Welcome back to another episode of places to visit while you’re in Italy. This one is an interesting one because I have used the products but never actually got my butt over to the factory to take a tour. Finally, last week, I ventured out on a little solo outing and I can’t believe I didn’t go sooner. Here’s my guide on how to take a tour of an olive oil factory in Italy and what to expect when you’re there.
What To Expect While Touring A Local Olive Oil Factory In Italy
FAQ for visiting this olive oil factory in Italy
Where is it located?
Verona, about 40 minutes drive from Ederle.
How much does it cost?
€5 to take the tour.
How long does it take?
The tour is about 30 minutes long then however long you like to browse the store. It depends on the size of the group though, maybe allow an hour for a bigger group with a tasting.
Where to park?
There is free parking on site.
Is it kid-friendly?
Yes.
When is the best time to visit?
Late October to early November is the ideal time because it is the middle of the harvest time and you will be able to see it in action.
However, it’s still worth visiting any time of year because you will see different elements of the process no matter what.
What should you bring with you?
Just your wallet. Have money in your budget to buy some products – they accept cash and card.
How do you book?
E-mail – info@oliobonamini.com
Getting there and parking
Getting there was really easy because it was a straight shot down the highway, then just a couple of turns after that.
There’s no crazy hairpin turns or anything like that to get there (praise jeebus).
It’s very well signed, so once you get closer, it’s easier to follow the signs to the factory itself.
There’s a spacious free parking area on-site too, so you don’t have to worry about finding street parking.
What to expect on the olive oil tour
I can just say that taking a tour of an olive oil factory in Italy is pretty interesting.
Honestly, I didn’t think olives would be that interesting, but it turns out they are.
You’ll see the olive trees where the future oil is busy growing, walk through the factory to learn about the process, and finish inside where you learn how much has changed since the early days.
That was the most interesting part for me because seeing the difference from old to modern processes was just fascinating.
There’s a lot of little details about olives and the olive oil making process that gave me a new appreciation for my olive oil.
After that, you can experience a tasting of the different oils.
Family-run olive oil factory
Rebecca was my tour guide and she was just fantastic.
Her grandparents started the olive oil business years ago and this added a really cool touch to the tour.
It’s in her blood, so she was super knowledgable about the entire process, but she also had a really good understanding of it and how it’s changed over time.
I love supporting local, family-run businesses so this made it special for me.
Solo vs group visits
It’s better if you visit as a group so they can set up a table and you’ll get a full experience of the tasting.
Get a couple of friends together or take the tour when your family visit. They also have a separate room for large groups.
If you’re visiting solo like I did, you can still taste oils on your own but it’s not the full tasting experience.
Buying products direct from the olive oil factory
After the tour, you’re free to roam the store and buy some products to take home with you.
They have olive oil everything! Here are a few:
- Different varieties of olive oil
- Infused olive oil – think lemon, truffle, herb, etc.
- Skincare
- Olive wood products
- Gift packs – great for sending to family and friends
- Pesto
- Foods soaked in oil – fish, sun-dried tomatoes, etc.
- Olive paste
It’s a good idea to browse their website before you go so you have an idea of what you want and know how much to budget.
You can also order online and ship to the States so you’ll still be able to get your fix after you leave Italy.
What to do after the tour
I think it’s worth making a day of it.
After the tour, you could head to Lago di Garda for a swim, sunshine, or just to stroll around the towns.
Another idea is to see the Madonna Della Corona.
Verona Centro is a nice place to stroll around to see the Arena, Romeo and Juliet sights, or just do some shopping.
Or you could also visit a winery in the area – ask the staff for a recommendation.
No matter what you choose, there’s a lot to do to turn it into a nice day out.
Overall thoughts on the experience
Overall, I wish I went sooner!
I had bought the products before, but never actually driven over to the factory to see it all, and now I’m so grateful that I did.
Seeing the process of how olive oil is made was super interesting to me, especially learning how the process has evolved over time.
I also loved that it is a family run business and the range of products available to buy.
If you’re living in Vicenza, I definitely recommend it.
For more information:
Visit the Fratoio Bonamini website for more details.
Other Italy travel guide you might enjoy
- Where To Find The Best Limoncello In Italy And How To Book A Tasting Tour
- All The Details About How To Visit The Saturnia Hot Springs In Tuscany
- Palazzino Fraccaroli – Exploring The Spooky Castle Of Spirits
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