A full-day treat for food and wine lovers, the Gourmet Journey: 12-Course Lunch, Wine Tasting & Culinary Session offers an immersive taste of Rhodes’ culinary traditions. Priced at $91.24 per person, this approximately four-hour tour combines a guided vineyard and distillery visit, a hands-on Greek cooking class, and a delicious 11-course meal accompanied by unlimited wine. Highly rated with a perfect 5.0 out of 5 based on 56 reviews, and recommended by 98% of participants, this experience is perfect for those eager to explore Rhodes’ flavors in a relaxed, informative setting.

Starting from Rhodes Port, the tour ensures a seamless pickup, with most participants collecting from their hotel or cruise terminal. The journey takes about half an hour through lush Greek landscapes, leading to a family-run vineyard that is both charming and well-kept. This experience stands out because it offers not only tastings but also the chance to learn about traditional Rhodesian cooking techniques — a rare combo that appeals to culinary enthusiasts and curious travelers alike.

Key Points

Includes a visit to a small, family-owned vineyard and distillery with explanations of wine and souma production
Engages participants in a hands-on cooking class, learning to make three traditional Greek dishes
Enjoys an 11-course Greek lunch paired with unlimited wines and local drinks
Perfectly timed for cruise ship passengers, with pickup and drop-off included to ensure punctual return
Highly rated experience, with glowing reviews praising the host’s knowledge, delicious food, and excellent wines
Suitable for most travelers, with a focus on culinary curiosity and wine appreciation

Rhodes’ Vineyard and Distillery Tour

The experience begins at Rhodes Port, where a professional driver greets visitors for the half-hour drive to the vineyard. The small family business is praised for its well-maintained grounds and a warm atmosphere. Visitors walk through the vineyards, where guides explain the wine production process, providing insight into how grapes are cultivated and harvested.

Inside the distillery, the process of fermentation and distillation is demonstrated, showing how molasses becomes souma and tsipouro. The wine tasting that follows is detailed, with explanations of how different vinification techniques influence flavor profiles. Guests sample five wines and analyze the production process, gaining knowledge about Greek viticulture in a relaxed setting.

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Exploring Rhodes’ Traditional Cooking Techniques

After the vineyard tour, the focus turns to Greek culinary traditions. The cooking class is led by an experienced local cook, who shows and explains how to prepare three authentic dishes: pork and beef dolmades (stuffed grape leaves), eggplant salad, and taziki. Participants actively follow instructions, which makes for an engaging, hands-on experience. The chef shares tips and stories, helping to deepen understanding of Rhodesian cuisine.

The culinary session lasts about an hour, during which the group prepares the dishes together. This part of the tour is praised for its organization and fun atmosphere, making even novices feel comfortable in the kitchen.

The 11-Course Greek Lunch and Wine Experience

Following the cooking lesson, everyone is invited to sit down for a substantial 11-course meal. The local chef’s team serves a variety of traditional Rhodesian dishes, carefully paired with local wines. The unlimited wine option adds to the convivial atmosphere, with many reviews highlighting the quality and variety of wines offered.

The lunch includes authentic recipes that showcase Rhodes’ rich culinary heritage. Guests leave the table well-fed and satisfied, with a good understanding of the island’s flavors. The portion sizes and flavor combinations receive particular praise, ensuring no one leaves hungry.

Scenic Tour of the Rhodes Vineyards & Small Family Winery

The small, family-run vineyard is noted for its beautifully maintained grounds and personalized approach. Visitors appreciate the informative guides who share stories about the family’s history and the winery’s approach to wine-making. The walkaround provides a chance to see vines up close and learn about the specific grape varieties grown locally.

The distillery visit adds a unique touch, illustrating the local tradition of producing souma and tsipouro from molasses. Visitors get to observe fermentation and distillation processes firsthand, making this a comprehensive insight into Rhodes’ beverage culture.

Expert-Led Greek Cooking Class: Making Traditional Dishes

The cooking class is praised for its interactive and organized format. The host, often described as knowledgeable and friendly, guides participants through preparing three classic dishes. The process involves hands-on participation, making the experience fun and educational.

Participants learn tips and techniques for making stuffed grape leaves, eggplant salad, and taziki, gaining skills they can take home. The class ends with everyone sitting down together to enjoy the fruits of their labor in a casual, cheerful setting.

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Lunch with 11 Traditional Greek Dishes and Unlimited Wine

The lunch is lauded as delicious and generous, with a carefully curated menu of 11 traditional dishes. The pairing with local wines enhances each flavor, and the unlimited wine option encourages relaxation and conversation. Many reviews emphasize the freshness and authenticity of the food, along with the warm hospitality from the staff.

Visitors note that the portion sizes are ample, and the overall experience feels like a genuine taste of Rhodes’ culinary culture.

Logistics: Pickup, Drop-off, and Group Size

The tour offers pickup from Rhodes Port or your hotel, with most pickups taking about half an hour. The group size can be quite large, with a maximum of 999 travelers, but reviews suggest the experience feels intimate thanks to the personal approach of the hosts. The drop-off at the port is confirmed, ensuring timely return for cruise ship schedules or flights.

The tour is designed to fit into a 4-hour window, making it an ideal activity for travelers with limited time but a desire for a rich, authentic experience.

Value for Money and Overall Experience

At $91.24 per person, this tour offers excellent value considering the comprehensive itinerary — vineyard visit, distillery tour, wine tasting, cooking class, and an 11-course lunch. Reviewers consistently praise the quality of the food, wines, and guides, highlighting friendly hosts and a relaxed atmosphere.

While the tour involves some walking and participation, it remains accessible for most travelers. The informative nature and delicious outcome make this experience stand out among Rhodes activities.

Final Thoughts on the Gourmet Journey

This Gourmet Journey provides a well-rounded taste of Rhodes, combining culinary education, wine appreciation, and authentic local dishes. The small family vineyard adds an intimate touch, and the cooking class offers practical skills that guests can replicate at home.

Ideal for foodies, wine lovers, or anyone interested in learning about Greek culture through cuisine, the tour’s high ratings and extensive praise reflect its quality. The free cancellation policy adds peace of mind, making it a reliable choice for a memorable day in Rhodes.

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Gourmet Journey: 12-Course Lunch, Wine Tasting & Culinary Session

5.0

(56)

96% 5-star

“Perhaps one of the most entertaining and educational experience. Loved our host and his humor. The food served was awesome and the wine tasting unb…”

— Don M, Featured

Frequently Asked Questions

Is transportation included in the tour?
Yes, pickup from Rhodes Port or your hotel is offered, with a half-hour transfer to the vineyard.

What is the duration of the tour?
The entire experience lasts around 4 hours.

Can I participate if I don’t drink wine?
While the tour features unlimited wine, non-drinkers can still enjoy the food and cooking class; wine is optional.

Is the tour suitable for children?
The tour is generally suitable for most travelers, but it’s best to check with the provider about age restrictions for the cooking class.

What dishes are prepared during the cooking class?
Participants learn to make pork and beef dolmades, eggplant salad, and taziki.

How many wines are tasted during the tour?
Guests sample five different wines during the tasting session.

Is the vineyard family-owned?
Yes, the vineyard is a small, family-run operation praised for its personal touch.

What makes this tour stand out?
The combination of vineyard and distillery visits, hands-on cooking, and an extensive lunch makes it unique in Rhodes.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the tour.

Is the tour accessible for most travelers?
Most travelers can participate comfortably, with some walking involved and the tour designed to be inclusive.