Cooking Class at the Shepherds Shelter in Rethymno

Tucked away in the scenic Cretan countryside, the Shepherds Shelter in Rethymno offers a unique culinary experience that immerses visitors in the local food traditions. Guests can partake in a hands-on cooking class, where they’ll learn the art of crafting authentic Cretan dishes using fresh, bio ingredients harvested from the on-site farm. From picking herbs and veggies to mastering traditional cheese-making techniques, this engaging class promises a farm-to-table journey that culminates in a delectable, locally-sourced feast paired with regional wines. With the stunning Cretan landscape as a backdrop, this cooking class promises to be a truly memorable and enriching experience for foodies.

About Your Stay

• Immersive culinary experience at the Shepherds Shelter in Rethymno, Crete, focusing on local traditions and farm-to-table ingredients.
• Hands-on cooking class led by an expert chef, including vegetable and herb picking, cheese-making, and local wine tastings.
• Highly-rated class with a maximum of 12 travelers per session, starting from $121.46 per person.
• Accessible location with a stone-built cooking hub surrounded by olive groves, and a knowledgeable tour guide.
• Positive reviews highlighting the authenticity of the experience, generous food portions, and warm hospitality from the hosts.

Overview of the Cooking Class

The Shepherds Shelter in Rethymno, Crete, Greece offers a highly-rated cooking class that immerses participants in the local culinary traditions.

Located in a picturesque mountain setting, the class is rated 4.8 out of 5 stars based on 5 reviews. Priced from $121.46 per person, the class accommodates a maximum of 12 travelers and is operated by Το Σπίτι του Βοσκού.

Guests can enjoy a full lunch featuring fresh, locally-sourced ingredients, as well as opportunities to pick vegetables and herbs, make cheese, and taste local wines and spirits.

The class takes place at the meeting point, where the host will be waiting next to the stone-built building.

Experience and Activities

At the Shepherds Shelter, visitors can look forward to a deeply immersive culinary experience.

The day begins with picking fresh, locally-sourced vegetables and herbs from the on-site farm. Next, participants join an expert chef for a hands-on cooking class, where they’ll learn to prepare authentic Cretan dishes using traditional methods.

The highlight is the opportunity to observe the cheese-making process and sample the final product. Throughout the experience, guests can also enjoy tastings of local wines and spirits.

With a focus on using high-quality, bio ingredients, the cooking class promises a true farm-to-table adventure that celebrates the rich culinary heritage of Crete.

Meeting and Pickup Information

Participants will meet at the stone-built building of The Shepherds Shelter, located on Unnamed Road in Milopotamos 740 51, Greece.

The host will be waiting next to the building to greet the group at 11:00 am. The cooking class takes place at the same location, and the experience ends back at the meeting point.

Guests can expect a full, farm-to-table lunch as part of the class. Confirmation is received at the time of booking, subject to availability if booked within 11 hours.

The class accommodates up to 12 travelers and offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.

Accessibility and Additional Information

Although the cooking class isn’t wheelchair accessible, service animals are allowed to participate. Guests with disabilities should contact the operator in advance to discuss any special accommodations.

The class takes place at the Shepherds Shelter, located in the rural area of Milopotamos. Participants will receive a confirmation at the time of booking, which is subject to availability if booked within 11 hours of the start time.

The cooking class starts promptly at 11:00 am, and the host will be waiting next to the stone-built building to welcome guests. The experience ends back at the meeting point, providing a full farm-to-table culinary journey in the heart of Crete.

Reviews and Feedback

What do the reviews say about this cooking class in Rethymno?

According to the reviews, the cooking class at the Shepherds Shelter is an unforgettable experience. Guests have praised the authenticity of the farm-to-table experience, with one reviewer calling it an "unforgettable mountain farm cooking class."

Positive feedback also highlights the informative nature of the experience and the warm hospitality of the hosts. Reviewers appreciated the large quantities of food served, indicating the class provides a satisfying and generous dining experience.

Exploring the Shepherds Shelter

The Shepherds Shelter, the venue for the cooking class, offers an immersive farm-to-table experience in the heart of the Cretan countryside.

Nestled among rolling hills and olive groves, this stone-built structure serves as the hub for the cooking activities. Guests can explore the on-site farm, where they’ll pick fresh vegetables and herbs to be used in the class.

The facility also houses a cheese-making area, where participants can learn traditional Cretan cheese-making techniques.

Throughout the experience, a knowledgeable tour guide is on hand to provide insights into the local agriculture and culinary traditions.

The intimate class size of up to 12 travelers ensures a personalized and authentic learning experience.

Highlights of the Culinary Journey

The cooking class at The Shepherds Shelter offers guests an immersive farm-to-table experience, where they can fully enjoy traditional Cretan culinary traditions.

The class includes:

1. Picking fresh vegetables and herbs directly from the farm’s organic gardens.
2. Learning traditional cheese-making techniques under the guidance of the knowledgeable host.
3. Preparing a full-course lunch using the locally sourced ingredients, while sipping on local wine and spirits.
4. Exploring the historic stone-built shelter and learning about the property’s rich heritage.

Throughout the experience, guests are treated to warm hospitality and a wealth of information about Cretan food culture, ensuring an unforgettable culinary journey.

Preparing the Farm-to-Table Feast

Upon arrival at the Shepherds Shelter, guests eagerly follow their host to the organic gardens, where they begin the hands-on culinary adventure.

Guests pick fresh vegetables and herbs, learning about their origins and traditional uses.

Next, they venture into the rustic kitchen, where they receive guidance in preparing authentic Cretan dishes.

The class immerses participants in the art of cheese-making, kneading dough, and simmering local delicacies.

Throughout the process, the host shares stories and techniques passed down through generations.

As the feast takes shape, the aroma fills the air, whetting the appetite for the final, satisfying meal enjoyed alongside regional wines and spirits.

Questions About Staying Here

Are Vegetarian/Vegan Options Available?

The cooking class offers vegetarian and vegan options. According to the details, "fresh and bio raw materials" are used, indicating the class likely accommodates dietary restrictions. Guests can expect a farm-to-table experience with a variety of plant-based dishes.

Can We Take Leftover Food Home?

The experience doesn’t explicitly mention whether guests can take leftover food home. However, since a full lunch is included, it’s reasonable to expect participants can likely take any uneaten portions with them at the end of the cooking class.

Is There an Option to Attend Only the Cooking Class?

The cooking class experience usually includes a full lunch, but it’s possible to attend just the cooking class portion without the additional activities. Guests should check with the operator about this option and any related pricing or availability.

Can We Bring Our Own Wine/Alcohol?

Guests are generally allowed to bring their own wine or alcohol to a cooking class experience. However, it’s best to check with the host beforehand, as some venues may have policies restricting outside drinks to ensure proper food and beverage service.

Do We Need to Bring Any Cooking Equipment?

The cooking class doesn’t require guests to bring any cooking equipment. All necessary pots, pans, utensils, and tools are provided by the host. Guests can simply show up and participate in the hands-on cooking activities.

Worth The Stay

The Shepherds Shelter’s cooking class provides a unique opportunity to take in Crete’s rich culinary heritage. From harvesting fresh produce to crafting traditional dishes, participants can expect a hands-on, farm-to-table experience enhanced by the stunning Cretan countryside. With an emphasis on local, bio ingredients and ample opportunities to savor the final menu, this class offers a delightful blend of learning and indulgence.