Winery Tour, Tasting and cooking with the Winemaker in Rhodes

Rhodes Winery Tour, Tasting, and Cooking with the Winemaker offers a wonderfully authentic taste of the island’s culinary and viticultural traditions. For just under $92 USD, you’ll spend about three hours exploring vineyards, tasting five different wines, and cooking traditional Greek mezedes. Guided by friendly locals, this experience combines education, delicious food, and engaging hands-on participation—making it an ideal choice for those looking to deepen their connection with Rhodes beyond the usual sun and sand.

Two aspects we especially love are the chance to meet a local winemaker and learn about both the wine and the food of Rhodes—these personal touches enhance the experience far beyond a typical tasting. Plus, the outdoor setting with vineyard views complements the relaxed, intimate atmosphere. That said, if you’re not a fan of guided group activities, the group size (capped at 15) might feel a bit snug, but it also ensures a more personalized experience.

This tour is perfect for wine lovers and foodies who want a meaningful local experience. It’s especially suited for those who enjoy hands-on activities and appreciate learning about regional traditions firsthand. If you’re curious about Greek wines, want a taste of Rhodes’s culinary heritage, or simply enjoy good company and good food, this tour will meet your expectations.

Key Points

• Authentic Experience: Connect directly with a local winemaker and learn about Rhodes’s vineyards and winemaking techniques.
• All-in-One Activity: Combines vineyard visits, wine tasting, a cooking class, and a distillery tour—great value for a 3-hour experience.
• Tasty Mezedes: Enjoy a multi-course, tapas-style meal featuring vegetarian options like Greek salad, Tzatziki, and eggplant salad.
• Educational and Fun: Discover the process of making local spirits like tsipouro and pick up recipes for the dishes you prepare.
• Personalized Group Size: Limited to 15 travelers, ensuring friendly interaction and personalized attention.
• Beautiful Setting: The outdoor vineyard and terrace provide a scenic backdrop for tasting and dining.

Discovering Rhodes Through Wine and Food

This tour offers a refreshing break from Rhodes’s popular beaches, instead immersing you in the island’s culinary soul and wine culture. Starting at the estate and restaurant of Anastasia Triantafillou in Petaloudes, the experience begins at 11:00 am—just enough time to enjoy the cooler part of the day and avoid the intense midday sun. Over three hours, you’ll get a glimpse into the local viticulture, winemaking practices, and traditional cuisine.

Visiting the Vineyards

The first part of the tour is a visit to the vineyards where the host explains their viticulture methods. As we walk among the grapevines, we learn about the native grape varieties and the specific challenges and advantages of cultivating grapes in Rhodes’s Mediterranean climate. Our guide describes each stage of vinification, offering insights into how the wines are produced and what makes them unique to the island.

What we love here is the detailed explanation—no rushed or superficial info, just genuine storytelling. The outdoor setting means you’ll be surrounded by the lush landscape, with views that make it easy to appreciate why Rhodes’s wines are gaining recognition. It’s a chance to ask questions and get a sense of the passion behind the local wine industry.

Wine Tasting with a View

The outdoor bar at the vineyard offers a relaxed atmosphere for tasting five different wines. We appreciate that the tasting is paired with a discussion of oenological techniques, helping us understand what goes into each glass. The host’s enthusiasm makes the experience feel personal, and the wines range from light whites to richer reds, providing a well-rounded palate experience.

One reviewer, Jessie, noted, “Our tour guide Jason was awesome!! The food offered was fabulous and we learned a lot about the wines offered and the cooking class was fun.” The tasting doesn’t just involve sipping—you’ll learn about the characteristics of Rhodes wine, how to identify different styles, and what pairs well with local dishes.

Cooking Mezedes with the Winemaker

Next, the focus shifts to food. The hands-on cooking class is a highlight, especially for those who enjoy culinary exploration. Participation is optional but often fun, and it offers a rare chance to learn recipes directly from a local expert. We made traditional mezedes—Greek tapas—such as Tzatziki, eggplant salad, and tasty spreads. The menu is mainly vegetarian, featuring local bread, Greek salad, and more.

