Crete: 2 Wineries Tour with Wine Tasting & Lunch

Crete: 2 Wineries Tour with Wine Tasting & Lunch offers a delightful way to explore the island’s famous wine tradition along with its scenic countryside and authentic flavors. At just about 7 hours, this tour takes you through two distinct family-run wineries, a local olive mill, and culminates in a hearty, traditional Cretan lunch in a charming village. This isn’t your typical touristy experience — it’s a deep dive into Crete’s culinary and vinicultural soul.

What makes this experience stand out? First, we love the variety — tasting 10 different wines from organic and traditional wineries offers a real taste of local craftsmanship. Second, the chance to meet the winemakers and olive oil producers creates a genuine connection to the land and its people. The only potential consideration? The tour involves quite a bit of driving and walking, so it’s best suited for those comfortable with a full day on their feet. If you enjoy wine, local food, and scenic countryside, this tour is likely to be a highlight of your stay in Crete.

Key Points

• Authentic Visits: Focuses on family-owned wineries and local producers, offering genuine insights.
• Diverse Wines: Tastes include organic wines and a variety of flavor profiles—perfect for wine enthusiasts.
• Cultural Experience: Combines wine, olive oil, and traditional Cretan cuisine in a small-group setting.
• Expert Guides: Guides are knowledgeable, friendly, and eager to share insights about Crete’s agricultural heritage.
• Scenic Setting: The tours take place in picturesque countryside villages and lush vineyards.
• Full Experience: Includes transportation, guided tours, tastings, and a full local lunch for excellent value.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Deep Dive into the Crete Wineries & Olive Mill Tour

This tour is perfect if you’re eager to combine learning, tasting, and authentic local culture in one enjoyable day. It’s crafted for those who want more than just a quick wine tasting; it’s about understanding how Crete’s olive oil and wine have been intertwined with island life since the Minoan era.

Starting with Olive Oil: A Tasty Introduction

Your day begins with a visit to a local modern olive mill surrounded by olive groves. This is a highlight for many, especially if you’re interested in olive oil production, which has been a cornerstone of Crete’s economy for thousands of years. Here, you’ll tour the olive grove and see the milling process, learning from the olive oil maker himself. The tasting of fresh olive oil paired with local snacks offers a delightful start — the first taste of Crete’s culinary richness.

One reviewer, Kaycee, called this “a really amazing trip, with lots of fantastic information,” especially appreciated the opportunity to learn about olive oil directly from the producer. It’s a good reminder that this isn’t just about tasting but about understanding the craftsmanship behind what you’re eating.

Two Contrasting Wineries, Two Unique Approaches

The core of the tour is visiting two family-owned wineries, each with its own style and philosophy. The first winery specializes in organic methods, cultivating grapes in a sustainable way. You’ll get a tour of their vineyards and cellars, tasting five organic wines. These wines often surprise visitors with their freshness and purity, a real testament to the dedicated approach of the growers.

The second winery offers a different flavor — a more traditional or alternative approach to winemaking. Here, you’ll explore the cellars and vineyards again, tasting four more wines — the perfect way to compare styles and techniques. Meeting the winemakers adds a personal touch — many reviewers mention how engaging and knowledgeable the guides are.

Karin, for instance, notes, “Antonis was an extremely knowledgeable guide,” and the visit to these wineries made her “learn so much about Crete and winemaking.” The wine tastings are tailored to showcase local varieties, and the platter pairing enhances the experience, adding cheese, bread, and local snacks to complement the wines.

The Village Lunch: A Taste of Local Life

After the winery visits, you’ll head to a picturesque village for a traditional lunch at a local tavern. This part of the tour is often highlighted as a highlight by travelers. The home-cooked Cretan dishes are hearty, authentic, and paired with local wine, giving a true taste of island life.

Guests frequently mention how friendly and cozy the atmosphere is, and some say it’s their favorite meal of their entire trip. It’s a perfect way to unwind, share stories with fellow travelers, and digest all the wine and food.

More Great Tours Nearby

Practical Details & Considerations

The tour is offered as a small-group experience, capped at 8 participants, which means plenty of personal attention and a relaxed pace. Transportation is included, with hotel pickup and drop-off, making logistics simple. The duration of 7 hours is comfortable for a full day but not exhausting, with roughly 10-minute drives between stops and ample time at each site.

The cost includes all tastings, the guided tours, and the full lunch — offering excellent value considering the quality and authenticity of the experience. The guided tours are in English and Greek, but the reviews suggest the guides are very personable and eager to share their knowledge.

A few reviewers, like Emily, describe the tour as their holiday highlight, praising the informative guides and the authenticity of the experience. Others appreciated the small group size, which fostered a friendly atmosphere and personalized attention.

What to Expect and How to Prepare

Expect a full day of sensory delights — from the feel of cool olive oil on your tongue to the smell of ripe grapes in the vineyard. The walking involved is moderate but should be manageable for most travelers comfortable with a bit of outdoor activity.

Remember to wear comfortable shoes and bring a sunhat or sunglasses, especially if visiting during warmer months. While water is likely provided, you might want to bring your own, along with a small bag to carry any souvenirs or extra snacks.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience suits wine lovers, foodies, and culture seekers who appreciate authentic, locally-driven tours. It’s ideal if you want to learn about Crete’s agricultural traditions while enjoying some of the island’s best wines, olive oils, and home-cooked dishes.

Travelers who don’t mind a bit of walking and are eager to meet local producers will find this tour especially rewarding. It’s a fantastic way to connect with Crete’s rural heart and come away with a greater appreciation for its culinary heritage.

The Sum Up

This 7-hour tour offers a well-rounded, authentic glimpse into Crete’s wine and olive oil heritage. Visiting family-owned wineries with distinct approaches, tasting a broad selection of local wines, and enjoying a traditional village lunch creates a memorable, enriching experience. The knowledgeable guides and small-group setting make it both educational and personal, perfect for those wanting to go beyond the tourist trail.

Whether you’re a wine connoisseur or simply curious about local flavors, this tour provides excellent value and a chance to taste Crete’s culinary soul. It’s a slow-paced, friendly, and genuinely engaging way to spend a day — one that will likely be a highlight of your visit.

FAQ

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 7 hours, including visits, tastings, and lunch.

What is included in the price?
Transport, pick-up and drop-off from your accommodation, guided tours at two wineries, tastings of 10 wines, and a full local lunch are included.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is this tour suitable for vegetarians or special diets?
The tour includes a traditional village lunch, but specific dietary requests should be clarified at booking.

How many people are in each group?
The experience is limited to small groups of up to 8 participants for a more personalized feel.

What should I wear?
Comfortable shoes are recommended, and bring sun protection like a hat or sunglasses, especially in summer.

Will guides speak English?
Yes, guides are fluent in English and Greek, with reviews indicating clear, friendly communication.

Is there much walking involved?
There’s some walking at vineyards and during the village walk, but it’s generally manageable for most travelers.

Can I sample more wines if I want?
Tastings are planned, but if you’re interested in additional options, you can ask your guide.

Is this tour suitable for families?
While ideal for wine enthusiasts and culture lovers, families with older children comfortable with walking and outdoor activities will enjoy it too.

This tour offers a fantastic combination of learning, tasting, and authentic culture in a relaxed, friendly setting. It’s ideal for travelers eager to truly connect with Crete’s wine and food traditions while enjoying the island’s stunning landscapes and warm hospitality.

You can check availability for your dates here: