Olive Oil Trip 25 April

Our members who came with me on the Ali Oli Olive Oil tour on 25 April had a fantastic time. We joined the coach driven by Victor at 8.45 in Moraira. When we were all aboard we left for Relleu to visit an inland, mountainous Olive Oil farm. It was called Teuladi and was a beautiful old house built in 1918.

The present owners have been there for the past 12 years. Originally the owner who was a pharmacist wanted to see if he could make anything pharmaceutically with the leaves!! However, it was a disaster. His son thought they should do something with the thousands of trees producing olives in their 17,000 acres so they began to look at making good quality Olive Oil.

Today they are associated with the University of Alicante and there is a wonderful connection with education and bio diversity.

When our coach got to the farm with Rebecca our guide giving us lots of information about every village and small areas we passed through, we were met by Alberto and Gabby and as we were 48 in the group, split into two. Half of us went walking in the Olive groves with Alberto and were given a most interesting tour of the trees with an explanation of how they were farmed and processed into the final product of Olive Oil.

While that group were walking the other group had a tasting of both delicate and intense flavours of Olive Oils produced by the farm to compare.

We had plates of tomatoes and the most wonderful tasting olives with locally made bread. We were told how to taste the oils and we were asked to identify aspects of the oils during the tasting. Afterwards the groups changed places and we all took part in both tours. It was a gorgeous day, sunny and cloudy, about 22 degrees even up the mountain.

The visit took about 3 hours after which we took the bus and went down to La Cova Restaurant, El Campello for a wonderful lunch. As we were 48 people we pre-ordered our choices and arrived at the restaurant overlooking the fabulous view of the Marina at El Campello. We had 4 large tables beautifully set each for 12 people.

Wine and water were included in the menu and everyone had a great time.

After our relaxed and very enjoyable lunch, including wine and water and fabulous food, our coach driver Victor brought us back to Moraira.

A lovely day out!! Several members have written to show their appreciation of which this is one:

Good afternoon Carole,

Thank you so very much for the most enjoyable day we had yesterday. We learnt so much on the journey to the Olive oil farm, then the amazing story of the work involved in producing Olive oil, the tasting and the detailed knowledge given by the young Gabby who worked there. The 2 guides Rebecca and Alberto were so knowledgeable and interesting to listen to.

The meal at El Campello was delicious.

Thank you for organizing this wonderful day

Best wishes

Ian, Barbara and Jackie