Olbia: visit a myrtle-making factory with tasting

Olbia: Visit a Myrtle-Making Factory with Tasting — An Authentic Sardinian Experience

If you’re exploring Sardinia, a visit to a myrtle-making factory in Olbia offers an authentic taste of local craftsmanship and flavors. This guided experience, led by passionate locals, combines a walk through myrtle groves, insights into traditional distillation, and delightful tastings that bring Sardinian culture alive. It’s a compact, engaging journey into one of the island’s most iconic liqueurs, perfect for those interested in authentic food and drink experiences.

What I particularly appreciate is how this tour balances education and enjoyment. You’ll get to stroll among carefully cultivated myrtle groves with stunning views of the Gulf of Marinella—an opportunity to connect with nature and see the raw ingredients firsthand. The highlight is visiting the production lab where berries are transformed into spirits, revealing the craftsmanship behind each bottle. The guided tasting of four distinct myrtle varieties paired with local cheeses, cold cuts, dark chocolate, and artisanal ice cream makes the experience memorable. Plus, the sensory session of essential oils adds a fragrant layer that deepens your appreciation for Sardinian botanicals.

A small consideration is that this experience is designed primarily for adults, with a minimum age of 18 for tasting. Although children are offered juice and snacks, those seeking a family-friendly activity might find the tasting aspect less engaging. Plus, transportation to the remote location is necessary since public transit isn’t available, and arriving by car is recommended. The setting’s scenic views are a bonus, but you’ll want to plan ahead for parking and driving.

Key points / Takeaways

• Authentic Sardinian flavor: The tour offers a genuine glimpse into the island’s beloved myrtle liqueur, made with passion by local artisans.
• Scenic location: Overlooking the Gulf of Marinella, the setting combines natural beauty with cultural insight.
• Educational and sensory: The visit to the production lab and essential oils tasting deepen your understanding of the craft.
• Authentic pairings: Tasting four different myrtle styles with Sardinian cheeses, cold cuts, chocolate, and ice cream highlights local culinary traditions.
• Family-friendly options: Children can enjoy juice and snacks, making it suitable for family groups—though the main tasting is for adults.
• Limited group size: Small groups (limited to 10) ensure a personalized, engaging experience.

Authentic Sardinian Flavor in a Scenic Setting

This experience begins with a drive along Sardinia’s SS125 route, leading you to a charming location that overlooks the Gulf of Marinella. Once there, you’ll meet your guides, Antonio and his wife, whose warmth and passion for their craft shine through. Their deep knowledge makes the tour feel personal and genuine, transforming a simple visit into a memorable encounter.

Your first stop is among the myrtle groves, where you’ll walk through the carefully tended plants. This part of the experience is especially valuable because you get to see how the berries and leaves grow, offering a tangible sense of place. The views here are stunning, with vistas over the Sardinian landscape that make the walk feel more like a peaceful retreat than just a tour.

Behind the Scenes: From Berry to Spirit

Next, you’ll visit the production workshop, a small but well-organized space where berries are transformed into the aromatic myrtle liqueur. The process is explained clearly, giving you insight into traditional methods of distillation, including the steam stills used to extract essential oils. This part of the tour showcases the skill, patience, and love poured into each bottle—something I found particularly captivating.

According to reviews, guides like Antonio are praised for their warmth and expertise, making the technical parts approachable. One reviewer mentioned how the tour “made us appreciate the hard work and labor that goes into cultivating each liquor,” which highlights the authenticity behind these artisanal products.

A Sensory Journey with Tasting and Aromatics

The tasting component is where this experience truly shines. You’ll sample four types of myrtle, each paired with local treats:

• Berry myrtle: 2cl in a suitable goblet, paired with small pieces of pecorino cheese.
• Berry and leaf myrtle: 2cl, paired with Sardinian artisanal cold cuts.
• White myrtle: 2cl, served with dark chocolate.
• Myrtle and honey: 2cl, paired with artisanal vanilla or stracciatella ice cream.

