Heraklion: Olive oil and Wine Tour with Lunch

Heraklion: Olive Oil and Wine Tour with Lunch — a deep dive into Crete’s culinary treasures

If you’re looking to get away from the usual tourist trail and really discover Crete’s authentic flavors, this Olive Oil and Wine Tour with Lunch offers a superb way to do just that. Guided by a certified sommelier, you’ll spend a full day exploring the lush countryside around Heraklion, tasting premium products, and learning about the island’s rich food culture.

What makes this experience stand out? First, it combines hands-on visits to a traditional olive farm and a family-run winery with delicious local cuisine paired with some of Crete’s best wines. Second, the scenery is truly memorable—imagine walking through olive groves and vineyards with panoramic mountain views. Third, the guides are known for their expertise and personalized approach, making the experience both informative and relaxed.

A potential consideration is that the tour lasts around 8 hours, so it’s best suited for those prepared for a full day of tasting and sightseeing. It might feel a bit long for travelers who prefer shorter, more relaxed excursions. This experience is ideal for food and wine enthusiasts who appreciate learning about local production and enjoy authentic, off-the-beaten-path adventures.

In summary, if you value insightful guides, stunning landscapes, and a true taste of Crete’s gastronomic culture, this tour is a highly worthwhile investment. It offers excellent value for food lovers and those eager to deepen their knowledge of local traditions.

Key Points

• Authentic Crete: Experience real local culture with visits to a family-run olive mill and winery.
• Expert Guidance: Led by a WSET Level 3 sommelier, ensuring knowledgeable and personalized attention.
• Taste of Crete: Sample 6 premium wines and a delicious 3-course lunch designed for pairing.
• Stunning Scenery: Enjoy vistas of olive groves, vineyards, and the high mountains of Lasithi.
• All-Inclusive: Includes hotel pickup, entrance fees, bottled water, and expert-guided tours.
• Good for Enthusiasts: Perfect for travelers who love learning about gastronomy and wine with a relaxed, scenic backdrop.

This Heraklion Olive Oil and Wine Tour offers a comprehensive look into Crete’s culinary traditions through engaging visits, tastings, and scenic walks. The experience is carefully curated to provide more than just a tasting; it’s about understanding the island’s deep-rooted food culture while enjoying breathtaking natural beauty.

Starting from your hotel, you’ll be picked up and whisked away to the countryside, leaving behind the busy city for peaceful olive groves and vineyards. The day is structured to maximize your enjoyment of each stop, with an emphasis on quality, authenticity, and storytelling—making every moment meaningful.

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Itinerary: a detailed look

Olive Oil Mill in Skalani Village

Your day kicks off with a visit to a traditional olive farm. Here, you’ll walk through rows of ancient and newer olive trees, guided by an olive oil specialist. Expect to learn how to recognize the characteristics of extra virgin olive oil, such as its green aromas, fruity herbal notes, and spicy undertones.

The reviews highlight how engaging and informative this part is. Amelia, one reviewer, noted how the guide, Areti, “guided us through the tastings and answered all our questions,” which underscores the personalized touch. You’ll taste fresh vegetables, cheeses, meats, honey, and wild herbs, all paired with the olive oil—giving you a true sense of local ingredients and culinary traditions.

The Winery Experience in Alagni Village

Next, you’ll visit a family-owned, award-winning winery known for producing wines from indigenous Greek grape varieties. The guided tour of the vineyard and cellar promises to be immersive, especially with a sommelier explaining the nuances of each wine. The scenery here is stunning, with your table set amidst the vines and overlooking the Lasithiotika mountains—a picture-perfect backdrop for wine tasting.

Reviewers emphasize the value of this part of the tour. Dmitry appreciated the attention to detail and personalized approach, noting the strong wine knowledge of the guides. You’ll taste 6 carefully selected wines, each paired with local foods, elevating the tasting experience from simple to sublime.

