Wine/Olive Oil Tasting and Pottery Work Shop - Small Group

Set out on a cultural odyssey through Crete’s renowned wine and olive oil traditions, coupled with the captivating art of pottery-making. This immersive small-group experience promises to delight the senses and expand your appreciation for the island’s rich heritage. Over the course of six hours, you’ll savor the nuances of ten distinct Cretan wines, uncover the secrets of olive oil production, and unleash your inner artist by crafting a unique pottery piece. As you indulge in a traditional Cretan lunch, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of the island’s culinary and artistic treasures. The stage is set for an unforgettable journey – one that might just leave you yearning for more.

Key Points

A 6-hour small-group tour (maximum 7 participants) offering wine/olive oil tasting and a pottery workshop in the Cretan region of Peza.
Visits to two local wineries with tastings of 10 authentic Cretan wines, including indigenous and international grape varieties.
Hands-on experience with olive oil production and pottery making, providing a deeper understanding of Cretan traditions.
Includes a traditional Cretan lunch at a family-run taverna in Katalagari, showcasing the region’s culinary heritage.
Convenient pickup and drop-off service, as well as an English-speaking driver/guide for a hassle-free and safe experience.

Tour Overview and Pricing

The activity on offer is a Wine/Olive Oil Tasting and Pottery Workshop, priced from £168.79 per person and lasting for 6 hours.

This small-group experience is limited to just 7 participants and is conducted in English.

Guests can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and they can reserve their spot now without paying anything today.

The highlights include visits to two wineries in the Peza region, where they’ll learn about local and international grape varieties and taste 10 authentic Cretan wines.

Participants will also experience olive oil production and pottery making, followed by a traditional Cretan lunch.

Experience Highlights

Guests will visit two wineries in the Peza region, known for its wine and olive oil production.

Here, they’ll learn about local grape varieties like Dafni, Kotsifali, and Liatiko, as well as international varieties such as Chardonnay and Merlot.

Participants will taste 10 authentic Cretan wines, 5 from each winery.

The experience also includes learning about local olive oil production and trying their hand at pottery making.

After the tastings, guests will enjoy a traditional Cretan lunch at a family-run taverna in Katalagari.

This immersive tour offers a well-rounded exploration of Crete’s renowned food and wine culture.

Transportation and Logistics

For this experience, pickup is included from guests’ accommodation, hotel, port, or airport. A professional English-speaking driver/guide will be provided to ensure safe enjoyment of the wine tasting without any concerns.

The transportation ensures:

Hassle-free travel between the wineries and other stops.
Ability to fully immerse in the tasting experience without worrying about driving.
Knowledgeable guidance from the driver/guide about the region, its history, and the production processes.
Comfortable and reliable transportation in a well-maintained vehicle.

Inclusions and Exclusions

This experience includes pickup and drop-off, all fees and taxes, tastings of Cretan wines and cheeses, and liability insurance.

Lunch is offered as an optional addition.

However, the tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users or unaccompanied minors. Smoking and bringing food into the vehicle are also not allowed.

Participants should wear comfortable shoes and clothes, and bring a camera. It’s important to note that individuals under 18 are prohibited from consuming or being served alcoholic beverages.

Availability and group size may vary, so it’s best to check beforehand.

Important Information

Participants should come prepared with comfortable shoes and clothing, as well as a camera to capture the experience.

Individuals under 18 years old are prohibited from consuming or being served alcoholic beverages due to legal restrictions. Availability and group size may vary, so it’s recommended to check with the provider beforehand to ensure the tour meets one’s needs.

The tour has several important guidelines to consider:

Smoking and food consumption aren’t allowed in the vehicle.
Littering is strictly prohibited.
The tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users or unaccompanied minors.
Participants should be aware of the legal drinking age and refrain from consuming alcohol if underage.

Grape Varieties in Focus

The tour explores an array of local and international grape varieties that thrive in Crete’s distinctive terroir, from the indigenous Dafni and Kotsifali to the globally recognized Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon.

Participants will discover the unique characteristics of Cretan grape varieties like Liatiko, Vidiano, Vilana, Thrapsathiri, Plyto, and Malvasia di Candia, known for their vibrant flavors and aromas.

The tasting also features international grapes such as Merlot, Sauvignon Blanc, and Syrah, showcasing how they adapt to Crete’s Mediterranean climate.

Through this diverse wine selection, guests gain a deeper appreciation for the island’s rich winemaking heritage and its ability to produce exceptional, terroir-driven wines.

Tasting and Production

Visitors embark on a sensory exploration, sampling a curated selection of 10 authentic Cretan wines across two renowned local wineries.

They’ll learn about the region’s unique grape varieties, like Dafni, Kotsifali, and Vidiano, as well as international favorites like Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon.

The tasting also includes:

A firsthand look at the olive oil production process, from harvesting to extraction.
An opportunity to craft their own pottery piece at a local studio.
A traditional Cretan lunch at a family-run taverna, featuring fresh, locally-sourced ingredients.
Safe, comfortable transportation with an English-speaking guide, ensuring a seamless and enjoyable experience.

Lunch and Dining

During the experience, guests enjoy a traditional Cretan lunch at a family-run taverna in the charming village of Katalagari.

The meal features fresh, locally-sourced ingredients that showcase the region’s renowned culinary traditions.

Expect a spread of authentic Cretan dishes, such as dolmades (stuffed grape leaves), dakos (barley rusks with tomatoes, feta, and olive oil), and moussaka (eggplant and ground meat casserole).

The taverna’s welcoming atmosphere and the flavors of the food provide a delightful respite from the tasting activities, allowing participants to savor the richness of Crete’s gastronomic heritage.

Lunch is an included and highly anticipated part of this immersive wine, olive oil, and pottery experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is There a Minimum or Maximum Group Size Requirement?

The tour has a small group size, limited to 7 participants. There is no minimum group size requirement, but the maximum is 7 people. This allows for a more intimate and personalized experience during the wine/olive oil tasting and pottery workshop.

Can the Tour Be Customized for Private Events?

The tour can be customized for private events. The small group size allows for a more personalized experience, and the provider offers flexibility to accommodate specific requests from customers booking a private tour.

Are the Wineries Wheelchair Accessible?

Unfortunately, the tour itinerary doesn’t specify if the wineries are wheelchair accessible. The provided information states the tour is not suitable for wheelchair users, so accessibility may be limited. It’s best to inquire with the tour operator about specific accessibility details.

Can Participants Purchase Wine and Olive Oil On-Site?

Participants can purchase wine and olive oil on-site during the tour. The tour includes visits to two wineries known for their wine and olive oil production, where tasters can purchase their favorite products to take home.

Are There Any Dietary Restrictions for the Lunch?

The tour provider notes that the traditional Cretan lunch served at a family taverna can accommodate various dietary requirements, including vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options. Guests should inform the provider of any special dietary needs in advance.