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 Since 1755, El Vinculo, which is an old olive mill, has been grinding olives using traditional methods. I recently met with, the owner, Juan Urruto, who told me about the history and the process of olive oil extraction. In 1640 Don Pedro de Pénalver and Balcárcel first planted the Olive trees and milled here. The mill itself was built in 1755 by Don Pedro de Peñalver and Castroverde, who was a nobleman from Zarhara de la Sierra and a member of the armed cavalary of Ronda. Juan's family inherited the olive plantations after the Spanish Civil War, the family were experienced in the business of olive oil production and El Vinculo was born. El Vinculo is a basque word which means a union of The Crown, The Church and the Provinces.
 The olive oil is extracted from two types of olive, the Manzanillo and the Lechín, using the traditional method of cold pressing with hemp pressing mats, the olives are washed, beaten, decantered and filtered, there are no additives, this is pure and natural Extra Virgen Olive Oil and is extremely tasty and full of vitamins A, E and D. I took a guided tour which fully explained the process and to view the mill working the best time to visit would be inbetween November and January. It is also possible to take your own olives to be pressed and bottled for you.
El Vinculo is situated in the Cadiz Province, on the outskirts of the pretty white village of Zahara de la Sierra, nestled in the Grazalema Natural Park with stunning views of the lake of Zahara.
 The Old Mill is open to the public every day and for 6 euros per person, Juan can talk you through the processes of extracting and pressing. For 2 euros more you can sample the olive juices with some home made bread and receive a small bottle of the Olive Oil. The mill is open all year round, you can visit the small shop which is located on the site, selling, the oil and other handmade local crafts.
For large group visits please call first on 0034 696 404 368.
After your visit why not have lunch at Al Lago restaurant, less than a kilometre down the road towards Zahara. The restaurant has a covered terrace with stunning views of the lake.
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