The Lunch: a Cretan feast

The pinnacle of the day is a 3-course meal served in the vineyards. Prepared with local vegetables, wild greens, cheese, and meats, it’s cooked with herbs and extra virgin olive oil—a true showcase of Crete’s gastronomic style. The lunch is designed as a food and wine pairing, with each dish complemented by a specially chosen premium wine.

From the reviews, we learn that the dinner is thoughtfully timed—Areti ensures that food is served at the right moments and that the best table is reserved for guests. Amelia describes it as “delicious,” and GetYourGuide’s reviewer adds that “the wine pairing lunch was a highlight,” making this part of the experience feel both luxurious and authentic.

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Scenic Walks and Views

Throughout the day, you’ll enjoy stunning vistas—from the olive groves to the vineyard terraces, with optional walks along the scenic landscape. This not only enriches your experience but also allows you to appreciate the natural beauty of Crete’s countryside.

Practicalities and logistics

The tour offers hotel pickup and drop-off from four locations: Agia Pelagia, Malia, Heraklion, and an option for additional transfers from Rethymnon or Elounda for €50. The trip lasts about 8 hours, with the winery visit alone lasting around 1.5 hours, and the main lunch segment stretching to 3 hours.

Transportation is via Jeep or SUV, offering a comfortable journey through rural Crete. The group is private, which means you’ll enjoy a more tailored experience rather than a crowded bus tour.

The tour is all-inclusive—covering entrance fees, bottled water, and professional guiding. It’s ideal for those who want a full, relaxed day exploring Crete’s food scene without worrying about logistics.

What to bring? Comfortable shoes for walking, your ID or passport, and a camera to capture the stunning views. Keep in mind, smoking indoors isn’t allowed, and the tour isn’t suitable for those with mobility impairments or heart problems.

The value of this experience

When evaluating the cost, consider the high-quality tastings, expert guidance, scenic stops, and authentic food. It’s more than just a tasting tour; it’s a culinary journey that offers a genuine connection to Crete’s food heritage. The reviews reinforce this, with guests praising the knowledgeable guides and the beautiful scenery that elevates the entire experience.

It’s particularly well suited for food and wine lovers who want a comprehensive, immersive experience that’s both educational and scenic. The tour’s personalized touches and thoughtful pacing make it stand out among more generic excursions.

Final thoughts

This Heraklion Olive Oil and Wine Tour truly hits the sweet spot for those seeking authentic, scenic, and delicious experiences. The combination of expert-guided tastings, stunning landscapes, and a hearty Cretan meal makes it a memorable day that offers excellent value for its price.

If you’re passionate about discovering local food, want to learn from knowledgeable guides, and love picturesque settings, this tour is a fantastic choice. It balances education with leisure beautifully, offering a genuine taste of Crete’s culinary soul.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup included? Yes, the tour includes pickup and drop-off from designated locations such as Heraklion, Agia Pelagia, and Malia. Additional transfers from other towns like Rethymnon are available for €50.

How long does the tour last? The full experience runs roughly 8 hours, including travel, tours, tastings, and the meal.

What’s the best time to join this tour? Availability varies, so it’s best to check directly, but it generally runs during daylight hours suitable for sightseeing and tasting.

Is this tour suitable for vegetarians? The menu includes cheese, vegetables, and greens, but the main courses feature meat. Special dietary requests should be clarified when booking.

Can I participate if I don’t drink wine? While the experience centers around wine tastings, non-drinkers can enjoy the scenery, food, and learn about the local production process. Be sure to inform the guide.

What should I wear? Comfortable shoes are recommended for walking through olive groves and vineyards. Dress casually and appropriately for outdoor weather.

Are children allowed? The tour is primarily designed for adults and may not be suitable for young children, especially given the alcohol tastings and walking involved.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible? Unfortunately, it isn’t suitable for those with mobility impairments due to terrain and walking requirements.

To sum it up, this tour offers genuine insight into Crete’s culinary landscape, guided by experts and nestled in breathtaking scenery. It’s perfect for those wanting to savor local flavors while enjoying the natural beauty of the island—an experience that will likely linger long after your last sip and bite.

You can check availability for your dates here: