Kournas, with its stunning lake and lush surroundings, isn’t just a pretty picture — it’s a fantastic base for exploring Cretan cuisine and wine. The region offers a variety of tours that focus on local flavors, traditional food, and authentic wine experiences. I particularly love tours that combine food tasting with scenic stops and include visits to small family-run wineries and olive oil factories — they give you a real taste of local life. For instance, the Gastronomy tour and wine tasting in traditional villages takes you through tiny villages where you’ll sample handmade cheese, yogurt, and ice cream, alongside traditional coffee. It’s perfect if you want a full culture.
Among the options, I also recommend the Rethymno half-day wine tasting-olive oil factory-Kourna lake for its balanced itinerary, combining a wine tasting at a family winery, an olive oil tour, and free time at Kournas Lake. For lovers of both wine and scenery, this mix of local craftsmanship and natural beauty makes it stand out. And if you’re after a more comprehensive experience that includes visits to two wineries and a traditional lunch, the Winery Winery Olive Oil Tasting Traditional lunch offers excellent value, especially for those wanting a full day of tasting and tasting.
1. Gastronomy tour and wine tasting in traditional villages
At number 1 on our list is the Gastronomy tour and wine tasting in traditional villages, which scores an impressive 4.7/5 based on reviews. This six-hour journey offers a rich dive into authentic Cretan food and local traditions. You’ll visit small villages between Chania and Rethymno, where the focus is on tasting handmade cheese, yogurt from sheep’s milk, and ice cream. The tour includes a visit to an old monastery and a modern oil factory, giving a well-rounded view of Cretan rural life. The itinerary features stops for coffee tasting, cheese, and traditional village dishes, making it ideal for food lovers who want more than just wine.
What makes this tour stand out is its emphasis on local culture and genuine flavors. The two meals in different villages allow you to experience a variety of dishes in authentic settings. The guide’s local knowledge makes the visit to the monastery and cheese factory particularly engaging. It’s suited for travelers who want a deep culinary experience combined with scenic drives. The price of $203 per person reflects the length and richness of the experience, but it’s worth it for the authentic tastes and stories you’ll collect. Bottom line: A fantastic choice if you want a full immersion into Cretan rural life and cuisine.
$203 per person
2. Rethymno half-day wine tasting-olive oil factory-Kourna lake
Coming in at number 2 is the Rethymno half-day wine tasting-olive oil factory-Kourna lake, which has garnered a perfect 5/5 rating. This 5.5-hour tour is perfect for those wanting a taste of local craftsmanship without a full day commitment. It starts with a scenic drive from Rethymno to Kournas Lake, where you can enjoy pedalo rides or swimming in crystal-clear waters—popular for its peaceful charm and scenic backdrop.
The tour includes a guided visit to a family-run olive oil factory, where you learn about traditional methods of olive oil production, and then visits a local winery for wine tasting. The highlight is probably the combination of nature and flavor: after sampling local wines and olive oils, you have free time at the lake to relax or take photos. The tour’s reviews commend the friendly guide Angie and the well-organized itinerary. It’s an excellent choice for travelers wanting a balanced mix of tasting and outdoor leisure. Price-wise, it offers good value considering the combination of activities and scenic stops. Bottom line: Ideal for those who want a brief, fulfilling taste of Crete’s wine, oil, and natural beauty.
3. Winery Winery Olive Oil Tasting Traditional lunch
Finally, the Winery Winery Olive Oil Tasting Traditional lunch ranks high with a 4.7/5 rating and a full six-hour itinerary. This tour is perfect if you’re passionate about wine and olive oil—it includes visits to two wineries for tastings, a stop at a traditional oil mill, and a delicious homemade lunch at a family tavern with views of Lake Kournas.
The focus here is on learning the secrets behind both wine and olive oil production, with guided tastings that highlight local varieties. The visit to two different wineries makes this ideal for those interested in comparing different styles and flavors. The traditional lunch, served in a scenic setting, ties the experience together perfectly. For $226 per person, you get a well-rounded day that explores not just tastings but also the culinary traditions of Crete. If your main interest is a comprehensive wine and food experience, this tour delivers on that promise. Bottom line: Perfect for gourmets who want to deepen their understanding of Cretan wine and olive oils while enjoying a scenic meal.
$226 per person
How to Choose Your Perfect Wine Tour in Kournas
When selecting between these options, consider your priorities: Want a full culture with lots of food and scenic drives? The Gastronomy tour is ideal. Looking for a quick yet rich experience that combines wine, olive oil, and lake relaxation? The Rethymno half-day tour offers excellent value. If you’re a culinary enthusiast eager to explore wines and oils in depth, the Winery and olive oil tour with lunch is your best bet.
Think about your schedule, budget, and whether outdoor activity like swimming appeals to you. For example, if you want a full day of tasting and sightseeing, the third tour makes sense. For a shorter, scenic break, the second is perfect. Booking early is advisable, especially in peak season, as these tours are popular.
In summary, Kournas offers a variety of authentic wine and food experiences suited to different tastes and schedules. Whether you want a deep dive into rural cuisine, a scenic lakeside tasting, or a full culinary day with wine and olive oil, you’ll find an option that fits. I recommend booking ahead—these tours tend to fill quickly, especially in spring and summer. Whatever your choice, you’re in for a true taste of Crete’s local flavors.