E.V.O. oil of Lake Como tasting+ food pairings

Exploring E.V.O. Olive Oil Tasting & Food Pairings on Lake Como

If you’re seeking a taste of Italy’s culinary traditions combined with breathtaking scenery, the E.V.O. oil of Lake Como tasting experience offers just that. Hosted by Ali di Alice, this one-hour tour takes you into a historic 17th-century building overlooking the lake, where you’ll learn about the art of olive oil production, taste authentic extra virgin olive oil, and enjoy regional food pairings with local wine. It’s a cozy, intimate experience—capped at just ten travelers—that promises both insight and deliciousness in a truly picturesque setting.

What stands out most is the personalized approach—your host, Alice, is praised for her warmth and knowledge, making this feel more like visiting a friend’s farm than a commercial tour. Plus, with stunning lake views and a serene garden environment, it’s an experience that delights the senses without feeling rushed. One possible downside? At around $81 per person, some might find the amount of food and tasting to be on the lighter side, especially if they’re expecting a full meal. Still, for those interested in authentic regional flavors, this tour hits just the right notes. It’s especially suitable for travelers who appreciate learning about local specialties and enjoy quiet, scenic environments.

Key Points

• Authentic Experience: Tasting olive oil directly from a historic farm with expert guidance.
• Scenic Setting: Spectacular views of Lake Como and a charming 17th-century building.
• Food & Wine Pairings: Carefully selected local ingredients and regional wines enhance the tasting.
• Personalized Host: Alice’s friendly and informative approach makes the experience memorable.
• Limited Group Size: Max 10 travelers for a more intimate, engaging visit.
• Value for Money: Priced at $80.95, offering a unique blend of food, history, and scenery.

An In-Depth Look at the Olive Oil Tasting Experience

The tour begins at a convenient meeting point in Azzano, just a short drive from the lake’s more popular towns. From there, you’ll be taken to an olive grove where Alice, your host, greets you warmly and begins explaining her family’s farming tradition. We loved the way she shared her passion for olive oil, making complex processes accessible and engaging, even for those new to tasting. The visit includes a walk through the grove, where you can admire the lush greenery, herbs, and vegetables Alice cultivates—adding a farm-to-table authenticity to the experience.

Learning the Sensory Techniques
Once inside the historic building, you’ll get hands-on with the sensorial tasting techniques Alice teaches. This part is particularly appreciated by those eager to sharpen their palate—learn how to identify fruitiness, bitterness, and pungency in olive oil. One reviewer, Dorri_K, noted, “Great afternoon learning about the olive oil process,” highlighting how Alice’s explanations made the experience both educational and enjoyable—even in rainy weather.

The Tasting & Food Pairings
After understanding what makes a high-quality extra virgin olive oil, you’ll taste several varieties, noticing the differences in aroma and flavor. The experience is designed to help you “tune” your palate and appreciate the nuances of regional olive oils. Then come the food pairings—local ingredients carefully selected to complement the olive oil. Expect to sample a variety of small bites that enhance the oil’s natural flavors, and enjoy a good glass of regional wine that pairs perfectly with the tasting. Hannah_Z described it as “a lovely job sharing the olive oil making process and explaining how to tune one’s taste,” emphasizing the thoughtful presentation and serene atmosphere.

The Setting: Historic Charm & Lake Views
The entire experience unfolds in a beautifully restored 17th-century building, with spectacular views of Lake Como peering through windows and doorways. The garden and interior décor convey a quiet elegance, making it a peaceful oasis away from crowds. It’s a perfect spot to relax and focus on the sensory journey of olive oil tasting while soaking in the lake’s tranquil beauty.

Practical Details & What to Expect

Duration & Group Size
The tour lasts approximately one hour, making it easy to include in a day full of sightseeing. With a maximum of 10 participants, it remains intimate—allowing plenty of opportunity for questions and personalized attention. We found this to be a major plus, as it fostered a friendly, informal vibe.

