Crete’s landscape is a patchwork of sun-drenched vineyards, olive groves, and traditional villages — making it a fantastic destination for wine lovers. Unlike many other Mediterranean islands, Crete boasts a winemaking history that dates back to the Minoan era, and today, the local wineries still produce award-winning wines using ancient indigenous grapes. Whether you’re after a full-day cultural tour exploring olive oil, raki, and pottery, or a small-group wine tasting in Chania, Crete offers a variety of experiences that blend history, flavor, and scenery. We particularly love the Crete: Full-Day Cretan Wines, Olive Oil, Raki and Food Tour for its immersive approach and wide range of activities, including pottery-making and visits to traditional villages.
For those seeking a deeper dive into local winemaking, the From Chania: Wine and Olive Oil Tasting Tour with Snacks or the Semi-Private Wine Discovery Tour in Chania stand out by offering intimate tastings, expert guides, and insider access to family-run wineries. Whether your interest is in sampling unique indigenous grapes like Vidiano and Liatiko or exploring historic olive oil traditions at ancient mills, Crete’s wine tours promise authentic and flavorful experiences.
1. Crete: Full-Day Cretan Wines, Olive Oil, Raki and Food Tour
At number 1 on our list, this full-day tour is a comprehensive dive into Cretan traditions. Over eight hours, you’ll visit an olive mill, tour organic wineries, and enjoy raki at a distillery. The itinerary includes meeting local artisans, pottery-making in a traditional village, and tasting fresh olive oil among scenic vineyards. The highlight for many is the combination of wine and spirits tasting with visits to artisanal producers, making it ideal for travelers wanting an authentic cultural experience. The tour carries a stellar 5/5 rating from 237 reviews, emphasizing its quality and immersive nature. Expect a day filled with local flavors, scenic drives, and hands-on activities.
Bottom line: If you want a well-rounded, culturally rich experience with great reviews and a variety of tastings, this tour offers exceptional value for its price of $142 and full 8-hour experience.
2. From Chania: Wine and Olive Oil Tasting Tour with Snacks
Number 2 is perfect for those based in Chania who want to explore Crete’s winemaking and olive oil traditions in a half-day setting. This tour from Chania takes you to family-owned wineries and an olive oil factory, with the chance to see the world’s oldest olive tree—estimated to be 3,000 years old. The guide shares stories about local varieties like Vidiano and Muscat of Spina, and you’ll taste award-winning wines along with rich olive oils and local snacks. With a 4.8/5 rating from 309 reviews, this tour is praised for its knowledgeable guide, relaxed pace, and beautiful countryside.
Bottom line: For $136, this tour offers a well-balanced tasting experience coupled with scenic countryside views, making it ideal for a relaxed afternoon focused on authentic flavors.
3. From Chania: Olive Oil, Wine, Cheese & Honey Tasting Tour
This 8.5-hour tour combines the best of Crete’s culinary traditions—olive oil, wine, cheese, and honey. It includes visits to the Ancient Olive Tree of Vouves, a local olive mill, and a traditional bakery with a wood oven. You’ll learn about honey and cheese making, sampling delicious local products along the way. The itinerary also features a wine tasting at Nopigia, where you’ll enjoy panoramic views of the countryside. It’s highly rated with 359 reviews and a 4.6/5 rating, reflecting its popularity among food-loving travelers.
Bottom line: For a full day of tasting and learning about Cretan gastronomy at just $48, this tour is great for foodies who want an in-depth, hands-on experience with local products.
4. Cretan Wines & Olive Oil Tour – The Treasures of Crete
Number 4 is a structured, approximately 6-to-7-hour experience that visits iconic regions known for vineyards and olive groves. Highlights include a guided tour of a local olive mill and grove, tasting fresh olive oil, then exploring a family-owned winery using organic methods. The tour also includes a visit to a raki distillery with tastings and scenic views. The small group size ensures a personalized experience, and the tour has a perfect 5/5 rating from 83 reviews. Travelers appreciate its authenticity and the opportunity to learn about olive oil and wine production side by side.
Bottom line: For $138.29, this tour offers a rich blend of history, flavor, and scenery, suited for travelers wanting a comprehensive day in Crete’s agricultural heartland.
5. PRIVATE-Knossos Palace-Lasithi-Winery-Old Villages-Olive Oil Mill
At number 5, this private tour offers an intimate, customized experience that lasts around 7-8 hours. It combines the visit to Knossos Palace, the legendary Minoan site, with stops at traditional villages, an olive oil factory, and the Lasithi Plateau with its historic windmills. The guide customizes the pace, making it perfect for travelers who want personal attention and flexibility. With a price of $691.44 for up to 7 people, it’s a more premium option, especially suited for families or small groups seeking a tailored day.
Bottom line: If you prefer a private experience with exclusive access to cultural and culinary sites, this tour is an excellent choice, offering deep dives into local history and traditions.
6. Semi-Private Wine Discovery Tour in Chania
Number 6 offers an intimate semi-private experience in Chania, combining visits to two wineries with tastings of 10 different wines. Led by guide Oz or Anna, the group size is small, ensuring personalized attention. The tour includes tastings of local produce and scenic drives through the countryside, all for about $109.48 per person. Guests praise the knowledgeable guides, the beautiful rural scenery, and the opportunity to sample specific indigenous grapes like Vidiano.
Bottom line: Perfect for wine enthusiasts wanting a relaxed yet detailed exploration of Crete’s wine scene, especially if you value small group intimacy.
7. PRIVATE Knossos-Winery-Olive Oil Factory-Traditional Villages
This full-day private tour emphasizes authentic village life, olive oil, and historic sites. It includes visits to an olive oil factory, the old village of Mochos, and the Lasithi Plateau with its windmills. The tour is flexible, lasting around 8.5 hours, and includes a traditional Cretan lunch. With glowing reviews, it’s praised for the friendly guide, private attention, and cultural insights.
Bottom line: If you want a personalized, flexible, and culturally immersive day, this tour offers a perfect balance of history, local life, and tasting experiences.
8. “YAMAS” – Winery Tour & Wine Tasting
Number 8 features a concentrated visit to Douloufakis Winery in Crete, where you’ll taste six estate-crafted wines in a short 1 hour 20-minute tour. The guide shares stories about indigenous grapes like Vidiano and Liatiko, making it ideal for a quick, educational intro to Cretan wine. The winery’s facilities are open for exploration, and reviews highlight the fun, relaxed atmosphere and excellent value at just $34.83.
Bottom line: For travelers short on time but eager to sample high-quality local wines and learn about indigenous grapes, this quick tour hits the mark.
9. Wine, Olive Oil, and Honey Tour with Winemaker
This private, 6.5-hour tour combines mountain village visits with tastings of wine, honey, and local delicacies. Led by a passionate winemaker, you’ll sample honey produced by your guide, enjoy a farm-to-fork lunch, and explore traditional villages. Guests appreciate the personalized experience, expert storytelling, and authentic products like homemade honey and regional wines.
Bottom line: For an immersive, private experience full of local flavor and storytelling, this tour balances scenic drives with culinary delights, priced at $152.
10. Rethymno: Private Winery & Olive Oil Tasting with Lunch
Number 10 is a private, 5-hour tour focusing on olive oil and winery visits near Rethymno. It includes tasting real Cretan virgin olive oil, touring Dourakis Winery, and enjoying a traditional lunch. The guide’s knowledge and relaxed pace have earned it a 4.9/5 rating. It’s a great option for travelers wanting a personalized, leisurely day with excellent food and drink.
Bottom line: For about $296, this tour offers a deep dive into olive oil and wine with the comfort of private transport and a scenic setting.
11. Crete: 2 Wineries Tour with Wine Tasting & Lunch
This 7-hour tour takes you to two different wineries, where you’ll taste 10 wines and enjoy a traditional village lunch. It’s praised for its authentic wineries, scenic drive, and generous tastings. The guide’s passion and insider access make it especially appealing to wine enthusiasts who want to see the winemaking process firsthand.
Bottom line: For about 5 hours of exploring two wineries and authentic local cuisine, this tour delivers excellent value and a memorable experience.
12. Wine Tasting & Food Experience Inside a Cretan Gorge
Number 12 offers a unique experience: tasting 8 high-quality Greek wines paired with an 8-course organic Cretan feast, all inside Zourida Gorge. The setting—on a stone balcony—adds to the magic. It’s a tutored experience perfect for those looking for an elevated culinary adventure in nature.
Bottom line: For approximately $198, this is a premium, guided tasting in a stunning natural setting, ideal for foodies and wine lovers who want something special.
13. Cretan Delights – Wine, Olive Oil & Cooking Workshop from Chania
This full-day cooking and tasting experience combines visits to local wineries and olive oil producers with a hands-on cooking class. You’ll learn to prepare authentic Cretan dishes, sample regional wines, and explore a traditional family house turned museum. The tour lasts six hours, and reviews highlight the friendly guides and authentic food.
Bottom line: For travelers wanting a mix of culinary education and hands-on cooking, this experience offers a well-rounded, immersive day.
14. Crete: Trypiti Beach Off-Road South Tour w/ Lunch & Wine
This 8-hour tour combines off-road adventures, visits to Zaros Lake, and time at Trypiti Beach for swimming. It includes a scenic drive through ancient ruins and a traditional lunch with wine. The off-road component and natural stops make it perfect for active travelers who want a mix of scenery, history, and relaxation.
Bottom line: If you’re after an energetic day combining sightseeing with beach time, this tour offers excellent value at $94.
15. Wine Tasting in Rethymno
Lastly, this compact wine tasting experience in Rethymno features 11 different wines served in generous pours. Paired with local cheese pies and stuffed vine leaves, it’s a fun, educational way to explore Crete’s wine varietals in just three hours. The atmosphere is informal but informative, and the reviews are consistently high.
Bottom line: For a relaxed, educational tasting session in Rethymno at $95, this experience is perfect for wine lovers eager to try a broad selection of local grapes.
How to Choose Your Perfect Crete Wine Tour
When deciding which tour suits you best, consider your budget, available time, and interest level. For a full-day deep dive into local traditions, the Full-Day Cretan Wines, Olive Oil, Raki and Food Tour offers a comprehensive experience. If you prefer something more intimate and personalized, the Semi-Private Wine Discovery Tour in Chania is a great choice. For shorter visits focusing solely on wine, the YAMAS Winery Tour or the 2 Wineries Tour provide excellent value and quality. Budget travelers might enjoy the Wine Tasting & Food Experience Inside a Cretan Gorge, combining scenic beauty with tasty wines.
Be sure to book early, especially in peak season, and check for available times to fit your schedule.
Final Thoughts
Crete’s wine tours span a range of experiences—from immersive cultural days to short, focused tastings. The options like the Full-Day Cretan Wines or private options Knossos and villages suit travelers seeking in-depth culture. The smaller, more specialized tours—such as YAMAS Winery—are perfect for those with limited time but a passion for authentic wines.
Whatever your interest or budget, Crete’s wine culture is one of the island’s most delicious and memorable aspects. Be sure to plan and book ahead to secure your spot on these popular tours—Crete’s wines await.