October 23 2021- Ubeda

October 23, 2021 – Ubeda, Spain
I normally write my blog at night but due to a late dinner this didn’t get started until morning,
We spent the day at an olive farm and olive oil factory. Our first stop was at the trees. We learned that there are 3 types of oil. Extra-virgin olive oil is from the first harvest and is certified as having no defects. Virgin Olive oil is, also, from the first harvest but with minor defects. Just plain Olive Oil is from the second harvest and can be mixed with other oils in the processing. We learned how they get the olives off the trees and got to do it ourselves. We got as many leaves as we got olives. We rode to the factory where we learned about the old way of pressing and the new way. We got to do an olive oil tasting of last year’s EVOO against this year’s. Like wine, each vintage is different.
We got to pair up and make part of our lunch. Carolyn and I cut rolls and spread on tuna and tomato sauce. Others made salad, cheese tray with olive oil, and sangria. We then had lunch. It was very good.
Manolo was our guide and is one of two brothers that run the factory. We had time to ask questions and to meet his wife and brother.
We returned to our hotel by 3:30pm and after resting took a little walk. The group met again at 6pm to walk to Synagogue de Aqua where Sira had arranged a private tour. The Synagogue was discovered just 12 years ago when a real estate investor bought up the building to renovate. As they tore down walls they discovered a 12th century synagogue. In the basement area they also found a cleansing bath called a mikveh.
After the tour everyone split up to find a place for dinner. We went back to our room and shared a bottle of wine with Sira before going to dinner at 9pm.