Athens: Greek Wine & Olive Oil Tasting at Brettos Plaka

Explore how Greece’s long-standing traditions of wine and olive oil making come alive in Brettos’s Greek Wine & Olive Oil Tasting in Athens. For $56 per person, this 2-hour experience offers a chance to sample six wines and four extra virgin olive oils, along with organic herbs, spices, canapes, and condiments. The tour starts at Brettos, the oldest bar in Athens, where you’ll find a cozy Deli & Tasting Room for this intimate, small group activity limited to eight participants.

While the experience is described as a masterclass, some reviews suggest that the explanations are quick and straightforward, not as detailed as some might hope. However, the focus on pairings of Greek olive oil and wine and the opportunity to grasp food and herb combinations make this tour a worthwhile choice for enthusiasts eager to learn about Greece’s culinary staples in a relaxed setting.

Key Points

• Price of $56 per person for a 2-hour tasting session
• Includes six wines and four types of extra virgin olive oil
• Focus on food pairings with herbs, cheese, and deli items
• Starts at the historic Brettos bar in Athens
• Small group experience limited to 8 participants for personalized attention
• Highlights include olive oil tasting, wine explanations, and food pairing insights

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Historic Brettos Bar as the Starting Point

This tasting begins at Brettos, the oldest bar in Athens, which adds a special touch to the experience. Visitors find the bar’s historic ambiance inviting, and the Deli & Tasting Room offers a cozy environment for the tasting. The activity starts with a brief introduction to Greek wine and olive oil, setting the tone for a relaxed but educational session.

The meeting point is easy to find, and the tour naturally concludes back at the same location. This convenient setup makes it simple to include in a day exploring the Plaka neighborhood or other nearby attractions.

What You Learn in the Olive Oil and Wine Masterclass

Over 90 minutes, the instructor guides you through six wines and four extra virgin olive oils, emphasizing the natural qualities of each. The focus is on pairing, demonstrating how herbs, cheese, and deli items complement the flavors of Greek olive oil and wine.

Participants gain practical skills to evaluate olive oil quality and understand how food pairings enhance the tasting experience. The class also covers the basics of wine fermentation and olive pressing, providing context for Greece’s tradition of produce for over four millennia.

Discovering the Six Wines

The wine tasting component introduces a diverse selection of Greek wines. The guide explains the grape varieties, their taste profiles, and the popularity of each. This detailed explanation helps participants appreciate the nuances of Greek wine, from light whites to richer reds.

Reviews highlight the quality of the wine selection, with some describing it as excellent. The instructor’s clarity in explaining grape characteristics and tasting notes makes this segment particularly engaging for wine lovers.

Olive Oil Tasting: Types and Flavors

The olive oil tasting features four different extra virgin olive oils, allowing participants to compare flavor profiles and aroma differences. The class emphasizes understanding herb and food pairings, which is especially valuable for those interested in selecting quality olive oil at home.

Participants learn how freshly squeezed olive juice is produced and what makes certain oils superior. The tasting also provides insights into how herbs and spices can bring out unique flavors in olive oil, enhancing both cooking and dipping.

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Food Pairings with Herbs, Cheese, and Deli

A key element of this tour is exploring pairings with canapes and condiments. The instructor demonstrates how organic herbs and spices work with olive oil and wine to create delicious combinations. The inclusion of cheese and deli items adds a savory dimension to the tasting.

This segment helps participants understand how to balance flavors and enhance dishes with the right olive oil and wine pairings. It’s practical knowledge that can be applied in everyday cooking or in creating memorable wine-bar experiences at home.

The Guide’s Approach and Participant Experience

Based on reviews, the instructor’s knowledgeable and friendly manner is appreciated, making the experience both enjoyable and informative. The small group size allows for more personalized explanations, which many find enhances the learning process.

However, some feedback notes that the explanations can be quick and basic, and the advertised “masterclass” might not meet everyone’s expectation for depth. Yet, the overall tone remains positive, especially for those seeking a relaxed and interactive tasting.

Practical Details: Duration, Group Size, and Flexibility

This 2-hour experience begins with the check availability to find suitable starting times. The activity is held in English, making it accessible for international visitors. The small group setting ensures an intimate environment, with a maximum of 8 participants.

Booking offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, and the option to reserve now and pay later provides flexibility for travel planning. The tour is not suitable for anyone under 21, aligning with alcohol regulations.

Accessibility and Overall Value

Given the price of $56, the tour delivers a comprehensive experience that covers both wine and olive oil, including food pairings and educational insights. The inclusion of organic herbs and spices, canapes, and condiments adds value, making it a satisfying choice for those interested in Greece’s culinary heritage.

The short duration and small group format strike a good balance between learning and leisure, making it suitable for travelers who want a relaxed, personalized activity in Athens.

Limitations and Considerations

Some reviews indicate that the explanations during the masterclass are not very detailed and tend to be quick. There are also comments about the absence of canapés or additional food, despite being advertised, which might disappoint those expecting a full food pairing experience.

The overall positive reviews highlight the quality of the wine and olive oil, and the friendly guidance. The tour remains an excellent choice for those curious about Greece’s wine and olive oil, especially if they prefer a small group setting.

A Worthwhile Introduction to Greece’s Culinary Treasures

The Greek Wine & Olive Oil Tasting at Brettos offers an accessible, educational dive into Greece’s long-standing traditions. The combination of six wines and four olive oils provides ample variety, while the food pairing component adds practical value.

Despite some limitations in explanation depth, the small group size, historic setting, and hands-on tasting approach make this tour stand out. It’s perfect for foodies, wine lovers, and anyone curious about Greece’s culinary heritage, especially those wanting a relaxed and informative experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the tour suitable for non-drinkers?
No, the activity is designed around wine and olive oil tasting and is not suitable for those under 21.

What does the experience include?
Participants sample six wines, taste four types of extra virgin olive oils, and enjoy canapes and condiments with organic herbs and spices.

Where does the tour start?
It begins at Brettos, the oldest bar in Athens, specifically inside the Deli & Tasting Room.

How long does the tour last?
The masterclass runs for about 90 minutes, with a total activity duration of 2 hours.

Can I cancel the booking?
Yes, you can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours before the start time.

Is the experience educational?
Yes, the guide provides explanations on wines, olive oils, and food pairings, helping guests understand quality and flavor profiles.

How many people are in each group?
The activity is limited to 8 participants for a more personalized experience.

Is this activity accessible?
The available data does not specify accessibility features, so it is advisable to check directly if needed.

What makes this tour unique?
Its historic setting at Brettos and the focus on pairing Greek wines with olive oil and herbs provide an authentic taste of Greece’s culinary tradition.

Would you recommend this experience?
Yes, especially for those interested in learning about Greece’s wine and olive oil, and who prefer a small, relaxed setting.

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