VÍ vid attended the Valencia presentation of a three-day celebration bringing together new-season oils, gastronomy, landscape, tradition and rural culture.

Enguera brought a taste of its new olive harvest to Valencia yesterday as it presented the official programme for the fourth Enguera Olive Oil Fair. Held in the CdT Valencia, the event offered the press an early look at the ‘Fair’ that will take place from 16–18 October—and an opportunity to taste the first extra virgin olive oils of the 2026 campaign.

Enguera mayor Matilde Marín and Campoenguera Cooperative president Enrique Pedro attended the presentation. Both underlined the Fair’s growing importance, not only as a showcase for local oil but also as a driver of tourism, gastronomy and the wider agri-food economy of La Canal de Navarrés.

The First Oils of the 2026 Harvest

The formal presentation ended with the part we had been waiting for: a sensory tasting of the first extra virgin olive oils from the 2026 harvest. Production has only just begun, making this an unusually early chance to assess the character of the new harvest.

Teo Mas, manager of Campoenguera Cooperative, guided the tasting and introduced the new oils all called ‘El Campiñero’. He drew attention to the quality of this year’s harvest and to the freshness, aromas and subtle nuances of the three oils made only days before—oils that express the identity of Enguera’s olive groves with remarkable immediacy (with notes of tomato, tomato stalk, grass, green apple, banana, citrus fruits and almonds depending on the type of oil). The Coop´s oils are made with varieties such as Villalonga, Picual, Arbequina, Changlot, Real, Alfafara and Blanqueta.

We also tasted two ‘tapenades’, green and black olive pastes, which were ‘tart’ and fresh.

The session also offered a useful reminder that every bottle begins in the countryside. Olive grove care, the timing of the harvest, milling and careful storage all shape the finished oil. In Enguera, extra virgin olive oil is more than an ingredient: it is part of the culture, economy and living heritage of La Canal de Navarrés.

A Fair That Looks Beyond the Bottle

The fair is designed to explore the entire world surrounding extra virgin olive oil. Across three days, Enguera will combine food, tourism, sport, craft and family activities, welcoming both knowledgeable enthusiasts and visitors encountering the product for the first time.

Established favourites return, including guided blind tastings, olive-grove experiences, cookery demonstrations and food tastings. A first tapas competition among Enguera’s restaurants is a notable addition, inviting visitors to discover the town through the flavours and creativity of its kitchens.

The new harvest will also be sponsored by the Escuela Mediterráneo Culinary Centre, connecting the daily work of growers and cooperative members with the training of a new generation of gastronomy professionals.

Table olives have not been forgotten. The programme includes a cracked-olive competition and a pickling workshop open to the public. Food journalist Paco Alonso will meanwhile explore lunch culture and market culture—two Valencian traditions in which olives, olive oil and local produce naturally take centre stage.

Game, Landscape and Active Tourism

A new theme for the fourth edition is game. The Hunting Federation of the Valencian Community will contribute educational, sustainable and gastronomic activities, broadening the fair’s exploration of food and rural life.

Demonstrations and dishes prepared with game meat will highlight the connection between responsible management of the natural environment and a cuisine firmly rooted in its territory.

Sport and active tourism also form part of the programme. The Enguera road race and routes through the olive groves will encourage residents and visitors to experience the landscape in which the oil is born and to discover more of the municipality’s natural resources.

Traditional esparto grass craft (baskets and sandals) will represent another strand of Enguera’s identity. Closely connected with the town’s history and economy, this natural fibre provides a link to skills passed down through generations and to the sustainable use of resources from the surrounding countryside.

A Celebration for the Whole Region.

With children’s and family activities, workshops, competitions and events for all ages, this is intended to be a celebration for the whole community. Organisers expect a strong turnout and hope the weekend will further boost Enguera’s hospitality businesses, shops, and tourism—as well as La Canal de Navarrés more widely.

With children’s and family activities, workshops, competitions and events for all ages, this is intended to be a celebration for the whole community. Organisers expect a strong turnout and hope the weekend will further boost Enguera’s hospitality businesses, shops, and tourism—as well as La Canal de Navarrés more widely.

 For three days, olive oil will provide an excellent gateway to a territory where gastronomy, landscape, tradition and innovation share the same roots. Visitors will also receive a 10% discount on Campoenguera products during the fair.