Rhodes: Cooking Lesson and Wine Tasting with Lunch

Discover Rhodes Through Its Flavors: Cooking and Wine Tasting Experience

This Rhodes experience offers an authentic glimpse into local life, combining hands-on cooking, wine tasting, and visits to a women’s cooperative in a traditional village. I’ve come across many tours, but this one stands out because of its genuine focus on culture, good value, and the warmth of small-group settings.

Two things I particularly like about this tour are the chance to cook traditional Greek dishes alongside a local cook—which makes the experience personal and memorable—and the visit to a local winery, where you can sample Rhodes’ award-winning wines and learn about regional grape varieties. It’s an engaging way to deepen your understanding of Greek culinary traditions. One potential consideration is the travel time — the tour involves about an hour’s drive each way, so be prepared for some time on the road, especially if your hotel is far from Apollona.

All in all, this experience matches well with travelers who enjoy hands-on activities, authentic cultural visits, and want to combine food, wine, and local life into a single half-day. If you’re eager to see Rhodes beyond the beaches or archaeological sites, this is a fantastic choice to taste the island’s heart.

Key Points / Takeaways

• Authentic Village Setting: The tour takes place in Apollona, a peaceful mountain village on the foothills of Profitis Ilias, offering a glimpse of rural Rhodian life.
• Local Women’s Cooperative: Visit a women-led agricultural co-op to see how local products are made and support community initiatives.
• Grape Varieties & Wine Tasting: Learn about Rhodes’ regional wines and sample award-winning varieties in a small, friendly winery.
• Hands-On Cooking Class: Make classic Greek dishes like tzatziki, eggplant salad, dolmadakia (stuffed vine leaves), and cheese pies with a local cook.
• Cultural Highlights: Explore the village on foot, visit a traditional Kafeneion to learn about Greek coffee, and enjoy local hospitality.
• Great Reviews & Value: With a 4.9/5 rating from 61 reviews, travelers praise the guides, the quality of wines, and the overall organization.

Exploring Apollona: The Heart of the Tour

The adventure begins in the unspoiled mountain village of Apollona, built on the slopes of Profitis Ilias, Rhodes’ highest peak. This setting alone is worth the trip, offering stunning views and a sense of stepping back in time. From the start, your guide will take you to a women’s agricultural cooperative, where you see firsthand how local women produce and market their goods. Reviewers like Florian highlight the guide’s knowledge and the engaging storytelling, making the visit both educational and personable.

Walking through Apollona, you’ll get a feel for everyday village life—what people grow, how they work, and the traditions they cherish. It’s a taste of authentic Rhodes away from the tourist crowds, and many say this makes the experience uniquely rewarding. Michael shared how they loved getting to know the real Rhodes and appreciated the guide’s personal stories, which added depth to the visit.

Wine Tasting in a Small-Scale Rhodes Winery

Next, you’ll visit a cozy, small local winery, where the guide will introduce you to the regional grape varieties responsible for Rhodes’ award-winning wines. Tasting these wines gives you a real appreciation for what makes Rhodian wine special—something that’s often overlooked by visitors focused on beaches or ruins. Joanna describes the wine as “amazing,” and many reviewers note the friendly, unpretentious atmosphere.

Your guide will explain how the wines are made and what makes them distinctive. You might find that Rhodes produces a surprising variety of quality wines, often with a Mediterranean twist. This stops isn’t just about tasting but understanding the culture behind the bottles.

Cooking Greek Classics with a Local Chef

The highlight for many is the hands-on cooking class. Under the guidance of a talented local cook, you’ll learn how to make traditional dishes like tzatziki, eggplant salad, Greek cheese pies, and dolmadakia (vine leaves stuffed with rice and herbs). The process is friendly, relaxed, and designed for all skill levels, which makes it perfect whether you’re a seasoned chef or a complete beginner.

The reviews rave about the quality of the dishes prepared. Joanna calls it “well organized” and the food “fantastic,” with many guests leaving full and happy. The chance to cook and then eat your own creations offers a sense of achievement and a genuine taste of Greek home cooking.

