Wine Tasting in Rethymno

Rethymno, a picturesque town on the island of Crete, offers a captivating wine tasting experience that’s not to be missed. At Oinoxoos House, visitors can sample 11 exquisite local wines, explore unique Cretan grape varieties, and indulge in harmonious pairings of aged cheeses and traditional specialties. With a maximum of 20 participants, the intimate setting promises a personalized journey into the region’s rich viniculture. But the real highlight? A blind tasting competition that puts your palate to the test and offers the chance to win a special prize.

Key Points

• Oinoxoos House offers a 2.5-hour wine tasting experience featuring 11 Cretan wines with local specialty pairings.
• The wine tasting showcases a variety of local grape varietals thriving in Crete’s Mediterranean climate, including Vidiano, Thrapsathiri, and Kotsifali.
• Participants can engage in a blind wine tasting competition to test their wine knowledge, with the winner receiving a bottle of the winery’s finest wine.
• The wine tasting experience is conveniently located and accessible by wheelchair and stroller, with nearby public transportation options.
• The intimate group size of up to 20 travelers ensures personalized attention and an immersive exploration of Crete’s viticultural heritage.

Overview of the Wine Tasting Experience

The wine tasting experience in Rethymno, Crete, Greece is a highly recommended activity, with 95% of travelers praising it and earning it a Badge of Excellence.

Hosted at Oinoxoos House, the tasting features 11 wines in 2.5-ounce pours, allowing guests to discover local grapes and unique varietals.

The experience lasts 2.5 hours and is limited to a maximum of 20 travelers, ensuring an intimate and personalized setting.

The meeting point is conveniently located, with the activity accessible by wheelchair and stroller, and near public transportation options.

This wine tasting offers an immersive exploration of Cretan viniculture.

Exploring Local Grapes and Unique Varietals

At the heart of the wine tasting experience in Rethymno lies the opportunity to explore the region’s diverse array of local grapes and unique varietals.

Guests embark on a sensory journey, sampling 11 wines from a carefully curated selection. These include both well-known and obscure grape varieties that thrive in Crete’s Mediterranean climate.

The tasting introduces travelers to the distinctive flavors and aromas of grapes like Vidiano, Thrapsathiri, and Kotsifali.

Exploring these unique local wines reveals the richness and complexity of Crete’s viticultural heritage, offering a one-of-a-kind experience for oenophiles and casual drinkers alike.

Pairing Cretan Specialties With the Wines

As guests embark on the wine tasting experience, they’re treated to a harmonious pairing of local Cretan specialties that accentuate the flavors of the diverse wines.

Aged Cretan cheeses with breadsticks, sun-dried tomato, and feta complement the subtleties of the wines. The classic Cretan dish of dakos, a rusk topped with crushed tomato, white cheese, olives, and olive oil, offers a refreshing contrast.

Savory dolmadakia, stuffed grape leaves with rice and herbs, are served with a cooling yogurt dip. Smoked chicken, wild mushrooms, and sweet wine create a delightful interplay of tastes.

Blind Wine Tasting Competition and Prizes

During the wine tasting experience, travelers can showcase their palates in a blind wine tasting competition. The winner of this challenge receives a special prize – a bottle of the winery’s finest wine.

Participants will sample a selection of unmarked wines and try to identify the grape varietals, regions, and other characteristics. This fun and interactive activity allows guests to test their wine knowledge and appreciation.

The prize serves as a memorable takeaway, encouraging travelers to continue exploring the rich wine culture of Crete long after their tasting experience has concluded.

Accessibility and Transportation

The wine tasting experience in Rethymno is conveniently located and accessible for all travelers. The meeting point is on Evropaikos Dromos 75, right in the heart of Rethymno.

The activity runs Monday through Friday from 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM, making it easy to fit into any schedule. With a maximum of 20 travelers, the intimate setting ensures personalized attention.

The venue is wheelchair and stroller accessible, and it’s situated near public transportation, making it easy to get to.

Whether you’re a wine enthusiast or simply looking to explore Cretan flavors, this wine tasting is an inclusive and accessible experience.

Booking Details and Cancellation Policy

Prospective travelers can book the wine tasting experience in Rethymno for a price starting from $145.43 per person.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the experience starts. Confirmation is received at the time of booking, unless the reservation is made within one day of travel.

For added flexibility, a Reserve Now and Pay Later option is also available. The experience has a maximum of 20 travelers, ensuring an intimate and personalized tasting.

With these booking details and flexible cancellation policy, travelers can easily plan and enjoy the Rethymno wine tasting experience.

About Oinoxoos House

Oinoxoos House, the venue for the wine tasting experience in Rethymno, is a local institution that has been celebrating Cretan wine culture for decades.

Situated in the heart of the city, this charming hotel welcomes visitors to discover the unique flavors of indigenous grape varieties.

The knowledgeable staff guides guests through an extensive selection of 11 wines, providing insightful commentary on the terroir, production methods, and tasting notes.

The wine tasting experience is complemented by a selection of traditional Cretan delicacies, allowing travelers to fully enjoy the rich culinary heritage of the region.

What to Expect During the Wine Tasting

As visitors step into the charming Oinoxoos House, they’re immediately greeted by the warm ambiance and the expert sommelier’s welcoming smile. The wine tasting commences with an introduction to Crete’s unique grape varieties and their distinct flavors. Guests then embark on a sensory journey, sampling 11 expertly curated wines in 2.5-ounce pours. To enhance the experience, local delicacies are thoughtfully paired with each wine, allowing travelers to savor the perfect harmony of flavors.

Wine	Variety	Region
1	Vidiano	Rethymno
2	Vilana	Chania
3	Malvasia	Sitia
4	Liatiko	Lasithi
5	Kotsifali	Heraklion

The tasting concludes with a blind competition, where the winner receives a prized bottle of wine, leaving guests with a newfound appreciation for Crete’s rich winemaking heritage.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Dress Code for the Wine Tasting Event?

The dress code is casual and comfortable. There’s no need for formal attire as the event is focused on the wine tasting experience. Participants can wear whatever they feel relaxed and confident in.

Can I Purchase Wine to Take Home After the Tasting?

Guests can purchase wine to take home after the tasting. The experience includes the opportunity to purchase bottles of the wines sampled during the event, allowing travelers to extend their experience and share the local flavors with friends and family.

Is Photography Allowed During the Wine Tasting?

Photography is generally allowed during the wine tasting. Travelers can capture photos of the wines, the setting, and the food pairings to document their experience. However, it’s best to be mindful and avoid disturbing other participants.

Can I Request Specific Wines or Grape Varieties to Taste?

Yes, you can request to taste specific wines or grape varieties during the tasting. The staff at Oinoxoos House will accommodate individual preferences and ensure you sample a diverse selection that matches your interests.

Is There an Option to Extend the Duration of the Tasting?

The activity duration is set at 2.5 hours, but guests can’t extend the tasting. However, they can request to sample specific wines or grape varieties during the experience if communicated in advance with the tour provider.

The Sum Up

The wine tasting in Rethymno offers a delightful opportunity to explore Cretan viniculture. Guests can sample 11 local wines, discover unique grape varieties, and enjoy harmonious pairings with Cretan specialties. The intimate setting and blind tasting competition add an engaging element to the experience. Whether you’re a wine enthusiast or simply curious, this tasting is an excellent way to learn about the rich wine culture of Crete.