Queen Creek Olive Mill: A Tuscan-Inspired Experience in Arizona
Arizona’s only working olive farm and mill. Founded in 2005 by the Rea family, the mill began as a small shed on a 100-acre farm. Their passion for producing high-quality olive oil led them to transform the farm into the thriving destination it is today.
Olive oil has a ubiquitous influence in the foodie world, but how much do we know about what goes into producing a fine extra virgin?
The Queen Creek Olive Mill is where all of your questions will be answered. Begin your visit with an $8 to/$12 with a glass of prosecco.
The tour "walks" you through the growing process with engaging and knowledgeable guides. Learn what makes Queen Creek an excellent location for Olive groves. Why, although not organically certified, these olives are not treated with chemicals or pesticides. Find out about the olive harvest, why there is no such thing as a black olive, and why The Mill's Master Blender carefully and meticulously supervises each harvest from begin to end.
The tour takes you into the heart of the operation, the presses. All olive oil is extracted by mechanical means, keeping its integrity. In the pressing room, you can sample varieties of olive oils.
After experimenting for over a decade with different olives, the result is a grove of over a dozen varieties of olives. Their extra virgin has a distinct flavor due to a few practices inherent in their harvesting. Olives are harvested by hand (no fallen olives) and cold pressed within 24 hours. Due to late harvests between the months of September and December, their olive oil has a fruity yet buttery taste. And you can sample all of their infused oil at the Olive Oil bar. I highly recommend the Meyer Lemon and Pizza drizzle oil (infused with chilis and garlic) for dipping and cooking, as well as the White Truffle oil. For baking their Chocolate olive oil and vanilla bean are amazing, and can replace the need for regular vegetable or cooking oils. The differences in moisture and flavor are astounding!~ There is a reason why they claim that "you are literally buying one of the best olive oils in the world."
The cafe has a fresh assortment of sandwiches and salads, as well as pizza crafted by a Sicilian pizza chef. Made from scratch cocktails also feature Olive oil, such as the Mojito! Bu
The most important thing to try on your sojourn here is the Olive Oil cake, which is denser, more buttery, and for lack of a better word - more luscious.
Along with a plethora of cooking oils, the body care products made with their EVOO will leave your skin moist and fresh for nearly a day, the lip balms are also exceptional.
Wines from around the world can also be purchased by the bottle in their wine section, and they have partnered with a local winery and created their own series of sparkling, fruit infused wines.
A fantastic place for a date, a relaxing lunch, and an education...
Things to Do
1. Olive Oil Tour: Take a guided tour to learn about the olive-making process from tree to table. Discover the secrets of producing extra virgin olive oil and taste different varieties.
2. Shop the Gourmet Market: Explore a wide selection of locally-sourced products, including olive oils, balsamic vinegars, olives, gourmet foods, olive oil skin care, and olive wood products.
3. Dine at the Eatery: Enjoy a delicious Mediterranean-inspired meal made with fresh, local ingredients. The menu features a variety of dishes, from appetizers to entrees, all highlighting the flavors of olive oil.
4. Attend Events: Queen Creek Olive Mill often hosts special events, such as cooking demonstrations, farmers’ markets, and live music. Check their website for upcoming events. This weekend and next is the Garlic Festival.
5. Enjoy the Grounds: Take a leisurely stroll through the olive groves and admire the beautiful scenery while you sip on sparkling fruit infused wine, made locally.
5. Relax on the outdoor patio and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere.
Whether you’re a foodie, or simply looking for a unique experience, Queen Creek Olive Mill offers something you can’t find anywhere else in Arizona.
Cost of the tour: $8/$12 includes a glass of Prosecco
Check websites for times
