1 hour and 30 minutes wines and olive oil tasting in Greece

A Delicious Introduction to Crete’s Wines and Olive Oils

If you’re visiting Crete and love good food or fine wine, this 1.5-hour tasting at Digenakis Winery offers a compelling slice of local craftsmanship. Located in Arkalochori, a village known for its vineyards, this experience combines a scenic setting with a tour of the winery, a sampling of five different wines, fresh olive oil, and some traditional local foods. For just $75.19 per person, you get a well-paced introduction to the island’s culinary treasures, perfect for those who want to deepen their appreciation of Crete’s wine and olive oil heritage without taking up your whole day.

What we especially love about this experience is the stunning vineyard views and the chance to meet passionate local producers like Lefteris and Michalis, whose enthusiasm is contagious. The setting itself — in a modern, artsy building with an art gallery — creates an inviting, relaxed atmosphere that invites you to linger and savor. Plus, the short duration fits perfectly into a busy travel schedule, leaving ample time for other adventures.

A potential consideration is that the olive oil tasting might feel a bit more limited compared to the wine selection, based on some reviews. If you’re particularly passionate about olive oil, you might wish for a longer or more detailed tasting.

This tour suits foodies, wine lovers, and anyone curious about authentic Crete. Whether you’re traveling solo, as a couple, or in a small group, you’ll find value here — especially if you appreciate engaging, educational experiences with breathtaking scenery.

Key Points

• Authentic Crete Experience: Learn about local wine and olive oil production in a scenic setting.
• High-Quality Tasting: Sample five different wines and fresh olive oil, paired with local foods.
• Modern Cultural Atmosphere: Enjoy a visit inside a purpose-built artsy building with an art gallery and live performances.
• Expert Guides: Meet local winemakers and hear stories about the production process.
• Balanced Duration: At 1 hour 30 minutes, it’s a perfect snapshot without taking up your whole day.
• Great for Enthusiasts: Favored by visitors for its welcoming atmosphere and good wine selection.

Discovering Digenakis Winery: A Closer Look

This experience begins at the Digenakis Winery in Arkalochori, right in the heart of Crete’s vineyard country. The location itself offers picturesque views of lush vineyards stretching across rolling hills — a perfect backdrop for wine tasting. As you arrive at the industrial-style building, you’ll notice it’s been thoughtfully designed to reflect contemporary Crete, blending art, music, and tradition.

The winery was purpose-built in 2017, making it one of the newer facilities on the island, but it’s clear the owners, especially Lefteris, bring a wealth of experience and passion. One reviewer highlights: “His passion for his wine shines through,” reflecting the genuine care poured into each bottle.

Winery Tour and Production Insights

The tour of the winery offers a behind-the-scenes look at wine production. You’ll learn about the local grape varieties, the fermentation process, and how the wines are crafted to balance tradition with modern techniques. While the actual tour details aren’t extensive, it’s enough to satisfy curious visitors who want to understand what makes Crete’s wines special.

The guides do a good job of providing context, making the tasting both educational and personal. For example, you’ll hear about how local climate and soil influence the wine’s character, giving you a richer appreciation of your samples.

Tasting the Wines and Olive Oil

The highlight — naturally — is the sampling. Expect to taste five wines, which likely include a mix of reds, whites, and possibly rosé, reflecting Crete’s diverse viticultural heritage. The wines are described as high-quality and carefully selected, which is confirmed by a reviewer stating, “Pleasant tasting of many good wines.”

Alongside the wines, you’ll try fresh olive oil, a staple of Cretan cuisine. While some might find the olive oil tasting a bit less extensive than the wine, it’s presented with enough variety to showcase local production. A reviewer notes: “Olive oil tasting could be a bit more expanded,” but still found it enjoyable.

A small food platter accompanies the samples, providing some local delicacies that enhance the tasting experience. These might include bread, cheeses, or small tapas-style bites, perfect for cleansing the palate and appreciating each sip.

Atmosphere and Additional Features

The modern building hosts not only wine tastings but also an art gallery and occasional music or art performances. This creates a relaxed, cultural vibe that elevates the experience beyond just drinking wine. Visitors commented on the nice atmosphere and the overall welcoming vibe.

The tour begins at 2:00 pm, a good time to enjoy a leisurely afternoon. The group size is limited to 30 people, ensuring a more personalized experience. Confirmation is straightforward, and most travelers can participate, making it an accessible option for many.

The Authentic Value of This Experience

So, why consider this tour? First, the scenic vineyard views make every sip feel more meaningful. Second, the chance to meet** passionate local producers** adds a personal touch that many larger or commercial wineries lack. The quality of the wines and the informative guides make this a worthwhile investment, especially if you’re eager to understand what makes Crete’s wine scene unique.

Compared to more generic wine tastings, this experience offers insight into local culture in a setting that balances modernity with tradition. The shorter duration means you can easily combine it with other sightseeing — perhaps a visit to nearby Knossos Palace or a stroll through the charming village of Arkalochori.

From reviews, it’s clear that most visitors leave feeling more connected to Crete’s culinary roots. One reviewer describes it as “a great experience with nice atmosphere and many good wines,” emphasizing the enjoyable, unpretentious vibe.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This tasting is ideal for wine enthusiasts wanting to discover Crete’s local varieties, or food lovers eager to pair wines with fresh olive oil and local snacks. It’s well-suited for those who appreciate authentic, small-scale production rather than large commercial wineries.

Given its accessible location and relaxed pace, it’s perfect for travelers who want a cultural break from sightseeing without sacrificing quality. Families, couples, or small groups will find it a pleasant way to spend an afternoon.

Final Thoughts: A Taste of Crete You Won’t Forget

In sum, this 1 hour and 30-minute tasting at Digenakis Winery offers an authentic, well-rounded glimpse into Crete’s wine and olive oil traditions. The combination of stunning scenery, passionate local hosts, and delicious samples makes it a standout experience for those who want to connect with the island’s culinary soul.

The value lies not only in the quality of the wines and olive oil but also in the opportunity to learn, ask questions, and enjoy the relaxed, artistic atmosphere. It’s a perfect stop for foodies and wine lovers wanting a meaningful taste of Crete without a long commitment.

Whether you’re just starting your Crete adventure or wrapping up your trip, this experience promises a flavorful, memorable moment that highlights some of the best local products the island has to offer.

FAQs

What is the duration of the tour?
It lasts approximately 1 hour 30 minutes, making it a short but satisfying experience without taking up your whole day.

Where does the tour start?
The meeting point is at Digenakis Winery in Arkalochori, on the Epar.Od. Kallonis – Gdochia road.

Is the tour suitable for most travelers?
Yes, most travelers can participate as confirmation is straightforward, and the group size is limited to 30 people.

What is included in the tasting?
You’ll sample five wines, fresh olive oil, and enjoy a selection of local foods as accompaniments.

Can I visit other sites after the tour?
Absolutely. The short duration allows you to continue exploring nearby attractions, such as Knossos Palace or local villages.

Is the olive oil tasting extensive?
Based on reviews, it might be a bit limited in comparison to the wine tasting, but it still offers an interesting glimpse into local production.

How do I book?
You can reserve via Viator or other booking platforms; the process is simple, and confirmation is immediate upon booking.

What makes this experience special?
The combination of scenic views, personalized guided tasting, and authentic local products makes it a memorable way to connect with Crete’s culinary culture.