Rhodes isn’t just a sun-soaked island with ancient ruins; it’s also a fantastic place to explore local wines and culinary traditions. Some of the most engaging experiences include sailing around the island’s bays with a Greek buffet and wine, like the Rhodes Bay to Bay Swim Cruise-Greek Buffet w/wine included — a full-day adventure blending swimming, sightseeing, and tasting in a relaxed boat setting. Others, like the private Wine Tasting Guided by a Sommelier, offer a more intimate exploration of local varietals, perfect for connoisseurs and curious newcomers alike. With Rhodes’s warm Mediterranean climate and vineyards, these tours provide authentic tasting opportunities and insights into Greece’s wine-making heritage, making it a must-do for wine enthusiasts.
Quick Overview
In this guide, we cover a variety of wine-related tours including scenic boat cruises, private tastings, hands-on cooking classes, and full-day excursions that combine food, wine, and cultural exploration. Whether you’re after a quick drop-in wine tasting, a full-day wine and food experience, or a romantic sunset cruise with wine and live music, Rhodes has options tailored to your interests. Now, let’s explore each one in detail.
1. Rhodes Bay to Bay Swim Cruise-Greek Buffet w/wine included
At number 1, this full-day cruise offers the perfect blend of sightseeing, swimming, and wine. Starting from Rhodes’s Mandraki Port, you’ll sail past the legendary Colossus of Rhodes, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, and enjoy stunning views of the Medieval Walls and Old Town. Highlights include snorkelling at Anthony Quinn Bay, relaxing in the healing waters of Kallithea Springs, and stopping at multiple bays for swimming. The cruise features a Greek buffet with unlimited wine, adding a celebratory touch to the day. Reviews praise its relaxed atmosphere and beautiful scenery, with one noting, “The boat ride was very relaxing, the snorkeling was a blast, and the lunch was delicious.” It’s ideal for anyone who wants a mix of sightseeing, swimming, and wine without fuss. The 6-hour duration fits well into a day of exploration.
Bottom Line: A great all-around option if you love being on the water with plenty of swimming and wine, and want to see Rhodes’s coast from the sea.
2. Private Wine Tasting Under the Guidance of a Sommelier in Rhodes
Number 2 is a private, expert-led wine tasting at 10GR, where a certified sommelier guides you through Greece’s wine varieties. This experience lasts about 50 minutes and is perfect for those who want to deepen their wine knowledge. Guests rave about Kosmas and Alexandra, who share their extensive expertise in an engaging way, covering the history, grape varieties, and food pairings of Greek wines. The intimate setting allows for personalized attention and a relaxed atmosphere. With five wines to taste and a mezze platter, it’s a flavorful introduction to Rhodes’s viticultural scene. One reviewer described it as “a fantastic, fun, and informative experience,” emphasizing how much they learned and enjoyed the wine selection.
Bottom Line: Ideal for wine lovers wanting a focused, educational experience in a private setting, with expert guidance.
3. Rhodes: 1952 Farmhouse Cooking & Lunch with Unlimited Wine
Number 3 combines cooking, wine, and local ambiance at a traditional 1950s farmhouse surrounded by olive groves. Over about four hours, you’ll learn how to prepare classic Rhodian dishes, then enjoy your creations paired with unlimited local wine. The setting offers insight into rural life and the Mediterranean diet, with guests describing it as a “fabulous Greek meal that you helped prepare.” It’s perfect for travelers who want a hands-on culinary experience along with wine tasting in a relaxed farm environment. The intimate atmosphere and focus on local ingredients make it a memorable way to connect with Rhodes’s culinary roots.
Bottom Line: Best suited for those who want to cook, taste local wine, and experience authentic Rhodian farm life in one seamless tour.
4. Rhodes Wine & Food Tour: 10 Meal Course Lunch, Wine Tasting, Cooking Class
Number 4 offers the most comprehensive immersion in Rhodes’s culinary scene. This half-day tour starts with a vineyard and distillery visit, where you’ll see how local wines, souma, and tsipouro are made, followed by wine tasting guided by a sommelier. Then, participate in a cooking class to learn how to prepare traditional dishes like tzatziki and dolmadakia. The day culminates in a 10-course Greek lunch paired with unlimited wine. Guests describe it as “an amazing experience,” highlighting the relaxed atmosphere and flavorful food. The inclusion of a distillery tour makes it stand out, offering a full picture of local drinks.
Bottom Line: Perfect for foodies who want a full day of tasting, cooking, and learning about Rhodes’s wine and spirits.
5. Gourmet Journey: 12-Course Lunch, Wine Tasting & Culinary Session
Number 5 combines culinary education and tasting in a condensed four-hour experience. Starting with a vineyard and distillery tour, guests then join a cooking class to learn how to make classic Greek dishes. The highlight is an 11-course lunch paired with unlimited wine, offering a deep dive into local flavors. Reviews mention the “awesome food” and “brilliant wine tasting,” making it ideal for those wanting to indulge in Rhodes’s gastronomy. The tour is well-paced and includes a variety of local products, from wine to olive oil.
Bottom Line: Best for travelers seeking a comprehensive food and wine experience with plenty of hands-on learning.
6. Rhodes: Cooking Lesson and Wine Tasting with Lunch
Number 6 is a small-group culinary and wine experience in a traditional village. Over about four hours, you’ll visit a local winery, a women’s cooperative, and a rustic village. The tour includes a cooking lesson where you’ll learn to make Rhodesian dishes, then sit down to enjoy your meal with local wines. One reviewer called it “the best day in Rhodes,” praising the blend of culture, food, and wine. It’s perfect for those who want to explore the local way of life while tasting authentic wines and dishes.
Bottom Line: Ideal for travelers who want a relaxed, intimate day of cooking, wine, and rural Rhodes charm.
