Winery Tour, Tasting and cooking with the Winemaker in Rhodes

A Full-Bodied Taste of Rhodes: Winery Tour, Tasting, and Cooking with the Winemaker

I recently came across a highly-rated experience on Rhodes that offers a compelling mix of wine tasting, vineyard exploring, and Greek cooking — all in one seamless package. The tour, run by Curioseety SRLS, promises an authentic encounter with a local winemaker, alongside a chance to sample Rhodes’ wines and prepare traditional mezedes. It’s a three-hour adventure that’s already booked about 40 days in advance on average, which hints at its popularity among travelers eager for a real taste of Greek island life.

What makes this experience stand out are two key things: first, the opportunity to meet and learn from a genuine local winemaker (not just a guide), and second, the chance to participate actively in cooking, turning what could be a passive tasting into an engaging culinary event. You get to walk the vineyards, discuss winemaking methods, and then sit down to a delicious outdoor meal paired with your own tastings. It’s a well-rounded way to connect with Rhodes’ food and wine culture in a relaxed setting.

One possible consideration is that the tour is priced at around $91.45 per person, which might seem steep for some travelers, especially if you’re on a tight budget. However, given that it combines multiple experiences — vineyard visit, wine tasting, cooking, and a multi-course meal with local spirits — many find it offers good value. Plus, group size is limited to 15 people, which ensures a more personalized experience. Still, if you’re looking for a quick, on-the-go activity, this may feel a bit long or detailed; it really appeals to those wanting a deeper dive into Rhodes’ gastronomy.

Key points / Takeaways

• Authentic local experience: You meet a genuine Rhodes winemaker and explore the vineyard firsthand.
• Interactive: The cooking class is hands-on, making the experience more memorable and fun.
• Wine and food pairing: Sample five different wines and enjoy local mezedes, mostly vegetarian, that highlight Greek cuisine.
• Educational: Learn about local grape varieties, viticulture, vinification, and the traditional “tsipouro” spirit.
• Scenic setting: The outdoor dining area overlooking vineyards enhances the relaxed, authentic vibe.
• Well-reviewed guides: Tour guides like Jason receive praise for being knowledgeable and friendly, making the experience lively and engaging.

An In-Depth Look at the Rhodes Winery Experience

Starting Point: The Meeting and Introduction

The tour kicks off at ESTATE & RESTAURANT Anastasia Triantafillou in Petaloudes, a short drive from Rhodes town. At 11:00 am, you’ll meet your guide and the winemaker, who is typically welcoming and eager to share their passion for local wines. From the outset, the focus is on creating a warm, friendly atmosphere. The group is capped at 15 people, which means you get plenty of personal attention.

Exploring Rhodes Vineyards: What You’ll See and Learn

Your journey begins with a visit to the vineyard itself, where the winemaker will walk you through the different stages of grape growing and wine production. Expect to hear about the local grape varieties specific to Rhodes and the island’s unique viticulture techniques. The guide thoroughly explains their vinification methods, making it easy for even wine novices to understand how Rhodes’ wines develop from grape to glass.

One of the highlights, as echoed by a reviewer, is the chance to see each stage of production firsthand — an insight that elevates the tasting experience beyond just drinking wine. This part of the tour is both educational and picturesque, with sunny vineyards providing a perfect backdrop.

The Outdoor Wine Tasting: Sipping and Discussing

After touring the vines, you’ll gather at an outdoor bar to sample five wines. The guide, like Jason, is typically praised for being knowledgeable and approachable, making the conversation around wine engaging. You’ll learn about the different styles, flavors, and the oenological techniques employed. This is an excellent chance to refine your palate and understand what makes Rhodes wines distinctive.

Many reviewers appreciate the relaxed outdoor setting, which allows for leisurely tasting and discussion. It’s not just about the wine but also about the stories and tradition behind each bottle, which the guide will bring to life.

Cooking with the Winemaker: Hands-On and Delicious

Next, the emphasis shifts from drinking to cooking. You’ll participate in a traditional Greek cooking lesson, preparing a variety of “mezedes” — small, flavorful dishes that showcase local ingredients. While participation is optional, most guests find it surprisingly fun and rewarding. The dishes typically include Greek staples like Tzatziki, Tirokafteri, eggplant salad, and local bread.

The actual cooking session gives you a tangible taste of Rhodes’ culinary traditions. The fact that the recipes are emailed afterward is a bonus, allowing you to recreate the experience at home.

The Feast: A Meze-Style Multi-Course Meal

Once you’ve prepared your dishes, you’ll sit down at a communal table overlooking the vineyards. This alfresco dining experience is a real highlight, offering a relaxed atmosphere to enjoy your creations. The meal includes a variety of vegetarian mezedes paired with the wines you sampled earlier, making it both a culinary and sensory pleasure.

The menu emphasizes local flavors, and the variety allows for excellent wine pairing opportunities. A reviewer noted that the food was “fabulous,” with a focus on fresh, local ingredients.

Inside the Distillery: Tasting Tsipouro

The tour concludes indoors with a visit to the distillery, where the winemaker explains the process of making “tsipouro,” a traditional Greek grape spirit. You’ll get to taste this potent digestive, which complements the wine and food experience perfectly. The description of how it’s pressed and distilled adds a layer of appreciation for regional spirits.

Overall Experience & Value

This experience offers a comprehensive immersion into Rhodes’ wine and food scene, with knowledgeable guides, delicious local fare, and authentic stories. It’s clear from reviews that many guests leave feeling more connected to the island’s culinary traditions, often with new recipes and an appreciation for local wines.

While the $91.45 price may seem high, it covers a broad range of activities — from vineyard visits and tastings to cooking and dining. If you value authentic, interactive experiences that deepen your understanding of local culture, this is a worthwhile investment. Plus, the small-group setup ensures you’ll get more personalized attention than typical large tours.

Who’s It Best For?

This tour is ideal for wine lovers, foodies, and travelers seeking a meaningful, hands-on cultural experience. It suits those who appreciate learning about local traditions directly from a local expert. If you prefer quick, superficial tours, this might not be your best choice. However, if you enjoy immersive activities that combine education with fun and delicious food, you’ll find this tour a highlight of your Rhodes visit.

Practical Tips

• Book in advance, as this tour is popular and often fully booked about a month out.
• Arrive hungry and ready to participate actively in cooking — the dishes are mostly vegetarian but flavorful.
• Wear comfortable clothes and sun protection, especially during vineyard visits and outdoor tastings.
• Bring a notebook or camera to capture recipes and wine notes.
• Take advantage of the email with recipes — a lovely souvenir and practical guide for recreating Rhodes’ flavors at home.

FAQs

What is the start point and time for this tour?
The tour begins at the estate and restaurant in Petaloudes at 11:00 am, and it ends back at the same location.

How long does the experience last?
It lasts approximately 3 hours, providing a relaxed, unhurried pace.

Is this experience suitable for all travelers?
Most travelers can participate, and the group size is limited to 15, ensuring a comfortable, intimate environment.

What is included in the price?
The cost covers the vineyard tour, tastings of five wines, the cooking class, a multi-course mezedes meal, and a tasting of tsipouro.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, there’s free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience, with a full refund.

Is participation in the cooking class mandatory?
No, participation is optional, but most guests find it adds to the fun and authenticity of the experience.

What kind of wines are sampled?
You’ll taste five wines, which are explained thoroughly, including their production techniques and flavor profiles.

What should I wear or bring?
Comfortable, sun-protective clothing is recommended. Bringing a notebook or camera can help you remember recipes and details.

Is the experience suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, the menu mostly features vegetarian mezedes, emphasizing local ingredients and flavors.

This Rhodes winery, cooking, and tasting experience offers a delightful blend of education, culinary fun, and authentic local culture. Perfect for those who want a deeper connection to the island’s flavors, it promises memorable tasting and cooking moments under the warm Greek sun.