The House Where Olives Live

Step inside a historic Andalusian home that’s held four generations of stories—and now, the scent of freshly pressed olive oil. This 2.5-hour experience, led by Maria Reyes, invites you into her family’s 1909 home in Alcalá de Guadaíra, just 20 minutes from Seville. In a space once owned by a local priest and lovingly preserved, you'll explore the deep-rooted culture of olive oil in Spain—from ancient traditions to today’s refined methods. You’ll taste early-harvest Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO)—pressed in October from the season’s first green fruits. Reyes compares olives to people: “In October, they’re green. Now they’re golden. They change with time.” That first harvest is the most vibrant and prized. Taste three unique varieties from Jaén, and learn how to identify quality through scent, flavor, and color. With local food pairings and stories from the land itself, this is a living piece of Andalusian heritage.

This is a homecoming you share with Maria Reyes. Her family’s land in Linares, Jaén, has produced oil for generations. Historically, olive farming in this region was male-dominated, but today, Reyes is at the helm—bringing feminine care and precision to every harvest. “Women’s fingers don’t bruise the fruit,” she says, and it shows in the purity of her oils. The farm is certified organic and part of Olivares Vivos, a leading European project restoring biodiversity to olive groves. Reyes leads with intention—ensuring every step of the process honors sustainability and life within the ecosystem. This experience is not open to the public—you’re stepping into Reyes’ personal world, guided directly by her. Her home is filled with elegant, intimate touches. You’ll be surrounded by scent, taste, and story. In her own words, an olive oil experience is only as good as what stays with you long after you leave.

Besides being an exceptional Experience Maker and travel industry pioneer, Maria Reyes is a fourth-generation steward of her family’s olive farm in Linares, Jaén. After working behind the scenes in olive production for years, she stepped forward to build her own brand, carrying forward a legacy once reserved for the men in her family. With over a decade of hands-on experience, Reyes brings both technical expertise and heartfelt passion to every guest she hosts. Her unique perspective—feminine, familial, and fiercely proud—transforms a tasting into something far more meaningful.

Curiosity for taste, scent, and story [If you are staying in Seville, organize a transfer (taxi, Uber) from your hotel to Alcalá de Guadaíra, just 20 minutes from Seville.]