7. Rhodes: Sunset Cruise with Live Music, Wine & Greek Buffet
Number 7 is a sunset cruise experience lasting about three hours. You’ll sail along Rhodes’s east coast, stopping at Kallithea Springs for a swim, then enjoy a Greek buffet with unlimited wine while watching the sunset. The live music creates a festive vibe, and many reviews highlight the “beautiful scenery” and “romantic” atmosphere. The cruise is a great way to combine sightseeing, swimming, and wine with a musical backdrop in a stunning setting.
Bottom Line: Perfect for couples or anyone seeking a romantic evening on the water with good food, wine, and live music.
8. Sunset Cruise with Greek BBQ & Unlimited Aperol Spritz, Beer Wine
Number 8 combines relaxing sunset views with a Greek BBQ dinner and unlimited drinks. Over three hours, you’ll stop at Kallithea Springs for a swim before enjoying a freshly cooked BBQ onboard, plus Aperol Spritz, beer, and wine. Reviewers mention the “stunning views” and “delicious food,” making it a popular choice for an easy, fun evening. The all-inclusive drinks and scenic setting make it excellent value.
Bottom Line: A laid-back option for those wanting great food, drinks, and sunset views without much fuss.
9. Tasting Rhodes: Cooking Class, Wine Tasting & more in an Authentic Greek village
Number 9 blends cultural exploration, cooking, and wine tasting in a small village. You’ll visit a winery, a cooperative, and learn to cook Rhodesian specialities, then taste local wines paired with your dishes. Reviewers appreciate the “small-group atmosphere” and the chance to meet locals. The tour offers a deep dive into Rhodian cuisine, with a focus on authentic experiences.
Bottom Line: Suited for those wanting a blend of culture, food, and wine in a quiet, traditional setting.
10. Rhodes Wine Tasting Experience
Number 10 is a short, guided wine tasting in a restaurant, featuring five Greek wines paired with light dishes. Led by an experienced sommelier, it provides a relaxed, informative introduction to Greek wines, perfect for an evening activity. Reviewers mention it as “a lovely, informative experience,” great for those new to wine tasting.
Bottom Line: Ideal for a quick but quality introduction to Greece’s wine scene.
11. Butterfly Valley & Wine, Olive Oil, Honey Tasting Tour
Number 11 offers a combination of nature and tasting experiences. Visit Butterfly Valley, then taste local wine, olive oil from ancient trees, and honey infused with herbs. The tour is a good mix of scenic beauty and flavors, with reviews praising its relaxed pace and authentic tastings.
Bottom Line: Perfect for travelers who want a mix of nature walk and tasting local products.
12. Faliraki: Evening RIB Cruise with Champagne and Sunset Views
Number 12 is a romantic sunset RIB cruise that lasts about two hours. With champagne onboard, you’ll sail past Rhodes’s bays, stopping at Kallithea Springs for a swim. Guests love the friendly crew and the intimate, scenic setting, making it a memorable way to end the day.
Bottom Line: Best for those seeking a quick, romantic, and scenic boat ride with champagne.
13. Best Rhodes Tour with Wine Tasting Experience from Cruise Port
Number 13 combines cultural sights and tasting in a full-day tour. You’ll explore Rhodes Old Town, Lindos, and the Acropolis, with stops for wine, honey, and olive oil tasting. The description notes “a well-paced day with expert guides,” making it ideal for travelers who want to see a lot without stress.
Bottom Line: Great for cruise visitors wanting a comprehensive day with plenty of wine and cultural highlights.
14. Wine Tasting and Romantic Sunset in Monolithos
Number 14 is a private, romantic tour that combines wine tasting at Kounaki Wines with watching the sunset from Monolithos castle, perched high on a cliff. It’s a private experience, perfect for couples celebrating something special. Reviewers highlight the “beautiful sunset” and “relaxing atmosphere.”
Bottom Line: Best suited for couples seeking a romantic, private evening with wine and breathtaking views.
15. BEST OF LINDOS & RHODES – LUNCH BREAK & WINE TASTING
Finally, number 15 is a private full-day tour with guided visits to Lindos, Rhodes Old Town, and local sites, with wine tasting along the way. It includes a relaxed lunch break and a pottery demonstration, making it a comprehensive way to experience Rhodes’s highlights and wines. Perfect for those who want an all-in-one day trip.
Bottom Line: Designed for those who want a premium, full-day experience with smooth logistics and expert commentary.
How to Choose the Best Wine Tour in Rhodes
When picking your ideal wine experience, consider your budget, available time, interests, and physical activity level. For a relaxed day on the water, the Rhodes Bay to Bay Swim Cruise offers swimming, sightseeing, and wine without making it a full-day commitment. If you’re more into learning about Greek wines and want a private, tailored experience, the Private Sommelier Tasting is hard to beat. Meanwhile, for culinary enthusiasts, the Rhodes: 1952 Farmhouse Cooking & Lunch provides hands-on cooking paired with local wine.
Booking early is recommended, especially for popular experiences like sunset cruises or private tastings. Consider the best time to go—spring and early fall usually offer pleasant weather and fewer crowds—making your wine adventure in Rhodes even more enjoyable.
Rhodes offers a rich selection of wine-related tours that suit all tastes, from scenic boat rides to intimate tastings and hands-on cooking classes. Whether you’re seeking a relaxing day at sea or an immersive culinary journey, you’ll find an experience that suits your style. For a classic introduction, the Rhodes Bay to Bay Swim Cruise offers incredible scenery and fun swimming, while the Private Sommelier Experience is perfect for deep dives into Greece’s wine culture. Whatever your preference, Rhodes’s wine tours promise memorable moments and delicious discoveries.