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

<h3 id="section-0">Introducing the E.V.O. Olive Oil Tasting & Food Pairings Experience at Lake Como

If you’re exploring Lake Como and want a genuine taste of local flavors, this olive oil tasting tour offered by Ali di Alice is a charming option. It combines a bit of education, a touch of elegance, and a relaxed atmosphere — all set against the backdrop of a stunning lakeside location. Whether you’re a foodie, a culture enthusiast, or just looking for a peaceful break from sightseeing, this experience might be worth considering.

What we really like about this tour is how it offers more than just a tasting — it’s an opportunity to learn how to evaluate olive oil properly and see a working olive grove. Plus, the setting in a historic 17th-century building with spectacular views makes it feel like a special treat. The fact that it’s capped at just 10 participants helps keep it intimate and personal, which is great for really engaging with your host.

However, a potential downside is the cost relative to the amount of food offered. As some reviews point out, the portions are modest, and some might feel it’s a bit pricey for what’s included. It’s certainly a tour for those who value quality over quantity, and who are happy to savor a few high-quality bites with excellent regional wine.

This experience works best for travelers who enjoy learning about local products, appreciate a serene environment, and want a taste of authentic Lake Como life — especially if you’re keen on pairing good food with beautiful scenery. It may not satisfy those looking for a full meal or a large tasting spread, but for a focused, high-quality experience, it hits the right notes.

Key Points

• Authentic experience in a historic setting with lake views
• Learn to sensorially evaluate high-quality extra virgin olive oil
• Enjoy regional food pairings and local wine in a tranquil environment
• Small group size ensures personalized attention and atmosphere
• Price reflects quality but may seem high for modest portions
• Ideal for lovers of food, wine, and picturesque scenery

What to Expect from the Tour

This tour offers a well-rounded introduction to extra virgin olive oil from a local producer, with a focus on sensory techniques. You’ll visit the olive grove, where your guide explains the manufacturing process — a fascinating peek into what makes true olive oil so special. You’ll learn how to taste and evaluate olive oil properly, which is a skill many of us don’t develop on our own.

Following the educational part, you’ll move to the elegant outdoor garden and historic rooms of the 17th-century building. Here, the tasting begins. Expect to sample high-quality olive oil, paired carefully with regional ingredients and complemented by a good glass of local wine. The pairing isn’t just about picking good combinations; the guide will help you learn how flavors interact and how to identify quality in each bite.

The setting itself adds a lot to the experience. With spectacular lake views and thoughtful decor, it feels like a peaceful retreat. Even on rainy days, reviewers like Dorri_K mention that the atmosphere remains warm and inviting — thanks to the cozy interior spaces.

The Itinerary and Experience in Detail

Starting Point & Meeting Location
You’ll meet at Via del Riale, just outside the main tour area, from where everything unfolds. The tour is approximately an hour long, making it a perfect short activity that doesn’t eat up your whole day. With a maximum of 10 travelers, there’s plenty of room for questions and interaction.

Visit to the Olive Grove
The first part involves wandering the olive grove, where your host will teach you about how olive oil is made and what makes it extra virgin. This is more than a quick overview; it’s an active, tangible experience. You’ll see the herbs, fruits, and vegetables grown on the farm, which adds to the rustic charm.

Tasting & Sensory Techniques
The core of the experience is the olive oil tasting. We loved the way the guide, Alice, shared her expertise, making the process approachable and fun. She walks you through smelling, tasting, and evaluating the oil, which helps you appreciate the nuances that make each batch unique. Hannah_Z calls her “a lovely job sharing her olive oil making process,” and this hands-on approach adds real value for anyone interested in culinary arts or simply wanting to sharpen their palate.

Food & Wine Pairings
After the tasting, you’ll enjoy the olive oil paired with local ingredients. Although some reviews mention that the amount of food might be limited, what’s served is high quality and thoughtfully paired. The wine selected from the region complements the flavors beautifully, elevating the whole experience. Picture sitting in a peaceful garden with lake views, savoring bites that highlight the region’s flavors.

The Setting
The historic building and garden provide a spectacular backdrop. The decor is described as thoughtful and calming, making it a wonderful place to unwind. Even in less-than-ideal weather, like rain, the indoor spaces keep the ambiance cozy and enjoyable.

Value for Money and Pricing

At $80.95 per person, this tour isn’t exactly inexpensive, especially considering the food portions are modest. However, you’re paying for more than just the tasting; you’re getting a personalized lesson, a peaceful setting, and a chance to explore local agricultural traditions. Several guests, like Sara_B, feel the price is a bit high for what’s offered, particularly noting the limited amount of food. But others find the experience worth the cost for the quality and intimacy.

If you’re someone who appreciates educational experiences and wants to learn a new skill (like recognizing good olive oil), this can be a good investment. For those mainly looking for a filling meal, it might feel a little sparse, but for a focused, quality-driven activity, it hits the right notes.

Practical Details

• Duration: About 1 hour
• Group size: Max 10 people
• Price: $80.95 per person
• Booking: Booked about 15 days in advance on average
• Location: Meeting at Via del Riale, 4/5, Azzano CO, Italy
• Accessibility: Near public transportation, service animals allowed
• Cancellation: Free up to 24 hours before the experience

Authentic Guest Feedback

• Dorri_K enjoyed a “great afternoon learning about the olive oil process,” even mentioning that the rain didn’t dampen the experience.
• Hannah_Z praised Alice’s storytelling and the peaceful setting, calling it “not to be missed.”
• Josh_R appreciated the combination of the farm tour and tasting, despite the weather, noting that the experience was “delicious & fun.”
• Sara_B found the location beautiful and the guide very kind but thought the portions were small compared to the price.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is best suited for food lovers, aficionados of regional products, or curious travelers eager to understand what makes high-quality olive oil special. It’s equally appealing if you’re seeking a tranquil, scenic setting to enjoy a quiet moment or want to add a touch of authentic local culture to your lake trip.

It’s less ideal if your priority is a full meal, large tasting, or a deep dive into local history — but for a short, refined taste of Lake Como’s agricultural side, it’s a solid choice.

FAQs

Is this experience suitable for children or families?
Since the tour is quite intimate and educational, it suits most travelers, but it’s mainly aimed at adults interested in food and wine. It’s not specifically designed for kids, though service animals are allowed.

How long does the tour last?
The experience runs approximately an hour, making it manageable even if you’re on a tight schedule.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours before the tour. Just keep an eye on the timing to get a full refund.

Is transportation provided?
No, but the meeting point is near public transportation, making it fairly accessible.

What’s included in the price?
You get a guided visit to the olive grove, sensory evaluation of the olive oil, tasting of the oil with local ingredients, and a glass of regional wine.

Is the tour suitable in bad weather?
Yes, the indoor rooms of the historic building provide a cozy setting, so rain won’t ruin the experience.

Final thoughts

If you’re after a peaceful, educational, and authentic taste of Lake Como, this olive oil and food pairing tour is worth considering. It offers a rare glimpse into local craftsmanship, paired with a relaxed atmosphere and stunning views. While it might not satisfy those seeking large portions or a full meal, it’s perfect for travelers who value quality, storytelling, and a bit of culinary skill-building. For anyone curious about regional food traditions or simply looking to slow down and enjoy some peaceful moments, this experience could be a highlight of your trip.