About this tour
Learn to distinguish quality extra virgin olive oil and table olives from a certified taster at Rome's dedicated school. Over two hours, you'll taste three distinct EVOOs and two olive varieties whilst understanding Italy's remarkable olive biodiversity—home to over 500 cultivars. The session covers production methods, flavour profiles, and how to spot authenticity. You'll leave with a 100ml bottle of Italian EVOO and practical knowledge to shop with confidence.
Highlights
- Taste three premium extra virgin olive oils side by side
- Sample two table olive varieties with expert guidance
- Learn Italy's 500+ olive cultivar heritage and terroir differences
- Discover how to assess oil quality by sight, smell, taste
- Understand production methods and harvest timing effects
- Take home a 100ml bottle of 100% Italian EVOO
What to expect
The masterclass starts with theory: olive varieties, growing regions, and the chemistry of quality. Your taster then walks you through sensory assessment—how to observe colour, smell the aromatics, and taste methodically. You'll work through three oils of different styles (perhaps peppery, fruity, buttery) and two table olive preparations, learning what to look for on labels and in the glass. It's hands-on but unhurried, designed for genuine curiosity rather than speed. Expect to spend time on each sample and ask questions freely.
Good to know
Held in central Rome with nearby public transport links. Suitable for all fitness levels. Minimum age 16. The tasting accommodates gluten-free, vegetarian, and vegan diets. Additional food and drinks aren't included—plan accordingly if you want lunch nearby.
Tour sold and operated by Viator via Viator. Descriptions on this page are original BugBitten summaries written by our team — not copied from the operator. Prices and availability are confirmed at checkout.