These pairings are thoughtfully chosen to highlight different flavor profiles, and the small servings make it easy to savor without feeling overwhelmed. One reviewer called the myrtle gin “beyond delicious—so smooth with a strong aroma,” emphasizing the quality of the spirits.

Along With the tastings, an olfactory session introduces you to three natural essential oils extracted from local plants—wild lavender, lentisk, rosemary—plus myrtle itself. This aromatic component adds depth, revealing how Sardinian botanicals influence both scent and flavor.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is ideal for travelers who enjoy learning about local traditions, exploring scenic landscapes, and tasting authentic regional products. It especially appeals to those interested in spirits, herbal oils, or Mediterranean cuisine. It’s also suitable for small groups seeking a personalized, relaxed activity—since it’s limited to 10 participants.

Given the price of around $67.40 per person, the tour offers good value. You get a comprehensive look at the myrtle-making process, expert guidance, and a memorable tasting. It’s not a large, commercialized experience; instead, it feels genuine and intimate.

Practical Tips for Your Visit

Since public transportation isn’t available, plan to drive or arrange private transport to the location. The meeting point is accessible by car, and once there, you’ll be greeted in a peaceful rural setting. The activity lasts about an hour, making it easy to fit into a day of sightseeing.

The experience is suitable for adults—over 18 for the tasting—but children aren’t left out. They’re offered juice, snacks, and ice cream, making it a family-friendly option, albeit less focused on the spirits.

For those with dietary restrictions, it’s good to know that the myrtle drinks are gluten-free and can be enjoyed by celiacs. The tour is conducted in both Italian and English, ensuring clear communication.

Final Thoughts: Is This Experience Worth Your Time?

If you’re curious about Sardinian traditions, enjoy authentic food and drink, or simply want a memorable activity off the typical tourist trail, this myrtle factory tour offers real value. The combination of scenic views, hands-on insight, and flavorful tastings makes it more than just a quick visit — it’s a small journey into Sardinia’s herbal and culinary soul.

The warmth of the guides, the quality of the spirits, and the beauty of the location all contribute to a genuine and satisfying experience. It’s particularly well suited for those who appreciate craftsmanship and local flavor, and who want to add a distinctive touch to their Sardinian adventure.

For the price, you’re gaining a meaningful appreciation of a cherished local product, along with stunning vistas and the chance to see the passion of Sardinian artisans at work. Whether you’re a spirited connoisseur or a curious traveler, this tour promises a flavorful, sensory, and scenic slice of Sardinia.

FAQ

Can I visit the myrtle factory if I don’t speak Italian?
Yes, the tour is offered in both Italian and English, making it accessible for English-speaking visitors.

Is this tour suitable for families with children?
Yes, children between 6 and 17 are offered juice, snacks, and ice cream. The main tasting is for adults, but the setting and activities are family-friendly.

How long does the tour last?
The experience takes about 1 hour, which is a manageable length for most travelers looking for a quick yet meaningful activity.

What should I bring or wear?
Comfortable shoes for walking in the groves and an interest in local flavors are all you need. The location is outdoors, so consider sun protection or a light jacket depending on the weather.

Can I buy myrtle spirits or oils at the end?
While the reviews mention the quality of the spirits, it’s best to check directly with the operator if purchasing options are available on-site.

What is included in the price?
The fee covers the guided visit to the groves and laboratory, tasting of four myrtle varieties, and an olfactory session with essential oils.

Is the experience wheelchair accessible?
The information doesn’t specify, but since it involves walking through groves and visiting a lab, it’s best to confirm accessibility with the provider beforehand.

Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, reservations are recommended, especially since the experience is limited to small groups. You can cancel up to 24 hours before with a full refund.

What if I have dietary restrictions?
The tastings are gluten-free and suitable for celiacs. For other restrictions, it’s advisable to contact the provider directly.

This tour blends scenic beauty, cultural insight, and flavorful discovery—an authentic slice of Sardinia that stays with you long after the last sip.