Matera : Centuries-Old Olive Grove Tour with Oil and Local Tasting

About this tour

Spend two and a half hours walking amongst ancient olive trees in Matera's countryside, learning how local producers craft organic oil from trees that have stood for centuries. You'll taste two oils paired with Lucanian cheeses, cured meats and bread whilst taking in views across the Little Lucanian Dolomites. The experience unfolds on the grove itself—no rush, no crowds, just the land and its rhythms. A bottle of Aglianico del Vulture and sweet wine round out the afternoon.

Highlights

• Walk between ancient olive trees across undulating terrain
• Learn organic oil production directly from growers
• Taste two extra virgin oils paired with local cheeses
• Views of the Little Lucanian Dolomites and protected forests
• Sit down tasting with Aglianico del Vulture and bread from Matera
• All food, wine and water included

What to expect

Your guide will lead you through working olive groves where trees have weathered centuries. You'll walk at an easy pace, stopping to hear about cultivation methods and why the soil and climate here produce distinctive oils. Expect natural, unmanicured landscapes—this isn't a manicured park. Once you've covered enough ground, you'll settle into the grove itself for tasting. Two oils arrive with platters of cold cuts sourced within kilometres, plus bread baked locally. Wine flows throughout. Bring a hat and comfortable shoes; the ground is uneven and there's little shade beyond the trees themselves.

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