The Lunch: A Feast of Flavors

After the cooking, you’ll sit down to enjoy a full, flavorful lunch featuring the dishes you’ve made. This communal meal is more than just eating; it’s an opportunity to share stories and connect with your fellow travelers. Many mention that this meal alone made the experience worthwhile, with Leah describing it as “the best time” on Rhodes.

Visiting a Traditional Kafeneion and Making Greek Coffee

No Greek experience is complete without tasting Greek coffee, and the tour ends with a visit to a traditional Kafeneion. Here, you’ll learn how locals prepare their coffee, often brewed over hot coals, and get to sample a cup. Sarah highlights how welcoming and friendly the guides are, making this cultural ritual feel authentic and intimate.

Practical Details: Logistics and Value

The tour lasts around 4 hours, with about an hour’s drive each way, so plan accordingly. Pickup is optional, and the activity begins at the women’s cooperative in Apollona. The group size tends to be small, which enhances the personal feel and allows guides like Addie or Panos to give dedicated attention.

Cost-wise, this tour offers excellent value for money considering it includes a cooking lesson, full lunch, wine tasting, a guided village tour, and a visit to a cooperative—all with hotel pickup and souvenir photos included. The reviews consistently praise the organization and guides’ knowledge, making the fee seem justified for such a well-rounded cultural experience.

Who Will Enjoy This Tour Most?

This experience suits travelers who love interactive activities and local culture over passive sightseeing. It’s ideal for foodies, wine lovers, and those interested in Greek traditions. It’s also a good choice if you want to explore Rhodes beyond the typical tourist routes and get a taste of authentic village life. Since it’s not wheelchair accessible and involves some walking, be prepared for comfortable shoes and sun protection.

Final Thoughts: Is This Tour Right for You?

If you’re after an authentic, relaxed immersion into Rhodian life with a focus on food, wine, and community, this tour checks all the boxes. The knowledgeable guides, especially Panos and Addie, are often praised for their friendliness and depth of knowledge, making you feel like a guest in a friend’s home rather than just another tourist.

The combination of cultural visits, hands-on cooking, and wine tasting offers a memorable experience that you won’t find in typical sightseeing tours. Plus, many guests leave with new recipes, favorite wines, and a deeper appreciation for local traditions. The small-group format ensures a warm, personal atmosphere, making it feel intimate and special.

In short, this tour is well-suited for curious travelers eager to connect with Rhodes on a more personal level—through its flavors, its people, and its customs. It’s a smart choice for anyone wanting a meaningful taste of Greek life that’s fun, tasty, and genuinely engaging.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included in the tour, but you’ll need to wait in your hotel lobby about 10 minutes before the scheduled pickup time.

How long is the drive to the village?
The drive from Rhodes’ main areas to Apollona takes approximately 1 hour each way, so be prepared for some time on the road.

What should I wear?
Comfortable shoes are recommended since you’ll be walking through the village and visiting different sites. A sun hat is also helpful, especially if you’re visiting during warmer months.

Can I join this tour if I don’t cook much?
Absolutely. The cooking class is very beginner-friendly, and the focus is on enjoying the process and learning, not professional chef skills.

What is included in the price?
The tour includes a cooking lesson, a full lunch, wine tasting, Greek coffee at a Kafeneion, a local guide, hotel pickup/drop-off, and souvenir photos.

Is this tour wheelchair accessible?
No, the activity is not wheelchair accessible due to the village terrain and walking involved.

How many people typically join the tour?
Most groups are small, fostering a cozy and personalized experience, often praised by reviewers for the attentive guides and friendly atmosphere.

To sum it up, this Rhodes Cooking Lesson and Wine Tasting with Lunch offers a rich, authentic slice of island life. It’s perfect for travelers who want more than the usual sights—those curious about Greek cuisine, local traditions, and community stories. With knowledgeable guides, delicious food, and award-winning wines, it’s a worthwhile addition to any Rhodes itinerary.