2-Hour Wine Tasting & Food pairing in Rethymno, Crete, Greece

A 2-hour wine tasting and food pairing experience in Rethymno, Crete, offers a delightful glimpse into Greek wine traditions. Priced at $69.41 per person, this tour is perfect for wine enthusiasts eager to explore local flavors with expert guidance. The experience is held in a 600-year-old stone cellar, once part of a 15th-century Dominican Monastery, providing a historic backdrop that enhances the tasting atmosphere. With a 5.0-star rating from five reviews, the tour highlights both its personalized service and the quality of wines and local delicacies on offer.

This experience is designed for small groups, with a maximum of 20 travelers, allowing for an intimate and engaging session. The guided tour includes detailed explanations of each wine’s unique characteristics by a knowledgeable sommelier, making it ideal for those interested in learning about Greek wines’ history and varieties. The tour begins at 5:30 pm at a central meeting point in Rethymno, and lasts approximately 2 hours. A standout feature is the visit to the historic cellar, which adds a special historical dimension to the tasting.

Key Points

• Price Friendly: At $69.41 per person, this wine tasting offers good value for the opportunity to sample Greek wines with expert commentary.
• Historic Venue: The 600-year-old stone cellar, once part of a Dominican Monastery, offers a unique and atmospheric setting.
• Expert-led Explanation: A sommelier guides the tasting, highlighting individual wine characteristics and their Greek origins.
• Local Food Pairings: Tasting includes a variety of local cheeses, rusks, breadsticks, green apple, tomato, and smoked pork slices (Apaki) cooked with Vinsanto wine.
• Personalized Materials: Each participant receives a folder with information on Greek wines and their history.
• Convenient Timing: The experience starts at 5:30 pm, making it suitable for evening plans and closer to sunset.

Crete’s Deep-Rooted Wine Tradition

Crete’s winemaking history spans over 3500 years, and this tour offers a taste of that heritage. The professional team, consisting of a sommelier, chef, and winemaker, brings a depth of knowledge and passion to the experience. The wine selection showcases some of the finest Greek vineyard offerings, emphasizing the region’s unique grape varieties and production techniques.

The venue’s historic setting enhances the experience. The stone cellar, with its centuries-old walls and ancient water well, provides a sensory-rich environment where the aromas of wine mingle with the stone and water, creating a memorable ambiance. This space, part of a 15th-century Dominican Monastery, lends an authentic, time-honored feel to each tasting.

Visiting the 600-Year-Old Stone Cellar

The cellar visit is a major highlight of this tour. Located on the ground floor of the Veneto restaurant, the cellar’s imposing stone walls and historic architecture create a captivating atmosphere. Guests explore the cellar’s interior, experiencing the cool, stone-hewn space that has preserved wine for centuries. The well within the cellar adds a further historic note, and visitors appreciate the chance to connect with Crete’s centuries-old wine-making traditions.

This visit is not just about wine but about experiencing the environment where these wines have aged for generations. The atmosphere blends the earthy scent of wine with the old stonework, making it a memorable setting for tasting and learning.

Guided Tasting with a Sommelier

The expert guidance of the sommelier is a core part of this experience. Each Greek wine is presented with detail, with an emphasis on its individual characteristics, including aroma, flavor, and historical background. The detailed presentation helps participants understand what makes each wine unique, making the tasting both educational and enjoyable.

The team’s passion for Greek wines shines through their explanations, and the personalized folders they give out include general info on Greek wine history, adding educational value. This approach makes the experience ideal for those new to Greek wines or seasoned enthusiasts wanting to deepen their knowledge.

Food Pairings: Local Cheeses and Delicacies

The snacks accompanying the wines are carefully curated to complement the tasting. Expect a variety of cheeses, rusks, breadsticks, and fresh produce like green apple and tomato. A notable inclusion is Apaki, a smoked pork slices cooked with Vinsanto wine—a local delicacy that pairs beautifully with the wines.

These local delicacies add a flavorful dimension to the tasting, allowing guests to experience traditional Cretan cuisine alongside the wines. The food and wine pairing helps to bring out the unique qualities of each wine, enhancing the overall experience.

Logistics and Group Size

This tour departs from 4, Rethymno 741 31, Greece, at 5:30 pm. It’s designed to accommodate up to 20 travelers, fostering a relaxed and conversational atmosphere. The group size and guided nature mean everyone has chances to ask questions and engage closely with the host.

The venue’s location is accessible near public transportation, making it easy to reach without hassle. The mobile ticket system streamlines the booking process, and the free cancellation policy offers flexibility, especially if plans change within 24 hours.

The Experience Provider and Customer Satisfaction

Operated by Extra Virgin Olive Oil Tasting, the tour benefits from a company with a reputation for engaging food and drink experiences. The reviews highlight rave reviews, especially praising the hosts Rafael and Daniel. Reviewers mention the delicious food, excellent wine selection, and attentive service, confirming the high quality of the experience.

The 5-star rating from five reviews underscores overall customer satisfaction, with many appreciating the care and passion the guides put into the experience.

Who Will Enjoy This Tour Most?

This wine and food pairing is ideal for wine lovers, history enthusiasts, and those wanting an authentic taste of Crete’s wine culture. The small group size and guided explanations make it suitable for both beginners and connoisseurs. It’s particularly attractive for visitors who enjoy historic settings and local delicacies.

While the 2-hour duration keeps it manageable, the experience may be less suitable for those seeking a more extensive wine tour or wishing to explore multiple vineyards.

The Sum Up: A Foundational Crete Wine Experience

This 2-hour wine tasting offers a well-rounded introduction to Greek and Cretan wines, set in a historic stone cellar that enriches the experience. The expert guidance, local food pairings, and authentic setting combine to create a memorable journey into Crete’s winemaking traditions.

Priced at $69.41, it provides good value, especially considering the personalized approach and the historic venue. It suits wine enthusiasts eager to learn and enjoy local flavors in an intimate environment. The high customer ratings and praised hosts make this experience a reliable choice for visitors in Rethymno.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in the wine tasting experience?
You will taste a variety of Greek wines, accompanied by snacks such as cheeses, rusks, breadsticks, green apple, tomato, and smoked pork slices cooked with Vinsanto wine.

Where does the tour take place?
The experience is held in a 600-year-old stone cellar on the ground floor of Veneto restaurant in Rethymno.

How long does the tour last?
The tour lasts approximately 2 hours, starting at 5:30 pm.

Is the venue accessible?
The tour is near public transportation, making it easy to reach.

What is the group size?
The maximum group size is 20 travelers, promoting a personalized experience.

Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the experience, with a full refund.

Who operates this tour?
It is provided by Extra Virgin Olive Oil Tasting.

What makes this experience special?
The historic cellar setting, detailed wine explanations by a sommelier, and the local delicacies make it a standout in Rethymno.

Are service animals allowed?
Yes, service animals are permitted.

Is this experience suitable for beginners?
Absolutely, the guided explanations and detailed folders make it accessible for all levels of wine knowledge.

What should I wear?
Smart casual attire is appropriate, considering the historic and atmospheric setting.

How far in advance should I book?
Most bookings are made about a week in advance, but early reservations are recommended to secure a spot.