Athens: Cretan Olive Oil Tasting Experience

If you’re exploring Athens and want to add a dash of culinary authenticity to your trip, the Cretan Olive Oil Tasting Experience at Chrisopigi Deli offers a fascinating glimpse into Greece’s beloved olive oil tradition. While it’s based in Athens, this tasting transports you to Crete’s olive groves through flavors, stories, and expert guidance—all in the city center.

What makes this experience stand out? First, we love the in-depth explanation of traditional olive oil production—it’s not just tasting, but learning what makes extra virgin olive oil special. Second, the variety of products—from early harvest oils to handmade olive paste—means you leave with more than just a taste. Third, the insightful guides, notably Ioanna, who’s praised as a knowledgeable and passionate host, make all the difference.

A possible consideration? The tasting is held indoors at Chrisopigi Deli, so it’s not a full-fledged tour through olive groves. This might matter if you’re seeking a hands-on experience in actual olive orchards. Still, for those eager to understand and appreciate high-quality olive oil without leaving Athens, this offers excellent value. It’s perfect for food lovers, culinary enthusiasts, and anyone curious about what elevates Greek olive oil beyond supermarket shelves.

In all, this tour fits best for travelers seeking a pedagogic, flavorful, and authentic introduction to Cretan olive oil, especially those who appreciate expert guides and a relaxed, informative environment.

Key Points

• Authentic Tasting: Sample two kinds of extra virgin olive oils from different harvest periods and learn what makes each unique.
• Educational Focus: Gain insights into traditional olive oil production and how to recognize premium qualities.
• Variety of Flavors: Taste two types of olives—including the famed Kalamata—and handmade olive paste.
• Local Cretan Products: Opportunity to buy the oils, olives, and other Cretan specialties directly from the shop.
• Expert Guides: Guides like Ioanna are highly praised for their knowledge and thoughtful presentation.
• Affordable Price: At $18 per person, it offers a budget-friendly way to deepen your appreciation for Greek food culture.

You can check availability for your dates here:

What You Can Expect from the Experience

The Cretan Olive Oil Tasting takes place at Chrisopigi Deli, a charming shop nestled in the heart of Athens, specifically at Voulis 7 Street within a covered walkway called BOLANI. Despite being indoors, the setting feels cozy rather than cramped, with a warm and inviting atmosphere perfect for a culinary chat.

The Tasting Itself involves sampling two different extra virgin olive oils—one from an early harvest and the other from a later pick. The guide will explain how harvest timing influences flavor and quality, helping you develop a keen palate for what makes olive oil premium. This is not just about tasting; it’s about understanding what to look for—aroma, texture, and flavor notes.

You’ll also try two types of olives: the Koroneiki variety from Sitia, Crete, and the world-famous Kalamata. The Koroneiki olive, known for its robust flavor, is often used to produce high-quality extra virgin oil, while Kalamata olives are prized for their meaty texture and rich taste. According to reviews, guides make a point to highlight the organoleptic features—think of it as a crash course in olive oil connoisseurship.

Additional tastings include some local Cretan favorites: a handmade olive paste crafted from Koronian olives, a traditional Cretan rusk, and a shot of raki—a potent grape spirit with a cultural touch. There’s also a chutney made from cherry tomatoes, which offers a sweet, tangy contrast to the oil and olives.

The guides, particularly Ioanna, receive high praise for their patience and expertise. Jazzmin notes, “Ioanna thoughtfully led our experience and guided us through the history, process, and technique,” emphasizing how educational and engaging the session is. Guests leave not only with a better understanding but also ready to enjoy their purchased products—whether for themselves or as thoughtful gifts.

Pricing at $18 per person makes this experience quite accessible, especially considering the quality of information and tastings involved. Each product tasted is available for purchase, ensuring you can bring home a genuine taste of Crete.

The Experience in Detail: A Closer Look

The Meeting Point and Atmosphere

Starting at the Voulis 7 Street entrance within the BOLANI covered walkway, you’ll find the shop Chrisopigi Deli. The location’s central Athens setting makes it convenient, with easy access from other attractions. The atmosphere is relaxed, and the shop’s interior is warm, with shelves filled with Cretan products—perfect for those who love to browse and pick up souvenirs.

