oil tasting, allowing guests to fully appreciate the connection between the land, the product, and the centuries-old traditions of the Valverde estate.
Additional Tour Offerings
Beyond the olive oil tasting experience, Tenuta Santa Maria Valverde offers visitors a range of additional tour options to enhance their exploration of the Valpolicella region.
Guests can choose from:
- Valpolicella wine tasting tours that showcase the estate’s renowned red blends
- Truffle hunting excursions to discover the region’s prized fungi alongside expert foragers
- Guided nature walks through the scenic olive groves and vineyards
- Cooking classes focused on traditional Veronese cuisine and local ingredients
- Opportunities to visit nearby medieval villages and historic landmarks
These diverse offerings allow travelers to enjoy the rich culture, flavors, and natural beauty of the Valpolicella countryside.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is There a Dress Code for the Tasting Experience?
There is no specific dress code for the olive oil tasting experience. Guests can wear comfortable, casual clothing that allows them to move around and explore the olive tree garden and winery comfortably.
Are Children Welcome to Participate in the Tasting?
Children are welcome to participate in the tasting, though the experience may be more enjoyable for older participants. The staff can accommodate younger guests with non-alcoholic beverages and may offer age-appropriate activities.
Can I Bring My Own Olive Oil to Be Tasted and Assessed?
No, participants can’t bring their own olive oil to be tasted. The experience focuses on sampling the producer’s DOP olive oils, providing an educational tasting through the winery’s guided tour and tastings.
How Much Olive Oil Can I Purchase and Take Home?
Participants can purchase and take home up to 3 liters of the DOP olive oils tasted during the experience. Additional bottles may be available for purchase on-site as well. The amount is not limited, allowing guests to enjoy the oils at home.
Are There Any Discounts or Package Deals Available?
The experience offers package deals that include discounts. Visitors can purchase a variety of olive oils to take home, though specific quantities aren’t mentioned. It’s best to inquire about available packages and discounts when booking the tasting experience.
Recap
Enjoy the rich traditions of DOP olive oil production at Tenuta Santa Maria Valverde. This captivating experience offers a guided tour, tasting of distinct olive oils, and stunning views of the Valpolicella hills – a truly memorable culinary journey. With its comprehensive itinerary and exceptional reviews, it’s an opportunity to savor the essence of this renowned Italian region.
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