The Opio olive oil mill
Since 1848, this mill located 7 minutes from our lodgings has been the pride of our territory. The Moulin d’Opio is part of our agricultural landscape and has been managed by Mr. Michel’s family for 7 generations. In the past, this oil mill operated using the waters of the Brague. Now modern, it runs on electricity and is equipped to obtain the best possible oil.
The Moulin d'Opio and its olive grove
The Michel family began cultivating a beautiful organic olive grove. They are truly passionate.
Personally, I like to advise our visitors to go and enjoy an interesting free tour of this mill and not to miss the tastings of the different oils and olives. The Michel family adapts as well to groups of visitors as to individuals, families or couples, in French or English. They are great!
In fact, in the Alpes-Maritimes department, the Moulin d’Opio is one of the last traditional oil mills in our department. They can now be counted on the fingers of one hand.
My guilty pleasure? Their olis. Which ones? All. I like the flavored oils that they make themselves using macerates. Lemon oil makes me escape to Menton, Orange oil reminds me of my orange trees from Bar sur Loup, fennel oil brings back memories of my mother’s kitchen, basil and garlic oil is a wonderful hymn to Provence, truffle oil will delight lovers of good food and finally oil flavored with thyme and rosemary is an ode to the mountains of Pagnol. I also like their fantastic AOP Nice virgin olive oil for which the Moulin d’Opio obtains the gold medal every year at the Concours Général Agricole de Paris.
Often, the problem is that the Moulin d’Opio is a victim of its success and that by the time the new harvest arrives, this oil is in such high demand by enthusiasts that stocks are at their lowest.
Afterwards, there is also extra-fruity virgin oil and extra-sweet oil, the first appeals more to men and is made with olives harvested at the start of the season. Finally, the last is organic extra virgin oil, a characterful oil made from Aglandau variety olives.
AOP Nice olive oils
The Moulin d'Opio boutique
Then, in their shop, we discover a real Ali-Baba’s cave. In the spotlight of Nice olives, from the cailletier olive tree, sold in brine in bags of 200 and 500 grams, it is a treat. Finally, there are different tapenades, green and black, and olive paste. Our local products are a treat on toast or to enhance a dish.
Anyway, I’ll stop. I could still tell you about their very good selection of regional products and artisanal items: essential oils, perfumes, olive oil soaps, olive wood items, etc.
Enjoy your visit to Moulin d’Opio, I gave you the address but please don’t buy everything, let me go!
