Evo Oil Tasting School with Blindfolded Tasting and Lunch

If you’re headed to Tuscany and have a soft spot for good food and authentic experiences, this Evo Oil Tasting School with Blindfolded Tasting and Lunch could be right up your alley. We haven’t done it ourselves, but based on what travelers say and what’s offered, it sounds like a genuine chance to learn about one of Italy’s most treasured products—extra virgin olive oil—and actually taste the difference for yourself.

What makes this experience stand out? For one, it combines a hands-on approach—learning how olives are pruned and oil is extracted—with a sensory adventure that includes a blind tasting. Plus, the chance to enjoy a home-cooked four-course lunch paired with local wines adds a satisfying touch of authenticity. On the flip side, it’s a three-hour experience, so it’s not a full day, and it’s best suited for those genuinely interested in olive oil, not just a quick taste.

One thing to keep in mind: the tour costs about $150 per person, which might seem steep if you’re on a tight budget, but the mix of education, tasting, and a hearty meal can justify the price for lovers of culinary experiences. It’s also booked around 124 days in advance on average, meaning it’s quite popular—so booking early helps secure your spot.

This tour is perfect if you love learning about local food production, enjoy wine and good company, or simply want to deepen your appreciation for something so central to Tuscan cuisine. If that sounds like you, let’s walk through what you can expect and how this experience could be a highlight of your Chianti trip.

Key Points

• Authentic Learning Experience: Combines olive grove tour, oil extraction insight, and tasting techniques.
• Hands-on Activities: Includes pruning demonstrations and practical tasting methods.
• Sensory Adventure: Features a unique blindfolded tasting to sharpen your palate.
• Delicious Lunch: A four-course, home-cooked meal paired with local wines makes it memorable.
• Small Group Size: Limited to 14 travelers, ensuring a more personal experience.
• Great for Food Enthusiasts: Especially those curious about olive oil quality and production.

The Itinerary: What You Can Expect

Starting Point and Timing

The experience begins at 10:30 am from Via dei Cofferi, 12, in Il Ferrone. The tour lasts around three hours, which is a manageable chunk of time if you’re exploring Chianti or combining it with other activities. The meeting point is accessible near public transportation, making it easier to reach without fuss.

Olive Grove Tour and Tree Recognition

As soon as you arrive, you’ll meet your guide—probably Fabrizio—who greets you warmly and introduces you to the farm’s residents, including the four-legged ones. The walk through the olive groves is not just scenic; it’s educational. You’ll learn about the Tuscan way of pruning trees and how to recognize different olive varieties. This part is especially appealing if you like seeing behind the scenes—it’s practical, straightforward, and adds a layer of appreciation for what goes into good quality oil.

Explanation of Oil Extraction

Next, you’ll tour the mill to see how the olives are transformed into oil. Expect a clear explanation of the extraction process, along with a rundown of the Italian classifications of olive oil quality. This part isn’t just technical jargon; it’s designed to help you understand why some oils taste better and are healthier, giving you tools to read labels with confidence.

Tasting Techniques and Blind Tasting

The highlight for many is the guided tasting of three different EVO oils. You’ll learn the professional way to taste—using the right glass, at the correct temperature, and with proper technique. Then, the fun part: a blind tasting where you identify quality and differences without being influenced by appearance or brand. Reviewers have raved about this section, with one noting it “really trained their palate.”

The Lunch

Finally, after all the learning and tasting, you’ll sit down to enjoy a home-cooked four-course meal, paired with local wines. The menu isn’t specified, but expect hearty, Tuscan-style dishes that complement the oils and wines, creating a true farm-to-table vibe. Reviewers mention the hospitality as top-notch, and the experience leaves a lasting impression—particularly the combination of flavors and the warmth of sharing a meal with fellow travelers.

What Travelers Say About the Experience

According to reviews, Fabrizio is described as a gracious host who makes everyone feel welcome. Janet_N enjoyed the personal touch, saying, “He introduces you to all the residents of the farm even the 4-legged ones,” which hints at a genuine, family-run feel.

Bar_L called it “the best day of our trip,” highlighting the olive oil tasting, the home-cooked lunch, and the hospitality. These comments underscore that while the experience is educational, it’s also warm and personal—something that sticks with visitors long after they leave.

One key point that comes through is the quality of the olive oils tasted during the blind session. Several reviews emphasize how the tasting sharpens your ability to recognize quality and difference—a real bonus for food lovers looking to elevate their understanding.

The Price and Value

At about $150.39 per person, this is not a cheap activity, but it includes a lot: an expert-guided tour, hands-on activities, a tasting, and a four-course lunch with wines. For those who value culinary education and authentic, immersive experiences, this package offers good value. It’s also booked an average of 124 days in advance, meaning it’s quite in demand.

If you’re passionate about olive oil, enjoy wine and good food, or simply want a meaningful, local experience outside of the usual tourist spots, this tour delivers. Plus, the small group size (up to 14) keeps things intimate, allowing for personal questions and a relaxed atmosphere.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is ideal for foodies and wine lovers, those interested in learning how olive oil is made, or anyone wanting to turn a typical day in Tuscany into something special and hands-on. It’s suitable for most travelers, provided you’re comfortable walking around outdoor groves and sitting for a hearty meal afterward.

It’s less suited for travelers seeking quick, low-cost options or those with very tight schedules, but if you’re in Chianti and want to deepen your appreciation for its culinary traditions, this tour hits the right notes.

Final Thoughts

The Evo Oil Tasting School in Chianti offers a rare combination of educational value, sensory fun, and authentic hospitality. You leave not just with a new appreciation for olive oil but also with a full stomach and warm memories of Tuscan farm life.

If you’re someone who loves understanding the stories behind the food, appreciates good wine, and enjoys a relaxed, family-style atmosphere, this might be one of your favorite experiences in the region. It’s a well-rounded way to connect with the land, the people, and the traditions of Chianti, all in just a few hours.

For the curious, the passionate, and the taste-driven traveler, this tour is well worth considering. Just remember to book early, bring your enthusiasm, and prepare for a genuinely delightful day.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children?
While the tour is generally accessible, it’s best suited for older children or teenagers who can enjoy walking outdoors and tasting oils. It’s not specifically designed as a family activity, but it can be enjoyed by those interested in hands-on learning.

What’s included in the price?
Your fee covers the guided tour, olive grove visit, explanation of oil extraction, blind tasting of three EVO oils, and the four-course home-cooked lunch with farm wines.

Are there any additional costs?
You might want to purchase some of the farm’s products afterward, but this isn’t included in the tour price.

How long is the tour?
The entire experience lasts approximately three hours, starting at 10:30 am.

Is the tour customizable or flexible?
The experience is fixed in structure, with the itinerary as outlined. However, small groups encourage personal interaction.

What is the best way to get there?
The meeting point is near public transportation, which makes it relatively easy to access if you’re staying in or near Chianti.

Will the tour be canceled if the weather is bad?
Yes, since it involves outdoor activities. If canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Can I cancel my booking?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the tour. After that, no refunds are issued.

If you’re seeking an experience that combines education, delicious food, and a taste of Tuscan life, this olive oil tour in Chianti might just be the highlight of your trip.