Corfu Old Town: Boutique Wine Tasting at CHOES Reserve

If you’re a wine lover visiting Corfu, you’ll want to add this unique experience to your list. The CHOES Reserve offers an intimate tasting session right in the heart of Corfu Old Town, where you can explore a curated selection of Greek wines led by a certified sommelier. It’s a perfect way to deepen your appreciation of Greek viticulture while soaking up the local atmosphere.

What makes this experience stand out? First, the small-group setting ensures a personalized experience that feels more like chatting with friends than a typical tour. Second, the expert guidance from a certified sommelier guarantees you’ll learn not just about the wines but also about the stories behind them. Third, the carefully selected boutique wines from across Greece showcase the country’s incredible diversity — from sparkling whites to rare native grapes.

One possible consideration is that the venue is located on a pedestrian street and isn’t fully wheelchair accessible, though staff are happy to help guests with limited mobility. The experience is best suited for those with a genuine interest in wine, culture, or authentic tasting experiences who want to enjoy an engaging and relaxed session in Corfu Old Town.

If that sounds like your kind of outing, you’re likely to find this tasting both educational and delicious — a true highlight for anyone looking to enjoy Greek wine at its finest.

Key Points

• Intimate setting with only 10 seats for a personal experience
• Guided by a certified sommelier offering professional insights
• Choice between 1-hour and 2-hour formats tailored to your schedule
• Curated selection of 4 or 6 boutique Greek wines from various regions
• Local bites paired to complement each wine and enhance the tasting
• Cultural storytelling covering Greek wine history and native grapes

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the CHOES Wine Tasting Experience

Location and Atmosphere

Nestled in the bustling heart of Corfu Old Town, the CHOES Reserve Tasting Room is situated on a pedestrian street, next to the CHOES Wine Bar, easily found by the oxidized metal sign with their logo. The space itself is on the ground floor with three steps leading inside, and it’s fully air-conditioned, making it comfortable regardless of the weather. Its cozy size—only 10 seats—creates an intimate vibe that’s perfect for connecting with the wines and your fellow guests.

Many reviewers highlight the welcoming ambiance, describing it as a “personalized experience where you feel more like a guest than just a tourist.” The small setup ensures that everyone receives individual attention, and the knowledgeable staff create a warm, relaxed environment that encourages questions and conversation.

The Role of the Certified Sommelier

The guiding hand of a certified sommelier is what truly elevates this tour. Their professional expertise ensures that every wine is presented with context, from grape varieties to terroir influences. One guest commented, “You can tell how much the sommelier loves Greek wine; his stories and enthusiasm made the tasting come alive.” Their passion helps demystify the wines, making it accessible whether you’re a seasoned connoisseur or just starting out.

The Wines You’ll Sample

The core of the experience is the curated selection of boutique wines. Depending on the option you choose—either the 1-hour Journey with 4 wines or the 2-hour Discovery with 6 wines—you’ll taste a diverse array. Expect to encounter:

• Crisp, refreshing island whites that perfectly pair with Corfiot cuisine
• Aromatic mountain varieties that highlight Greece’s diverse terroirs
• Bold red wines from mainland Greece, with some rare indigenous grapes like Xinomavro
• Unique native grapes found only in Greece, giving a taste of the country’s winemaking authenticity

Several reviews emphasize the quality and storytelling behind each pour. One guest shared, “The wines were thoughtfully chosen, and I appreciated learning about the native grapes I’d never heard of before.” This curated approach means you’re not just tasting wine but experiencing the country’s viticultural landscape.

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Food Pairings and Enhancements

What sets this tasting apart is the inclusion of locally inspired bites. These are not full meals but carefully selected nibbles that complement each wine, enhancing the flavors and offering context. For example, a crisp white might be served with local cheese and olives, while a rich red is paired with traditional Corfiot cured meats.

Guests have noted that these bites truly elevate the tasting experience, making each sip more meaningful. The pairing also helps travelers understand which flavors work harmoniously, turning a simple tasting into a mini food and wine adventure.

The Experience Formats

• The Journey (1 hour): Tastes four wines, with all bites served at the table, offering a quick yet impactful introduction to Greek wine. Suitable for those on a tight schedule or first-timers.
• The Discovery (2 hours): Tastes six wines, each paired individually with bites, alongside richer storytelling involving Greek history, terroirs, and native grapes. This longer option is ideal for enthusiasts who want a deeper dive.

Reviewers note that both formats are engaging, with the longer experience providing more historical and cultural insights. The two-hour session especially appeals to those eager to learn more about Greek wine’s traditions and nuances.

Practical Details

Costing around $53 per person, this tasting offers good value, considering the curated selection, expert guidance, and intimate setting. For wine aficionados, it’s a chance to try a variety of high-quality boutique wines they might not find elsewhere, making it well worth the price.

The tour is hosted in English, making it accessible for most travelers. While not fully wheelchair accessible, staff are glad to assist guests with mobility issues. Since the venue is in a pedestrian zone, plan your arrival accordingly.

What Travelers Say

Multiple reviews praise the knowledge and friendliness of the staff, with one saying, “The sommelier was fantastic—fascinating stories, and they clearly love what they do.” Others appreciated the variety of wines, especially the chance to taste rare native grapes that aren’t widely available in stores.

Some guests mentioned that the tasting is perfect as a light cultural experience in Corfu’s Old Town, adding a sophisticated touch to their sightseeing day. Its central location means you can easily combine it with walks around Liston Square or Spianada after the session.

Who Is This Experience Best For?

This wine tasting is ideal for culture and foodies who appreciate authentic, expert-guided experiences. It’s especially suited for those wanting to learn about Greek wines beyond the supermarket shelves, with a focus on boutique, indigenous varieties. The small group size fosters a relaxed environment, perfect for conversation and discovery.

If you prefer large group tours or are looking for a full-blown winery visit, this might not be the best fit. However, anyone with a genuine interest in wine, local flavors, and engaging storytelling will find this a memorable highlight in Corfu.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tasting suitable for beginners?
Absolutely. The experience is designed to be engaging and accessible for all levels, with the sommelier guiding you through each wine and sharing stories that help you understand and appreciate Greek wines.

How many wines will I taste?
Depending on the option you choose—either the 1-hour Journey or the 2-hour Discovery—you’ll taste 4 or 6 curated boutique wines from across Greece.

Are food and drinks included?
Yes, locally inspired bites are included to complement each wine, but additional food or drinks beyond the tasting are not included.

Where is the tasting held?
The tasting room is located on a pedestrian street in Corfu Old Town, next to the CHOES Wine Bar, with clear signage and easy walking distance from major sights like Liston Square.

Is the experience accessible for people with mobility issues?
The venue is on the ground floor but accessed by three steps. Staff are happy to help guests with limited mobility, but it’s not fully wheelchair accessible.

Can I book in advance?
Yes, reservations can be made online, with the option to reserve now and pay later. Cancellation is flexible — up to 24 hours beforehand for a full refund.

Is this experience appropriate for children or pregnant women?
This experience is not suitable for children or pregnant women, as it involves alcohol tasting.

Final Thoughts

For anyone eager to explore Greek wines in a setting that combines expertise, authenticity, and intimacy, the CHOES Reserve offers an experience worth seeking out. The small-group format, curated selection of boutique wines, and expert storytelling make it stand out from typical tastings. Whether you’re a seasoned wine lover or a curious beginner, you’ll walk away with new knowledge, memorable flavors, and a greater appreciation of Greece’s winemaking traditions.

This experience pairs well with exploring Corfu’s vibrant Old Town, offering a relaxing break with a cultural twist. It’s a perfect choice for those looking to deepen their understanding of local flavors in a friendly, educational environment — all in the heart of one of Greece’s most charming towns.

You can check availability for your dates here: