Crete: 2 Wineries Tour with Wine Tasting & Lunch

Discover the Flavors of Crete with a 2 Wineries Tour, Tasting, and Lunch

If you’re a wine lover heading to Crete, this 2 wineries tour offers a fantastic way to explore the island’s winemaking traditions, meet passionate local producers, and indulge in authentic Cretan cuisine. While we haven’t personally taken this trip, the glowing reviews and detailed itinerary suggest it’s a well-rounded experience that combines culture, cuisine, and stunning scenery.

What makes this tour stand out? First, it offers visits to two distinct family-run wineries, each with its own approach to organic and traditional winemaking. Second, the wine tastings feature an impressive 10 different wines, providing a broad taste of Crete’s diverse vineyard offerings. Third, the lunch in a traditional village tavern allows you to savor local dishes paired with fine wines, finishing the day on a truly authentic note.

One potential consideration is the seven-hour duration, which includes travel time and multiple stops. While most travelers find this pace enjoyable, it’s worth considering if you prefer a more relaxed, less packed schedule. This tour suits those eager to deepen their appreciation for local wines, culture, and cuisine, and who enjoy a small-group, personalized experience.

Key Points

• Authentic Visits: Experience family-owned, organic wineries with personal tours and tastings.
• Variety of Wines: Taste 10 wines, including organic options and different winemaking styles.
• Cultural Immersion: Learn about olive oil production, Cretan food, and local traditions.
• Scenic Locations: Enjoy picturesque vineyards and a charming village setting.
• Small Group: The tour is limited to 8 participants, ensuring a more intimate experience.
• Delicious Lunch: Savor authentic Cretan dishes paired with local wine in a welcoming tavern.

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Itinerary Breakdown

At the heart of this experience is a well-structured day that balances educational visits, tastings, and genuine local flavor. It all begins with a pickup from your accommodation, followed by a short 10-minute drive to the first stop—a modern olive mill surrounded by groves. Here, you’ll get a behind-the-scenes look at olive oil production, meet the olive oil maker, and taste fresh oil drizzled over local snacks. Reviewers mention how this olive oil tour adds valuable context, with one saying, “the tour of the olive grove and mill was great, something I’ve never seen before,” and the tasting pairing is often highlighted as a highlight.

Next, the tour visits the first winery, a family-run operation practicing organic cultivation. The guided tour takes you through vineyards and the cellar, uncovering organic winemaking methods. Expect to sample five organic wines that showcase Crete’s unique terroir. Guests frequently describe the wines as “amazing,” often noting the knowledgeable guides, like Antonis, who make the experience both educational and engaging. As one reviewer shared, “Antonis was extremely knowledgeable, and we learned so much about Crete and wine making.”

Following this, you’ll move on to a second winery with a different philosophy—perhaps more traditional or innovative—and again enjoy a guided tour and tasting of four wines paired with a platter. This visit provides insight into diverse winemaking techniques and equips you with a broader understanding of local practices. Many reviewers like Emily praise the informative commentary, saying, “our guide was so informative, and we really appreciated the knowledge shared throughout the day.”

The final stop whisks you away to a picturesque village, where you’ll break for lunch at a local tavern. The meal features authentic Cretan dishes, often described as “the best homemade Cretan food,” with some reviewers noting the friendly atmosphere and exceptional flavors. The meal is paired with local wine, creating a relaxed and authentic dining experience away from tourist hotspots.

Throughout the day, transportation is smooth and comfortable, with small group sizes (limited to 8), making it easy to ask questions and chat with your guides. The entire experience lasts around 7 hours, with pickup and drop-off included, making it a full yet manageable day for most travelers.

What Makes This Tour Exceptional

Knowledgeable Guides: Guests consistently praise guides like Antonis and Georgios for their passion, humor, and depth of knowledge. Reviewers mention how these guides enhance the experience with engaging stories and insights into Crete’s wine and olive traditions.

Authentic and Family-Owned Wineries: Visiting small, family-run wineries gives you a genuine taste of Crete’s wine culture, far from generic commercial operations. The emphasis on organic cultivation and traditional methods means you’re tasting wines made with care and passion.

Diverse Tasting Experience: Sampling 10 wines across two wineries allows you to explore a range of flavors, from crisp whites to robust reds, often with comments on how the wines beautifully reflect the local terroir.

Local Food and Culture: The lunch in a village tavern offers a hearty, authentic taste of Crete’s cuisine. Many reviews laud the home-made dishes and the chance to meet locals, adding depth to your understanding of the island.

Practical Details

The tour includes transportation, hotel pickup, an experienced guide, and the full tasting experience at both wineries. The price reflects the value of visiting two distinct wineries, tasting 10 wines, a local olive oil tasting, and a full traditional lunch—all curated to give you a well-rounded insight into Crete’s culinary scene.

The small group size allows for a more personalized experience, with plenty of opportunities to ask questions or get tailored recommendations. While the duration of 7 hours might seem long, most travelers find the day flows smoothly, thanks to engaging guides and beautiful scenery.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This experience is ideal if you want to learn about Crete’s wine culture while enjoying authentic local food and scenery. It’s perfect for wine enthusiasts, foodies, and adventurers who appreciate small-group, personalized tours. If you’re interested in learning about organic farming, olive oil production, or simply want a day of cultural exploration combined with tastings, this tour hits all those marks.

It’s also suited for travelers who enjoy moderate walking—mainly winery and village visits—and are happy to spend a full day touring. Families, couples, and solo travelers alike have found this experience enriching and memorable.

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FAQs

• What is the duration of the tour?

The tour lasts approximately 7 hours, including transportation and all stops.

• Is hotel pickup included?

Yes, pickup and drop-off are included and available from your accommodation.

• How many wines will I taste?

You will taste a total of 10 different wines at two wineries.

• Are the wineries family-owned?

Yes, both wineries are family-run, practicing organic winemaking and sharing authentic techniques.

• Is there a meal included?

Yes, a traditional village lunch with local dishes and wine is included in the itinerary.

• Can I cancel the tour?

Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

• Is this tour suitable for vegetarians or those with dietary restrictions?

The lunch is traditional Cretan fare, so vegetarians should communicate in advance, but options may be limited. Check with the provider for specific dietary needs.

• What language is the guide speaking?

The tour is conducted in English and Greek, with knowledgeable guides providing detailed commentary.

• How many people are in each group?

The tour is limited to 8 participants, ensuring a more intimate experience.

• What should I wear or bring?

Comfortable shoes for walking around vineyards and wineries are recommended. Bring your enthusiasm and a camera for picturesque views!

Final Thoughts

This Crete: 2 Wineries Tour with Wine Tasting & Lunch offers a balanced mix of culture, cuisine, and craftsmanship. The chance to visit small, family-run wineries practicing organic methods makes it stand out, offering an authentic look at Crete’s wine scene. Pairing tastings with a traditional village lunch creates a memorable experience that goes beyond just sipping wine.

Whether you’re a seasoned wine connoisseur or simply curious about local flavors, you’ll walk away with a deeper appreciation for Crete’s wine-making traditions—and plenty of stories to share back home. The knowledgeable guides, stunning scenery, and heartfelt, home-style food make it a highly recommended addition to any Crete itinerary.

In sum, if you’re after a genuine, immersive, and delicious taste of Crete’s wine and food culture, this tour fits the bill perfectly. It’s a wonderful way to spend a day exploring the island’s heritage with the comfort of small-group intimacy and expert guidance.

You can check availability for your dates here: