How to Visit Queen Creek Olive Mill in Phoenix, AZ

Peak olive harvesting time is October through December at the Queen Creek Olive Mill, a working olive farm and mill located in the foothills of the picturesque San Tan Mountains just southeast of Phoenix.The olive orchard and facility is paired with an onsite café and gift shop, making the mill an interesting and tasty day trip from nearby Phoenix. You can learn about olive varieties, watch the fruits being pressed into oil, and then sample the results in a pretty, al fresco high desert setting.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Wear comfortable clothes and hiking shoes, and arrive early to take a morning walk through the desert surrounding the orchard. The mill opens at 7:00 a.m. daily except Monday, so you can finish your hike and then have coffee and pastries in the onsite café, del Piero. The restaurant also serves Italian specialties for lunch and snacks including panini, salads, gelato and espresso drinks. You can eat inside or on the terrace.

2. Schedule time to tour the mill, which includes the outdoor grove and a visit to the mill’s clean room to watch olives being pressed into oil. The 30 minute tour is $5 for adults and is held on the hour Tuesday through Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., and on Sunday from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30p.m.

3. Stay for wine tasting after your tour. The mill hosts wine samplings from local and boutique vineyards as well as seminars and other events.

4. Browse through the mill store for gourmet goodies, wine and gifts before you leave.

5. Queen Creek Olive Mill is located at 25062 S. Meridian Road, in Queen Creek, Arizona. The mill is about an hour drive from downtown Phoenix or the airport. To reach the mill, take I-10 to the US 60 eastbound for 23 miles to Ironwood Road (exit 195). Turn south, and go 11 miles to Comb Road, then turn right (west) one mile and make a right turn on Meridian Road.

Tips & Warnings

• To schedule a group tour or for more information, call 480-888-9290.

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