Pricing & Value
At roughly $81 per person, the experience offers a well-rounded taste of regional agriculture, history, and gastronomy. Reviewers like Sara_B felt the price was a bit high for the quantity of food and tastings, suggesting it might be better suited as an evening activity rather than a full meal. That said, most agree the quality of the experience, the scenic setting, and the knowledgeable guide justify the cost if you’re genuinely interested in olive oil and regional cuisine.

Accessibility & Convenience
The tour is accessible, with service animals allowed and close proximity to public transportation. It is designed to cater to most travelers, making it a hassle-free addition to your Lake Como itinerary.

Booking & Cancellation
Highly recommended to book at least two weeks in advance, as it’s popular. The operator offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience, providing peace of mind—an important factor when planning busy travel schedules.

Authenticity & Reviewer Insights

Multiple reviewers praised the host Alice for her warmth and expertise, with Josh_R mentioning, “Despite the rainy weather, we had a great time touring Alice’s family farm.” Her passion clearly shines through, making the experience memorable beyond just the tasting. Hannah_Z emphasized the peaceful ambiance, calling it “a serene oasis with thoughtful decor,” perfect for a quiet, reflective evening.

One less enthusiastic review pointed out that the experience might feel limited in scope for those expecting a full meal or more extensive tasting. The food served is described as small bites or tapas-style, meant to complement the oil rather than serve as a complete meal. If you’re a foodie looking for a substantial feast, you might find this a bit light on quantity.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is ideal for travelers who value learning about regional food production, enjoy quiet, scenic environments, and want to deepen their appreciation for Italian culinary traditions. It’s a fantastic choice for couples, small groups, or solo travelers interested in a more intimate, educational activity. If you’re a wine or olive oil enthusiast, this tour offers a perfect blend of tasting and storytelling that will leave you more attuned to regional flavors.

However, those expecting a full-fledged meal or larger tasting might find the experience slightly limited in scope. It’s best suited for those seeking a relaxed, authentic encounter rather than a gourmet feast.

The Sum Up

The E.V.O. olive oil tasting on Lake Como offers a wonderful mix of education, scenery, and regional flavor. Alice’s warm guidance, combined with the stunning backdrop of Lake Como, makes it more than just a tasting—it’s an insight into Italian farm life and culinary craft. While the portion sizes are modest, the quality of the olive oil, the peaceful setting, and the personalized attention make it a worthwhile addition to your trip.

For travelers who love discovering authentic food traditions, enjoy serene surroundings, and want a story behind their flavors, this tour is an excellent choice. It’s particularly perfect if you’re seeking a calm, enriching activity that complements the natural beauty of Lake Como.

FAQ

How long does the tour last?
The experience lasts approximately 1 hour, making it easy to fit into a day packed with sightseeing.

What is included in the tour?
You will visit the olive grove, learn about the production process, taste multiple varieties of olive oil, and enjoy food pairings with regional ingredients and wine.

Is the tour suitable for all travelers?
Yes, most travelers can participate. It’s accessible, with nearby public transportation, and service animals are allowed.

How many people are in each group?
The tour is limited to a maximum of 10 travelers, ensuring an intimate, personalized experience.

What is the price?
It costs about $80.95 per person, which covers the tasting, food pairings, and guided experience.

Can I cancel my booking?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the scheduled start, providing flexibility.

Is the food enough for a full meal?
No, the tasting is more like small bites and tapas-style food meant to complement the olive oil, not a full meal.

What’s the setting like?
The experience takes place in a historic 17th-century building with spectacular lake views and a peaceful garden setting.

Do reviews recommend this experience?
Yes, most reviews are highly positive, praising the host Alice, the scenery, and the educational aspect, with some noting the experience’s serene and intimate atmosphere.

This olive oil tour on Lake Como offers a genuine taste of Italian craftsmanship, tranquil views, and a chance to deepen your appreciation for regional flavors. Whether you’re a food lover or simply after a peaceful, scenic break, it’s a thoughtfully curated experience that’s well worth considering.