The fact that you’re actively involved makes the meal more memorable. As you chop, stir, and season, you’ll gain confidence in preparing simple, authentic Greek dishes at home. Plus, you get the recipes emailed afterward, so you can recreate the experience back home.

A Scenic Meal and Spirit Tasting

After cooking, you settle into a restaurant area overlooking the vineyards. The meal is served as small, tapas-style dishes—perfect for pairing with the wines you’ve tasted earlier. The emphasis on local ingredients and traditional recipes makes this a genuine culinary experience.

A walk indoors concludes the tour with a visit to the distillery, where you learn how tsipouro, the island’s traditional grape spirit, is made. The guide describes the distillation process, and you get to taste this fiery spirit as a digestif. Jessie commented that “Lots of good food and wine!” which sums up the enjoyable balance of the experience.

Practical Details and Considerations

The tour begins promptly at 11:00 am from the estate’s meeting point, and it ends back at the same location. The small group size (up to 15 travelers) ensures a friendly atmosphere, and most participants find the pace comfortable. The price of $91.45 per person includes all tastings, the cooking class, and the meal, making it a good value considering the variety of experiences packed into just three hours.

Since the activity is held outdoors and involves walking through vineyards, comfortable shoes and sun protection are advised. The tour’s timing makes it suitable for late-morning exploration, avoiding the midday heat.

Booking well in advance (about 40 days on average) is recommended to secure a spot, especially during peak season. The tour is suitable for most travelers, including vegetarians and those interested in wine, food, and local traditions.

What’s Missing?

Some might find the group size of 15 a little intimate if they prefer more solitude, but it enhances interaction. Also, since the focus is on Greek cuisine and Rhodes wine, those seeking a broader Mediterranean or international wine experience might find it somewhat niche—but that’s part of the charm.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is ideal for wine lovers, foodies, and adventurous travelers eager to see Rhodes through its culinary lens. It’s perfect if you enjoy hands-on activities and want to learn from passionate locals. The scenic vineyard setting and relaxed pace make it suitable for all ages, especially those who appreciate authenticity over commercialized experiences.

The Sum Up

The Rhodes Winery Tour, Tasting, and Cooking experience offers a well-rounded, authentic taste of the island’s wine culture and culinary traditions. It’s a wonderful way to spend a half-day, especially if you’re curious about local grape varieties, traditional mezedes, and spirits like tsipouro. The personal interaction with a local winemaker, coupled with delicious food and scenic views, makes it stand out as a memorable experience.

If you want to deepen your understanding of Rhodes beyond the beaches—enjoying its flavors and stories—this tour provides great value at a fair price. It’s especially perfect for those who enjoy learning in a relaxed, friendly setting and appreciate the depth of local food and wine.

FAQ

How long is the tour?
The experience lasts approximately three hours, starting at 11:00 am and ending back at the meeting point.

What does the tour include?
It includes a vineyard visit, tasting five wines, a hands-on cooking class for mezedes, a multi-course meal, and a distillery visit with a tasting of tsipouro.

Is participation in the cooking class optional?
Yes, participation is optional but usually quite fun and engaging for most guests.

What should I wear?
Comfortable shoes are recommended since you’ll be walking through vineyards, and sun protection is advised as much of the activity is outdoors.

Can vegetarians enjoy this tour?
Absolutely. The meal is mainly vegetarian, featuring dishes like Greek salad, Tzatziki, and eggplant salad.

How do I book?
Most travelers book about 40 days in advance to secure a spot. The tour is operated by Curioseety SRLS and offers free cancellation with at least 24 hours’ notice.

Whether you’re a wine connoisseur or a curious traveler, this Rhodes experience offers genuine flavor, engaging learning, and scenic beauty—an authentic slice of island life you won’t forget.