Imagine spending an afternoon under the shade of 150-year-old vineyards, learning to prepare a four-course Cycladic meal with a professional chef, then sitting down to enjoy your handiwork paired with local craft beer. That’s exactly what you get with the Santorini Cooking Class at Ftelos Brewery. This experience combines culinary education with the island’s vibrant spirit, offering a chance to bring home more than just photos — a handful of new recipes and a deeper appreciation for Greek flavors.
What I really like about this experience is how it seamlessly blends hands-on cooking with a visit to a state-of-the-art brewery. The fact that you get to wander freely around the brewery afterwards — even buy some craft beer to take home — adds a relaxed, authentic touch. Plus, the small group setting (limited to 10 participants) makes for a friendly, engaging environment where you can easily ask questions and get personalized tips.
The only potential drawback? Since the class is held either indoors or outdoors depending on the weather, you might want to be prepared for some variable conditions. Also, transportation isn’t included, so you’ll need to plan how to get to the brewery—it’s accessible by taxi, car, or on foot from Fira, with free parking available.
Key Points / Takeaways
- Authentic Cycladic Recipes: You’ll learn to make dishes like Santorini salad, cod croquettes, split-pea dip, and pork fillet with local beer pairings.
- Expert Guidance: The small group and clear instruction ensure you get plenty of hands-on practice, guided by knowledgeable staff.
- Unique Venue: The workshop takes place either in a scenic outdoor garden under vineyards or in a modern indoor space overlooking the beer production.
- Tangible Souvenir: Not just recipes, but skills and confidence to recreate these dishes back home — perfect for impressing friends and family.
- Brewery Exploration: After cooking, you’re free to explore the brewery at your own pace and purchase craft beers, adding a nice local touch.
- Cost-Effective Experience: At $113 per person, this combines a cultural activity, a meal, drinks, and a memorable experience, offering solid value for a three-hour workshop.
A Deep Dive into the Ftelos Brewery Cooking Class
Setting the Scene: A Mix of Tradition and Modernity
As I read about this experience, I could tell it balances the rustic charm of Greek culinary traditions with the sleek ambiance of a modern brewery. The class takes place at Ftelos Brewery, famed for its craft beers produced right on site. The venue’s flexible setup, either indoors with views of the beer production or outdoors amid vineyards, offers a picturesque backdrop that enriches the cooking experience.
The atmosphere feels inviting without feeling touristy. The staff, including a host named Mike in some reviews, are described as fun, friendly, and knowledgeable — making the experience approachable whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner.
The Itinerary: Step-by-Step Culinary Journey
The class begins with a quick welcome and introduction to Greek and Mediterranean cuisine, setting the stage for the dishes to come. From there, you’ll dive into hands-on preparation of each course:
- Santorini Salad: Cherry tomatoes, capers, and caper leaves — a simple yet flavorful way to start. The emphasis on fresh, local ingredients makes this dish pop.
- Cod Croquettes in Beer Batter: A delightful twist that highlights local flavors, with the beer batter adding depth.
- Split-Pea Dip: A hearty, flavorful dip flavored with dry onion — perfect as an appetizer or snack.
- Pork Fillet with Malt n Marvel Stout: The main course, featuring a pork fillet glazed in beer and served with a mustard-rosemary sauce, demonstrating how local craft beers can elevate traditional dishes.
Throughout the process, the chef or instructor explains not only how to cook but also shares stories and tips that add context. As one reviewer put it, chef Katerina was “so sweet, kind, and taught us so much,” making the class both educational and fun.
The Meal: Savoring Your Creations
Once all dishes are cooked, everyone sits together inside the brewery in a modern, industrial-style space. You get to feast on the meal you prepared, accompanied by a Ftelos craft beer and bottled water. Several reviews mention how delicious the food was, with one describing the experience as “easy and fun.”
The inclusion of freshly baked bread adds that homely touch, making the meal feel like a shared family affair rather than a formal restaurant setting. The opportunity to explore the brewery on your own after the meal is a bonus, giving you a chance to see how the beers are made and pick up some bottles to take home.
Who Will Love This?
This experience is ideal for travelers who want a culinary souvenir that goes beyond just taking photos. It’s especially well-suited for foodies, curious travelers, or anyone interested in Greek and Mediterranean cuisine. Families, couples, or groups of friends will find the small group environment makes for lively, engaging conversations.
Price and Value: Is It Worth It?
At $113 per person, this class offers a good deal. It combines instruction, a full meal, drinks, and a brewery tour — all in three hours. Reviewers frequently mention how the experience exceeded expectations for the price, especially considering the quality of the food and the personal attention from guides like Mike or Katerina.
Practical Tips for Booking and Attending
- Transportation: Since there’s no included transfer, plan to arrive by taxi, car, or walk from Fira — free parking is available.
- Clothing: Wear comfortable shoes and clothes suitable for outdoor or indoor conditions, depending on the weather.
- Timing: Check availability in advance, as starting times vary.
- Preparation: Bring sunglasses, a hat, or a T-shirt if outdoors, and a passport if needed for identification.
- What to Bring: Nothing special needed — just your appetite and curiosity!
Who Should Consider This Experience?
If you love authentic cooking, Greek cuisine, or craft beer, this class is a perfect fit. It’s great for those wanting a practical skill, a fun activity, or a memorable cultural encounter. It’s also suitable for travelers with mobility, as the venue is wheelchair accessible, and the small group size ensures personalized attention.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the class?
The experience lasts approximately 3 hours, giving enough time to cook, eat, and explore without feeling rushed.
Is transportation included?
No, transportation isn’t included, but the brewery is easy to reach by taxi, car, or foot from Fira, with free parking available.
What should I wear?
Comfortable shoes and clothes are recommended, especially if participating outdoors. It’s a hands-on experience, so dress for getting a little messy.
Can I buy the craft beer after the class?
Yes, you can explore the brewery afterward and purchase their craft beers to take home, a nice way to remember the day.
Is this experience suitable for children or wheelchair users?
Yes, the venue is wheelchair accessible, and the class size is small, making it suitable for most guests. Children’s participation policies aren’t specified, but the experience is family-friendly.
Are drinks included?
Yes, each participant receives one Ftelos craft beer and bottled water as part of the package.
Do I get a recipe to take home?
Absolutely. You’ll leave with written recipes and tips from the chef, so you can recreate the dishes later.
What if I need to cancel?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering flexibility if your plans change.
Is the experience suitable for vegetarians or special diets?
The menu is centered around traditional Greek dishes, but specific dietary accommodations aren’t mentioned. It’s best to check directly with the provider if you have special needs.
In essence, this cooking class at Ftelos Brewery offers an engaging way to connect with Santorini’s culinary soul. It’s perfect for anyone looking to leave with new skills, a full belly, and a few bottles of local craft beer. You’ll walk away not just with a recipe book but with stories to tell and flavors to remember long after your trip ends.