E.V.O. Oil of Lake Como + Food Pairings

Nestled along the serene shores of Italy’s iconic Lake Como, a small family-owned farm produces a truly exceptional extra virgin olive oil. E.V.O. Oil of Lake Como is renowned for its delicate flavor and low acidity, making it a versatile choice for a variety of culinary pairings. During exclusive tasting experiences, visitors can savor this premium olive oil alongside handcrafted local delicacies, exploring how the oil’s subtle freshness and well-balanced profile enhances the flavors of the region’s artisanal products. Truly, this is a gastronomic journey that immerses guests in the rich culinary traditions of one of Italy’s most picturesque destinations.

This experience made our list of the 5 Best Food Tours In Italy.

Key Points

• The extra virgin olive oil from Lake Como is known for its delicacy, low acidity, and well-balanced flavor profile.
• The olive grove tour provides insights into the unique microclimate and hand-harvesting techniques that contribute to the oil’s premium quality.
• Visitors can experience professional olive oil tasting techniques, including examining the appearance, aroma, and flavors of the oil.
• The olive oil is expertly paired with local artisanal products, such as cheeses, cured meats, and fresh breads, to showcase its culinary versatility.
• The proximity to Lake Como and the picturesque setting create a memorable experience for visitors exploring the region’s culinary heritage.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Experience at Ali Di Alice

Although the experience takes place in a historic 17th-century building with picturesque lake views, visitors’ attention is immediately drawn to the tasting of the region’s renowned extra virgin olive oil.

At Ali di Alice, guests embark on a 1-hour journey to explore the characteristics of this olive oil, known for its delicacy and low acidity.

The tour includes a visit to the olive grove, where experts explain the plant cycle and production process.

Visitors then learn professional tasting techniques and enjoy pairings with local artisanal products, water, and a glass of wine.

The experience is offered in French, English, and Italian, catering to a diverse audience.

Pricing and Booking Details

The experience at Ali di Alice can be booked starting from $76.87 per person.

No upfront payment is required, as customers can reserve now and pay later. Plus, there’s free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

This tasting and pairing experience offers:

• Flexible booking and payment options
• Risk-free cancellation policy
• Lake Como’s renowned extra virgin olive oil
• Pairing with local artisanal products, water, and wine

With these convenient and inclusive features, the olive oil tasting at Ali di Alice provides an engaging and hassle-free way to explore the region’s culinary heritage.

Unique Characteristics of the Olive Oil

The extra virgin olive oil from Lake Como is known for its delicacy and low acidity, stemming from the unique geographical and microclimatic conditions of the region.

The area’s proximity to the lake, combined with its mountainous terrain and Mediterranean climate, creates an ideal environment for olive cultivation. This results in an oil with a well-balanced flavor profile, characterized by subtle notes of freshness and a delicate finish.

The benefits of this exceptional olive oil are often attributed to the special terroir, ensuring a premium quality product that’s perfect for pairing with local artisanal foods and a glass of the region’s renowned wine.

Tour of the Olive Grove

As part of the olive oil tasting experience, guests embark on a captivating tour of the nearby olive grove.

The knowledgeable guides provide in-depth explanations about the olive plant cycle and the intricate process of olive oil production.

Visitors learn about:

• The unique microclimate and soil conditions that contribute to the delicate flavor profile
• The careful hand-harvesting techniques used to preserve the olives’ natural goodness
• The state-of-the-art milling equipment that extracts the oil with minimal processing
• The rigorous quality control measures to ensure the exceptional quality of the final product

This immersive tour offers a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the passion and expertise that goes into crafting the renowned extra virgin olive oil of Lake Como.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Professional Tasting Techniques

After the tour of the olive grove, guests are introduced to professional tasting techniques for evaluating the extra virgin olive oil.

The tasting begins with examining the oil’s appearance, noting its color and clarity. Participants then smell the oil, identifying its aroma and any distinctive notes.

Next, they taste the oil, sipping it and allowing it to coat the mouth to fully experience the flavors. The instructor guides guests through the nuances of bitterness, pungency, and fruitiness, explaining how these characteristics reflect the oil’s quality and origin.

Pairing With Local Products

Following the introduction to professional tasting techniques, guests now get to experience how the extra virgin olive oil can be paired with a selection of local artisanal products.

Along With tasting the oil on its own, visitors will learn how it complements the flavors of handcrafted cheeses, cured meats, fresh breads, and other regional specialties.

This pairing session allows guests to fully appreciate the versatility and nuances of the Lake Como olive oil. The pairings are carefully curated to showcase the oil’s delicacy and how it enhances the taste profiles of the local delicacies.

Guests leave with a deeper understanding of the oil’s unique character and its role in the area’s culinary traditions.

• Handcrafted cheeses
• Cured meats
• Fresh breads
• Regional specialties

Visitor Transportation Options

Reaching the historic 17th-century building that hosts the olive oil tasting experience can be done via a few convenient transportation options. Visitors can take the bus, getting off at the Azzano stop, or travel by boat, disembarking at either Lenno or Tremezzo and then walking to Azzano. Alternatively, on-site parking is available at Ali di Alice, making it easy for those arriving by car.

Transportation	Stop	Duration
Bus	Azzano	–
Boat	Lenno or Tremezzo	Walk to Azzano
Car	Ali di Alice	On-site parking

Whether by bus, boat, or car, visitors can easily access the olive oil tasting in the picturesque setting of Lake Como.

Customer Feedback and Ratings

According to the provided information, customer reviews of the olive oil tasting experience at Ali di Alice have been overwhelmingly positive.

The activity boasts an impressive overall rating of 5/5 based on 2 reviews, with visitors highlighting their enjoyment of learning about the production process and the excellent food pairings.

The customer feedback emphasizes:

• An engaging and informative tour of the olive grove
• Professional guidance on olive oil tasting techniques
• Delightful pairings with local artisanal products, wine, and water
• An overall memorable and enriching experience

The glowing reviews suggest the Ali di Alice olive oil tasting is a must-try for anyone seeking to enjoy the unique flavors and history of Lake Como’s renowned extra virgin olive oil.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Minimum Group Size Required for the Tasting?

The minimum group size for the olive oil tasting experience is not specified. The experience can be booked individually, and there’s no requirement for a minimum number of participants.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Experience?

There are no age restrictions for the olive oil tasting experience. Visitors of all ages can participate and enjoy learning about the characteristics of extra virgin olive oil and the food pairings.

Is the Tasting Suitable for Vegetarians and Vegans?

The tasting experience is suitable for vegetarians and vegans, as it includes pairing the extra virgin olive oil with local artisanal products and a glass of local wine, which can accommodate various dietary preferences.

Can I Purchase the Olive Oil at the End of the Experience?

Yes, visitors can purchase the extra virgin olive oil from Lake Como featured during the tasting experience. The olive oil is available for purchase at the end of the 1-hour tour and tasting.

Are There Any Discounts Available for Students or Seniors?

Yes, Ali di Alice offers a 10% discount for students and seniors on the olive oil tasting experience. Simply present valid identification at the time of booking to receive the discounted rate.

Recap

The tasting experience at Ali Di Alice allows visitors to discover the delectable nuances of E.V.O. Oil of Lake Como. By pairing this premium olive oil with artisanal local products, guests can deepen their appreciation for the region’s culinary traditions and savor the oil’s well-balanced profile. The tour and tasting techniques provide an immersive gastronomic journey, leaving customers with a memorable impression of this exceptional olive oil.

You can check if your dates are available here: