Heraklion: Private Wine And Olive Oil Tasting Tour & Lunch

Discover the essence of Cretan cuisine and winemaking on this private tasting tour. Explore a renowned winery, savor local wines and olive oils, and indulge in a homemade Cretan lunch – all guided by an expert. This intimate experience offers a unique glimpse into the rich culinary traditions that have shaped the island’s flavors for generations. Whether you’re a wine enthusiast or simply seeking an authentic taste of Crete, this tour promises to delight your senses and leave you with a newfound appreciation for the region’s gastronomic heritage.

Key Points

This private tour offers a 7-hour experience that includes wine and olive oil tasting, a private winery tour, and a homemade Cretan lunch.
The tour is limited to a maximum of four people per vehicle, providing an intimate and personalized experience.
Guests can sample five indigenous local wine varieties and four olive oil products, learning about the unique characteristics and production methods.
The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, as well as an air-conditioned premium SUV for transportation, making it a hassle-free experience.
The tour is designed for flexibility, with a pay later option and free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

Tour Overview

This private wine and olive oil tasting tour in Heraklion typically lasts 7 hours and costs from £177.17 per person, with a small group limited to a maximum of four people per vehicle.

The experience highlights include wine tasting of 5 indigenous local varieties and olive oil tasting of different qualities, including 3 extra virgin oils, 1 flavored oil, olives, and grape syrup.

Guests will also enjoy a private winery tour and a homemade lunch in a unique environment.

Booking is flexible, with the option to reserve now and pay later, and free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

The tour includes air-conditioned transportation, lunch, and bottled water, as well as a live English-speaking guide.

Experience Highlights

The tour offers an immersive experience, starting with a wine tasting of 5 indigenous local varieties that showcases Crete’s rich winemaking heritage.

Visitors will then explore the world of olive oil, tasting different qualities, including 3 extra virgin oils and 1 flavored oil, as well as olives and grape syrup.

A private winery tour provides an exclusive glimpse into the production process.

The highlight of the day is a homemade lunch in a unique environment, allowing guests to savor the culinary delights of Crete and learn about the Mediterranean diet and healthy living.

This well-rounded experience immerses travelers in the island’s vibrant food and wine culture.

Booking Information

Travelers can reserve their spot on the tour and pay later, with no upfront payment required.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Participants can check availability and starting times for the tour.

The booking process is designed to be convenient and flexible:

No upfront payment needed to secure a spot
Full refund if cancelling 24 hours before the tour
Easy availability checks for tour start times
Payment processed after the reservation is made
Hassle-free experience from booking to tour day

This booking information ensures a stress-free planning process, allowing travelers to focus on anticipating the upcoming wine and olive oil tasting experience.

Inclusions

The tour includes a lunch packet and bottled water, providing sustenance for the day’s culinary exploration.

An air-conditioned premium SUV transports participants, with hotel pickup and drop-off included for convenience. This ensures a comfortable and hassle-free experience throughout the day.

The tour is led by a live guide in English, making it accessible to a wide range of travelers. Plus, the tour is wheelchair accessible, catering to the needs of all guests.

With these inclusions, participants can fully enjoy the wine and olive oil tasting experience without the distractions of logistics.

The tour offers a well-rounded exploration of Crete’s culinary delights and the Mediterranean lifestyle.

Tour Details

A live tour guide in English leads the experience, ensuring participants can fully engage with the cultural and culinary aspects of the tour. The tour is wheelchair accessible, catering to the needs of all guests.

Detailed information, including the driver’s name, vehicle type, color, plate number, and exact pickup time, is provided to participants the day before the tour, promoting a smooth and organized experience.

The tour offers the opportunity to explore the culinary delights of Crete, including:

Sampling indigenous local wine varieties
Tasting a variety of olive oils, olives, and grape syrup
Experiencing a private winery tour
Enjoying a homemade lunch in a unique environment
Learning about the Mediterranean diet and healthy living

Wine Tasting

During the tour, participants savor a tasting of five indigenous local wine varieties, sampling the distinct flavors and terroirs of Crete’s renowned viticulture.

The winery’s expert guide walks guests through the nuances of each wine, highlighting the unique characteristics that stem from the island’s climate and soil.

Visitors learn about the production methods and the history behind these indigenous grape varieties.

As they swirl, sniff, and sip, guests gain a deeper appreciation for the complexity and diversity of Cretan wines.

This intimate tasting experience transports them on a flavorful journey, providing a glimpse into the rich winemaking traditions that have been cultivated on the island for generations.

Olive Oil Tasting

Alongside the wine tasting, participants indulge in an olive oil tasting, sampling a diverse array of quality oils, including three extra virgin varieties, one flavored oil, as well as olives and grape syrup.

The expert guide delves into the nuances of each olive oil, illuminating the impact of the island’s unique terroir and traditional production methods on the flavors and aromas.

Through this immersive tasting experience, visitors gain a deeper appreciation for the culinary significance of Cretan olive oil and its role within the celebrated Mediterranean diet.

The olive oil tasting highlights:

3 extra virgin olive oils
1 flavored olive oil
Olives
Grape syrup
Traditional Cretan production methods

Homemade Lunch

The tour culminates with a homemade Cretan lunch, where visitors indulge in the region’s culinary delights within a unique and intimate setting.

The locally-sourced ingredients are skillfully prepared by expert chefs, offering a true taste of Crete’s Mediterranean diet.

Guests savor an array of traditional dishes, from hearty stews to fresh salads, all made with the finest olive oil and infused with the vibrant flavors of the island.

This personalized dining experience allows travelers to enjoy the local food culture, complementing the wine and olive oil tastings for a well-rounded exploration of Crete’s gastronomic heritage.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can We Customize the Tour to Suit Our Dietary Needs?

Yes, the tour can be customized to accommodate dietary needs. Guests can notify the operator of any dietary restrictions or preferences, and the tour will be tailored accordingly to ensure an enjoyable and inclusive experience.

Do We Need to Bring Any Special Equipment or Clothing?

No special equipment or clothing is necessary for this tour. Comfortable walking shoes and weather-appropriate attire are recommended. The tour provider will handle transportation and provide all necessary materials for the wine and olive oil tastings and lunch.

How Much Time Is Allocated for Each Activity During the Tour?

The tour allots approximately 1-2 hours for wine tasting, 1 hour for olive oil tasting, and 1-2 hours for the private winery tour and homemade lunch. The remaining time is used for transportation and transitions between activities.

Can We Take Photos and Videos During the Tour?

Participants are generally allowed to take photos and videos throughout the tour, as long as they don’t disrupt the experience or infringe on the privacy of others. It’s best to check with the tour guide for any specific guidelines.

Are There Any Age Restrictions or Requirements for This Tour?

There are no age restrictions on this tour. Children are welcome, though the tour may not be suitable for very young kids as it involves wine and olive oil tastings. Participants must be able to walk short distances.