Wine Tasting in Crete
Explore the island of Crete, its long history, natural beauty, and really indulge your senses of taste and smell. Wine tasting in Crete is the main event but don’t forget the tasty Greek food on offer which will increase your life expectancy, according to many studies. We will organize all your activities into one compact package so you can just relax and enjoy wine tasting, tours, meals, guided visits, transfers, and hotels for any number of days on the island with one provider. Our wine tasting in Crete is easily combined with mainland Greece plus adding Turkey would be a fantastic addition to this blend.
Cretan food is among the healthiest in the world
Not only is the stomach well looked after here in Crete, there are thousands of years of human habitation which can be studied to stimulate the brain also. The Minoan Palace of Knossos for example is a stunning slice of ancient history and should be included during your stay.
Arrival Day in Crete
Upon arrival, you will be met at the airport and driven to the hotel of your choice where you will be greeted by your tour guide and Sommelier, a native to the area for over 20 years. After you have checked in you will be walked through the tour program for the next few days, given any extra activity options you might like to add last minute, and finally enjoy an introductory Cretan wine & cheese tasting. After a very enjoyable tasting session, you will be left free to wander or rest, and we will give you your time for pickup tomorrow.
You will have a great choice of traditional places to eat on this tour
Day 1 | Cretan Wine and Olives
After a relaxing breakfast at your hotel, we will pick you up, probably at 10 am as we are determined not to rush you around on this tour. We will head north into the mountains of Crete visiting three wineries during the day and one olive mill. Which wineries we visit will depend on our local guide, as they are always on the ball as to which is best on a particular day. If you have a preference then let us know, or if you fancy specifying particular grape varieties. You can be as specific or general as you like, or just trust us to deliver the perfect day out.
In any case, you will taste and discover the indigenous local grape varieties of Crete as well as the Noble varieties that thrive on the Cretan terroir. The first winery we will visit is also working as an Olive mill. So in this two for one visit we will enjoy a full tour of the olive mill’s facilities, learn all about the production of both of these essential liquids, followed by a wine and oil tasting of course.
The second winery on our list is well known for its sweet dessert wine made from the ancient local variety of Romeiko. But it also boasts beautiful wines from other native varieties, as well as some Italian and Spanish varieties. We will be given a full tour of the winery and then the cellars and lastly enjoy a tasting in the winery’s gardens. At the second or third winery of the day, we will have a tour and tasting followed by a traditional Greek lunch. When and where we eat will all depend on our schedule for the day, we can tell you all about this when your tour is being discussed. Returning you in the late afternoon to your hotel you will have time to relax on the beach or for an evening swim.
Day 2 | Eating and Drinking and a Long Life!
Studies have been made of aging populations across the planet and it has been established, we believe, that the people on Crete live longer on average than virtually anywhere on Earth and that their food is the most healthy. A couple of glasses of wine will help of course. So its time to try it, and see if you can add a few years to your life!
Tasting in the vineyard – there is nothing better we think?
The traditional stone village of Milia is the venue for our first activity today. Here you will learn the ways of Cretan cuisine from Tasos the cook, he prepares his dishes only from local and seasonal produce, most of which is found growing in his own garden. You will be instructed in the cooking arts and will prepare your own lunch which we will pair with some specially selected wines from the island. There will be time to enjoy the lovely natural surroundings for a while and then enjoy a visit to a boutique family-owned winery with panoramic views of the mountains and Kissamos bay. A full tour of the vineyards and winemaking facilities will ensue, followed by a wine and Tsikoudia (grape distilled spirit) tasting. After all this, you might need a lie-down, so its back to the hotel.
Day 3 | Wine Tasting in Crete – You just cant get enough!
We will meet after breakfast and head to the town of Chania. The Turkish influences in this city are the most notable than anywhere else on the island. We will start by having a wander around and stretching our legs. One of the most enjoyable things here is exploring the old harbor and the ancient “the old town”, discovering some back street cafes with great pastries. You will also wander in the indoor market where cheese, fish, cured meats, herbs and spices intoxicate your senses, with explanations from your local guide.
There are sure to be some grape varieties that will be new to you
We will have lunch somewhere along the route, on the expert advice of your guide, with some local wine of course. Then after lunch, we will blend history and wine with a visit to the Agia Triada winery for a premium wine tasting and some exploring of the Monastery’s ancient grounds.
Remember that everything we do is custom made to your tastes and these are private journeys just for you and your traveling companions. If you have something in mind that you don’t want to miss then just let us know in the planning stages, otherwise let us suggest an itinerary like the days shown above.
