From Ano Mera: Day Tour & Wine Tasting with dinner At A Farm

Exploring the Heart of Mykonos: A Farm Day with Wine and Food

This tour offers a refreshing glimpse into rural Greece outside the usual tourist hotspots of Mykonos. It combines a farm visit, wine tasting, and a cooking demonstration, all set on a traditional farm just outside Ano Mera. The experience is designed to connect you with local culture, cuisine, and the land—something different from typical beach days or city sightseeing.

Two things I particularly like about this tour are the hands-on animal care experience and the wine tasting with Mr. Stathis, who makes learning about local wines feel both relaxed and informative. Plus, the chance to help prepare traditional Greek dishes makes the meal feel truly authentic.

On the downside, some might find the 4-hour duration a little tight if they want a more leisurely pace or more extensive exploration. Also, pickup from remote villas or houses can incur extra costs, so planning ahead is smart. But overall, the blend of farm life, culinary skill, and local wines creates a well-rounded experience that’s worth the time.

Key Points / Takeaways

• Authentic farm experience outside touristy Mykonos, offering genuine rural insights.
• Interactive animal care with goats, sheep, donkeys, rabbits, and cows—great for animal lovers.
• Local wine tasting with three distinguished Greek wines guided by an expert, enhancing your understanding of regional blends.
• Hands-on cooking demo of traditional Greek dishes, helping you learn recipes that you can recreate at home.
• Seasonal garden tour where you can pick vegetables for your lunch, emphasizing farm-to-table freshness.
• Cultural immersion through a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere that combines education and fun.

Entering the World of Mykonian Farm Life

When you consider touring Greece, you probably think of ancient ruins or vibrant city life. But this experience transports you to a working farm just outside Ano Mera, a small village that feels like a step back in time. The farm is run with pride and passion, and your host, along with the farm superintendent, will guide you through the day with warmth and knowledge.

The farm’s setting is peaceful, surrounded by seasonal gardens and grazing animals. I love how it’s set up for genuine interaction—there’s no sanitized, staged atmosphere here. You’ll learn how to take care of sheep, goats, donkeys, rabbits, and cows—each with its own personality—and even get the chance to help out. One review mentioned the farm’s collection of animals is a highlight, especially for kids or animal enthusiasts.

Walking through the seasonal gardens, you might pick fresh vegetables for your lunch, depending on the time of year. This direct connection to the land gives a real sense of Greece’s agrarian roots, making the meal that follows feel like a true gift from nature.

Sipping Greek Wines with a View

Next, settle into a cozy seating area where Mr. Stathis, the farm’s sommelier, will guide you through tasting three local wines. His approachable style makes understanding wine tasting techniques easy, even for beginners. You’ll learn how to evaluate aroma, taste, and finish, which adds an educational layer to the tasting.

The wines themselves are of prestigious local varieties, and many guests find the experience surprisingly revealing. One review notes that the wines are uncorked and tasted with care, making it a highlight for wine lovers or those looking to deepen their appreciation for Greek blends.

The unlimited local wine, along with raki and juices, offers a relaxed environment to socialize and savor the flavors of Greece. It’s a perfect way to unwind and soak in the farm’s scenic setting, with views that make the tasting even more memorable.

Cooking Greek Classics with a Renowned Chef

Following the tasting, you’ll watch a skilled chef, Miltos Karoubas, demonstrate how to make traditional Greek dishes. The demonstration is interactive: depending on the group size, participants may help with preparations, making the experience both educational and fun.

Dishes like spinach pie, stuffed tomatoes and peppers, seasonal salads, and feta cheese are on the menu. Watching how simple ingredients come together to create vibrant, flavorful dishes reminds you of Greece’s culinary reliance on fresh, local produce.

Guests have raved about the authenticity of the recipes, which are traditional yet straightforward enough to try at home later. The chef’s clear instructions make this demo accessible, even for beginners. At the end, you enjoy a light, farm-fresh lunch featuring what you’ve helped prepare, making for a satisfying and authentic meal.

The Practicalities: What to Expect and How to Prepare

The experience begins with pickup from your hotel, port, or designated meeting point. The transfer across the island is quick, giving you a taste of Mykonos’s landscape before arriving at the farm, just 400 meters from the meeting point. Be aware that if you’re staying in remote villas or houses, there could be an extra charge for pickup.

Once at the farm, your guide will introduce you to the premises. The farm tour lasts about an hour, during which you’ll see seasonal gardens and get hands-on with some of the vegetables—an engaging start to the day. The farm staff and guide create a friendly environment, making it easy to ask questions and learn about Greek farming traditions.

The wine tasting is scheduled afterward, taking about 30–45 minutes, followed by the cooking demonstration. The entire tour lasts approximately 4 hours, making it a perfect morning or early afternoon activity.

Note that the tour includes unlimited local wine, raki, and juices—so pace yourself! Also, the experience is conducted primarily in English, making it accessible for international visitors.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This tour is ideal for travelers who want a meaningful connection to Greek culture beyond beaches and ruins. It’s especially well-suited for food lovers, wine enthusiasts, families with kids, or anyone curious about rural life in Greece. Those seeking a relaxed, interactive experience that combines education, taste, and a bit of farm work will find it rewarding.

It’s also practical for cruise passengers, with pickup from the old or new port, but be sure to confirm the timing to fit your schedule. The tour’s balance of guided activities and free time means it’s flexible enough for most itineraries.

Price and Overall Value

At its core, this experience offers a fair value considering the inclusions: guided farm tour, three wine tastings, cooking demonstration, a local Greek lunch, and transportation. It’s not just about sightseeing—it’s about enjoying local life, which many travelers find more memorable.

While extra costs for remote pickup might add to the expense, the experience’s authenticity and variety make it worthwhile. For just around 4 hours, you get a well-rounded look at rural Greece, with plenty of opportunities to learn, taste, and relax.

Final Verdict

This farm, wine, and food tour offers a genuine taste of Greece’s countryside, making it perfect for those wanting a break from the beaches and bustling cities. You’ll leave with new culinary skills, a deeper appreciation of Greek wines, and stories to share about farm animals and seasonal gardens. It’s a well-organized, authentic experience that balances fun, learning, and delicious food.

If you’re traveling to Mykonos and crave a local, hands-on adventure, this tour is a smart choice. It’s especially good for families, foodies, or anyone eager to see a different side of the island—and walk away with a full belly and a happy heart.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is transportation included?
Yes, hotel or port pickup and drop-off are included. Be sure to provide your exact location for seamless transfer, especially if staying in remote villas.

How long does the tour last?
The entire experience takes about 4 hours, including transportation, farm tour, wine tasting, and lunch.

Are drinks unlimited?
Yes, there are unlimited local wines, raki, and juices, allowing you to enjoy throughout the experience.

Can I participate in the cooking demo?
Yes, depending on group size, you’ll be encouraged to help with the preparation of dishes like spinach pie and stuffed vegetables.

What should I wear?
Comfortable clothing suitable for walking and farm activities. Some farm areas might be dusty, so dress accordingly.

Is this experience suitable for children?
Absolutely. Kids will enjoy petting the animals and helping in the kitchen, making it a family-friendly activity.

What if I don’t drink alcohol?
There are plenty of non-alcoholic options like juices, and you’re welcome to skip the wine tastings if preferred.

What’s the best season to do this tour?
The tour operates year-round, but seasonal gardens and vegetables vary. Spring and early summer offer the best garden picks.

Is there a dress code?
Casual, comfortable clothes are perfect. Bring sun protection if visiting in the warmer months.

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

This farm experience in Mykonos offers a rare glimpse into Greece’s rural traditions, blending hands-on activities with delicious food and wine. It’s a genuine way to connect with the land and local culture—perfect for curious travelers eager for authentic memories.