Picture this: Sicily 1922.
Sun-kissed olive trees swaying gently, wood-fired delights being wood-fired, and enough olive oil and wine to baptize an army. Our recent team field trip to the Queen Creek Olive Mill gifted us with this wonderful olive experience and more.
Just a stone’s throw from the heart of Queen Creek, Arizona, this destination seamlessly blends award-winning extra virgin olive oil with unforgettable farm-to-table dining — a taste of Italy just 1.5 hours away from Tucson.
A Glimpse into History
The Queen Creek Olive Mill began with Perry and Brenda Rea, along with their five children, sharing a dream of bringing the Arizona community the finest, locally-produced extra virgin olive oil.
From a modest farm shed to the magnificent establishment it is today, the Queen Creek Olive Mill has transformed into an Agritourism destination where award-winning extra virgin olive oil meets farm-to-table dining in the American southwest.
Olive Oil 101: From Orchard to Bottle
For those eager to explore the art and science behind extra virgin olive oil, the Olive Oil 101 Class is a must.
This 45-minute class unveils Queen Creek’s secrets of olive oil production, from the delicate harvesting of olives to the precise crafting of this liquid gold. If you’re lucky enough to have Wolfgang as your guide, you’ll wish the tour was longer.
Ask him about his secret for long and good health.
Dining Experiences
The Queen Creek Olive Mill Estate is more than a place to visit — it’s a foodie destination in and of itself. With three onsite dining options, you’ll have no problem finding something for everyone.
Though currently closed, the Di Oliva Italian Bistro & Bar, their seasonal outdoor dining area with an open-air kitchen, is the place to be once the temps drop. Personally, I only want to eat Italian cuisine in the middle of an olive grove from here on out.
For when it’s too hot to be outside, and even when it’s not, the Del Piero Kitchen, Marketplace Cafe is like having all of your favorite Italian menu items together in one place. While you wait for your meal, stroll through and peruse through Del Piero Deli’s Italian Grocery and stock up on pasta, olive oils, of course, hand-crafted goods, and more. For dessert, they’ve even got a coffee shop, for all your digestive needs. At Queen Creek Olive Mill, the feel of Italy is at your doorstep.
Things to Do
There’s always something to do at the Queen Creek Olive Mill! The Mill also has monthly events including Pizza Date Nights and Sangria Socials. For those looking for Labor Day plans, they’ll be hosting a “Grill at the Mill” event from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. The celebration will include live music, grill-inspired menus, games in the grove, and more.
The best part? It’s free!
For more information, check out Queen Creek’s events calendar.
Experience Queen Creek Olive Mill
Whether you’re an olive oil aficionado, a lover of farm-to-table experiences, or looking to try something new, Queen Creek Olive Mill has it all. So, why wait?
Mark your calendar for an Olive Oil 101 Class, or make some pizza, indulge in the delights at Di Oliva Italian Bistro & Bar, and sip some wine and olive oil — make a day of it!
Queen Creek Olive Mill is located at 25062 S. Meridian Rd., Queen Creek, Arizona. For more information, call (480) 888-9290 or visit queekcreekolivemill.com.
Article written by:
Addie Ibarra
More about AddieAddie Ibarra, native Tucsonan, is a fierce lover of adventure, travels, and food. Addie has her Masters in Legal Studies and hopes to one day apply that towards helping people (and animals) around the globe, while traveling and tasting along the way. So far she’s hit 4 continents and counting!
You’ll likely find her on a patio sipping wine with her 4-legged best friend, Spaghetti.
