Matera olive grove tour: Centuries-old trees and oil tasting

Taste oils pressed from trees older than the Renaissance, standing in the grove where they grow

A 2.5-hour activity in Matera's centuries-old olive groves where you walk among majestic trees, learn how organic oils are made, and taste two varieties with local cheeses, cured meats, bread and wine under the trees. The experience includes a live guide in English, Portuguese or French, and suits all fitness levels. Children welcome from age 1.

The experience

You walk into a centuries-old olive grove outside Matera with views of the Little Lucanian Dolomites and the Gallipoli Cognato and Foresta Mantenera Park spreading across the horizon. A guide explains the history of the trees around you and the organic, sustainable methods used to produce the oils you'll taste. The walk itself is the setting: uncontaminated air, earth scents, the weight of trees that have stood for generations.

The tasting happens under the olive grove, not in a tasting room. You taste two extra virgin olive oils from the grove's own production, paired with chopping boards of Lucanian cheeses and cured meats from Podolica cows, bread from Matera, tomato frise, taralli, olives, a bottle of Aglianico del Vulture red wine and tiramisu. Everything is km 0: made by local companies, handcrafted. The whole experience runs 2.5 hours and includes bottled water. Wine is served only to guests over 21.

You can book the tasting visit as it stands, or add a BBQ to the olive grove experience. A live guide leads in English, Portuguese or French. Children from age 1 are welcome, and specialized infant seats are available if you need them.

What’s included

• Walk through centuries-old olive groves with views of the Little Lucanian Dolomites.
• live guide in English, Portuguese or French.
• tasting of two extra virgin olive oils from the grove's production.
• selection of Lucanian cheeses and cured meats from Podolica cows.
• bread from Matera, tomato frise, taralli and olives.
• bottle of Aglianico del Vulture red wine and sweet wine.
• tiramisu.
• bottled water.
• all fees and taxes.

Options for this experience

2 options

Tour of a centuries-old olive grove with a tasting of local products, Km0Guide in English, French or Portuguese · No fixed time

Tasting visit with a barbecueGuide in English, French or Portuguese · No fixed timeBarbecue: along with the oil tasting, cheeses and cold cuts will be grilled just for you on olive wood

You pick the guide language when booking.

You see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates & prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day

AgesAdult (18 to 70 years) · Youth (11 to 17 years) · Child (1 to 10 years)

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish, French and Portuguese

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 12 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical levelInfant seats availablePets welcome

Operated by Mantenera

Is this one for you?The fixed 2.5-hour window fits a half-day around other plans in Matera, and the walk suits all fitness levels, so you don't need to be an experienced hiker to move through the grove at your own pace.

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English, French and Portuguese.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (11 to 17 years); Child (1 to 10 years).

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What exactly happens during the walk through the olive grove?

You're guided through centuries-old olive trees while the guide explains their history and the organic, sustainable production methods used for the oils. The walk is designed to let you move at your own pace through the grove while taking in views of the Little Lucanian Dolomites and the surrounding parks.

What oils and foods are included in the tasting?

The tasting includes two extra virgin olive oils from the grove's production, paired with Lucanian cheeses and cured meats from Podolica cows, bread from Matera, tomato frise, taralli, olives, a bottle of Aglianico del Vulture red wine and tiramisu. All made locally within km 0.

Is wine included, and are there non-alcoholic options?

A bottle of Aglianico del Vulture red wine is included with the tasting for guests over 21. Bottled water is provided for all guests, and sweet wine is also part of the experience.

How long does the whole experience take?

The activity runs 2.5 hours from start to finish, including the walk through the grove and the tasting under the olive trees.