We had a fantastic time on an olive plantation this week, helping our dear friend celebrate her birthday! Aubocassa is a place with a long and interesting history, dating back to the 13th century. Located just outside the city of Felanitx, the site was originally named Albocásser, derived from the Arabic words Albu-Kasi (father of Kasi).
Long ago, it was a safe haven, offering food, water, shelter and a place to worship regardless of religion. There were originally two palms standing over the building, indicating food and water to passersby.
Like many estates, Aubocassa changed hands many times, going from local ownership to nobility, before it was subdivided and portions were sold off. The current owners originally intended to plant vines to produce wine, but after soil analysis they decided to plant olive trees instead.
Our tour guide, Patricia, was so knowledgeable and entertaining. We learned so much about the history and process of making olive oil, and much more. The nearby village of Petra, for example, sent missionaries to California, where they established missions all along the coast.
The best part, of course, was tasting the smooth and silky, unfiltered Aubocassa olive oil. It just sings in your mouth! And then we got to taste some of the wines that the owner produces on the mainland, in Rioja and the Ribera del Duero. We went wine tasting in that area last year but did not find his particular vineyard, unfortunately. The wines were all very good.
We are so lucky to have discovered this place …. and to have made a new friend on the island!
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