Wine Tasting & Food Experience Inside a Cretan Gorge

Tucked away in the stunning natural beauty of a Cretan gorge lies a unique culinary adventure that tantalizes the senses. The Secret Gorge – Restaurant & Wine Tasting Experience invites guests to indulge in an exquisite pairing of eight Greek wines with traditional Cretan dishes, guided by an expert who unveils the rich history and heritage of this captivating region. From aged cheeses to seared lamb, each bite and sip promises to transport visitors on a journey of authentic flavors.

Key Points

• A unique wine tasting and food experience hosted at The Secret Gorge – Restaurant & Wine Tasting Experience in Crete, Greece.
• Features 8 wine labels from Greece paired with 8 traditional Cretan dishes, highlighting ancient Cretan cooking and winemaking traditions.
• The menu includes starters, main dishes, and dessert showcasing authentic Cretan flavors and ingredients.
• Knowledgeable staff provides guidance on the terroir and winemaking heritage of the Greek wines served.
• Experience starts at 8:30 PM with a maximum group size of 12 travelers, and free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.

Overview of the Activity

The activity is a unique wine tasting and food experience set within the serene surroundings of a Cretan gorge.

Hosted at The Secret Gorge – Restaurant & Wine Tasting Experience, the event features 8 wine labels from Greece paired with 8 traditional Cretan dishes.

Guests can savor starters like aged cheeses, cured pork, and dolmades, followed by main dishes like seared lamb and wild snails.

For dessert, they’ll enjoy handmade flatbread stuffed with cheese and thyme honey.

Throughout the evening, an expert guide provides insights into ancient Cretan cooking and winemaking traditions.

Highlights From the Menu

Starters at the wine tasting and food experience feature a variety of aged cheeses, Cretan "apaki" (cured pork smoked over olive wood), and Cretan "dolmades" (vine leave rolls with rice and herbs). The menu also includes the traditional Cretan dish "dakos", a rusk topped with tomatoes and myzithra cheese.

Main dishes showcase local specialties like potato wedges fried in extra virgin olive oil, seared lamb cooked in a clay pot with olive oil and herbs, and wild snails "boubourista" cooked with olive oil and rosemary.

For dessert, guests can savor handmade "sfakiani" flatbread pita stuffed with cheese and thyme honey.

Starters	Main Dishes	Dessert
Aged Cheeses	Potato Wedges	Sfakiani Flatbread Pita
Cretan Apaki	Seared Lamb
Cretan Dolmades	Wild Snails Boubourista
Dakos

Beverages Included

An assortment of 8 wine labels from across Greece accompanies the traditional Cretan dishes served during this immersive dining experience.

Guests can sample a variety of Greek wines, from bold reds to crisp whites, each thoughtfully paired with the flavors of the Cretan cuisine.

The knowledgeable staff provides guidance on the unique terroir and winemaking heritage of each varietal, offering a deeper appreciation for the regional viticulture.

This wine tasting complements the exploration of ancient Cretan cooking methods and ingredients showcased throughout the multi-course meal in the dramatic setting of the Secret Gorge.

Traditional Cretan Dishes

While the wine tasting offers guests a chance to explore the rich winemaking heritage of Greece, the traditional Cretan dishes served during this immersive experience truly showcase the region’s culinary traditions.

The menu highlights include:

• Cretan "Apaki" – cured pork smoked over olive wood
• Cretan "Dolmades" – vine leave rolls with rice and herbs
• Potato Wedges fried in extra virgin olive oil
• Wild Snails ‘Boubourista’ – cooked with olive oil and rosemary

These organic, locally-sourced ingredients are prepared using ancient Cretan cooking methods, providing an authentic gastronomic journey through the flavors of this captivating island.

Ancient Cooking Methods and Winemaking Heritage

Alongside the traditional Cretan dishes, the immersive wine tasting experience delves into the rich winemaking heritage of the region.

Guests learn about ancient Cretan techniques passed down for generations, from grape cultivation to fermentation. The winemaker shares insights into the unique terroir and climatic conditions that shape the bold, aromatic flavors.

Visitors also discover the role of olive wood smoking in imparting distinctive notes to the local "Apaki" cured pork.

Through engaging storytelling, the experience illuminates how Crete’s culinary and viticultural traditions are deeply intertwined with the land and its people.

Logistics and Meeting Point

Where’s the meeting point for this wine tasting and food experience?

The event takes place at The Secret Gorge – Restaurant & Wine Tasting Experience, located at the 3rd Klm. National Road in Rethymno, Greece.

The experience starts at 8:30 PM and returns to the meeting location. This gorge-side venue accommodates a maximum group size of 12 travelers.

Key logistics include:

• Near public transportation
• Minimum drinking age in Greece is 18
• Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start
• Flexible payment options available

Booking and Cancellation Policy

Booking for this wine tasting and food experience is confirmed at the time of booking.

Travelers must meet the minimum drinking age of 18 in Greece.

There’s a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours before the experience starts. This provides flexibility for guests’ plans.

The experience is priced from $179.00 per person, with a Lowest Price Guarantee and flexible payment options. This ensures the experience is accessible and accommodating for travelers.

The experience is near public transportation, though it isn’t wheelchair accessible. Service animals are allowed.

Additional Information

What else is important to know about this wine tasting and food experience?

Visitors should be aware that the experience isn’t wheelchair accessible, but service animals are allowed.

The location is easily accessible via public transportation.

The minimum drinking age in Greece is 18, so all participants must be of legal age.

Plus, there’s a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours before the experience begins.

The price is from $179.00 per person and includes a Lowest Price Guarantee as well as flexible payment options.

• Not wheelchair accessible
• Service animals allowed
• Near public transportation
• Minimum age 18

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Wine or Food?

The experience is all-inclusive, so guests are not permitted to bring their own wine or food. The event provides a curated selection of 8 Greek wine labels and 8 traditional Cretan dishes prepared with organic ingredients.

Are Vegetarian/Vegan Options Available?

The experience provides a variety of traditional Cretan dishes, and the staff is happy to accommodate vegetarian and vegan diners. Guests should inquire about specific dietary requirements when booking to ensure their needs are met.

Is the Wine Tasting Experience Suitable for Beginners?

The wine tasting experience is suitable for beginners. The 8 wine labels from Greece are accompanied by an educational explanation of the winemaking heritage, allowing novice wine enthusiasts to learn and explore the local vintages.

How Much Walking Is Involved During the Experience?

The experience involves minimal walking, as it takes place primarily within the restaurant and wine tasting area inside the gorge. Guests are not required to hike or navigate challenging terrain during the event.

Can I Arrive Late or Leave Early From the Event?

Guests are expected to arrive and depart at the designated start and end times of the event. Late arrivals or early departures may not be accommodated, as the experience is designed as a complete group activity. Flexibility on timing is limited.

The Sum Up

For an unforgettable culinary adventure, venture into a stunning Cretan gorge and savor a delightful pairing of local wines and traditional dishes. Guided by experts, you’ll explore the rich history of Cretan cuisine and winemaking in an intimate setting limited to 12 guests, promising an authentic taste of the region’s heritage.