The Guided Tasting Session

Once seated, you’ll be introduced to the two types of olive oils. The guide will describe the organoleptic features—aroma, texture, and flavor—helping you distinguish between a good and a truly exceptional extra virgin olive oil. Guests, including seasoned foodies, especially appreciate the detailed explanations, gaining a newfound ability to evaluate olive oils at markets or grocery stores.

The olives tasting offers a taste of the Koroneiki variety, cultivated specifically for its flavor and oil quality, alongside the popular Kalamata. The guide explains the significance of each and offers tips on how to best enjoy them, whether as part of a snack or in cooking.

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The Additional Tastes

The handmade olive paste made from Koroneiki olives is a standout—a smooth, flavorful spread that highlights the quality of the olive fruit. As Jazzmin review states, “I cannot wait to start using the various olive oils and honey I brought home,” emphasizing how practical and inspiring the samples can be.

The traditional Cretan rusk adds a crispy, neutral vehicle for the oils and spreads, providing the perfect crunchy contrast. The cherry tomato chutney introduces a sweet and tangy flavor that balances the richness of the oils.

Learning and Shopping

Throughout the session, the guide offers insights into traditional olive oil production, helping you appreciate why certain oils are more valued. Many reviews praise guides like Ioanna for their knowledgeability and friendliness, making the experience feel more like a shared culinary journey than a formal tasting.

After the tasting, you’ll have the chance to purchase not just the oils but also other Cretan products from family-owned businesses. This offers a chance to bring home a piece of Crete’s gastronomic heritage at reasonable prices.

Duration and Group Size

The experience typically lasts around an hour, with a small group setting that encourages questions and conversation. This intimate format means you get personalized attention and a relaxed environment to absorb the information.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This tasting experience is ideal for culinary enthusiasts eager to understand what makes Greek olive oil special. It also suits travelers who want a cultural insight into Cretan traditions without leaving Athens. Even seasoned gourmets have complimented the guide’s expertise, making it a worthwhile stop for those already familiar with olive oil.

If you’re looking for a budget-friendly, educational, and tasty addition to your Athens trip, this experience fits the bill. It’s also perfect if you want to shop for authentic Cretan products directly from knowledgeable vendors.

Conversely, those expecting a full groves tour or a hands-on olive harvesting experience might find this a bit limited in scope. But for an indoor, guided tasting that combines flavor with education, it offers excellent value.

The Cretan Olive Oil Tasting Experience at Chrisopigi Deli is a thoughtful, engaging way to deepen your appreciation for Greece’s most iconic product. It offers a perfect balance of education, flavor, and cultural insight, guided by passionate experts like Ioanna who truly know their stuff.

At just $18, it’s an affordable snack-sized window into Cretan traditions—whether you’re a foodie, a curious traveler, or someone looking for a unique souvenir. The opportunity to purchase high-quality oils and local products makes it even more appealing for those wanting to extend the experience beyond Athens.

This tour is a gem for anyone wanting to understand what elevates Greek olive oil from everyday cooking staple to a symbol of quality and heritage. It’s easy to recommend for visitors who value good guides, authentic tasting, and a relaxed atmosphere.

Is this tour suitable for beginners?
Yes, the guide explains everything clearly, making it ideal for people new to olive oil tasting.

How long does the experience last?
It typically lasts about an hour, perfect for fitting into a busy sightseeing day.

Are the products tasted available for purchase?
Yes, all the items you sample can be bought at the shop, including the oils, olives, and more.

Can I learn about traditional olive oil production?
Absolutely. The guide shares insights into how traditional olive oil is made and what makes certain oils premium.

Is transportation included?
No, the meeting point is at Voulis 7 Street in the center of Athens. You’re responsible for getting there.

What languages are spoken during the session?
The experience is delivered in English, with Greek also available.

Is it suitable for vegetarians or vegans?
Yes, the tasting involves plant-based products—olive oil, olives, and chutney.

What is the price of the tour?
It costs $18 per person, offering good value considering the quality and amount of tasting.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering flexibility.

Whether you’re a serious olive oil lover or just curious about Greek flavors, this Athens-based tasting provides a delicious, educational, and authentic experience you’ll remember long after your trip ends.

You can check availability for your dates here: