... if there's a problem in the kitchen add oil

This is a tour that offers you the chance to extend, or even just begin, to learn about the principal condiment in Salento gastronomy – extra virgin olive oil.

During this itinerary we'll touch on the history and cultural role olive oil has maintained in Puglia to this day, then study its production and the influences on flavour characteristics, including visits to oil processing facilities and meetings with producers.

Then we'll tackle the meticulous tasting process, learning how to detect the many complex flavours, the defects, as well as investigating the varietal differences, the influence of climate and geography and the different styles of locally-produced oils.

And finally the best part – the tasting of dishes that best reflect the exclusive role extra virgin olive oil plays in local gastronomy, past and present, that will allow you to select the right oil for the right dish.

The course is aimed at cooks of passion, professionals or otherwise, as well as consumers of olive oil.

It is conducted by a professional accredited international taster and judge of olive oil, industry specialist and writer.