Crete Wine and Olive Oil Tour

Crete’s rich culinary heritage is on full display through the Crete Wine and Olive Oil Tour. Boasting over 185 positive reviews and a Badge of Excellence, this comprehensive tour invites visitors to experience the island’s time-honored winemaking and olive oil production techniques firsthand. From family-run wineries and olive mills to the revered Monumental Olive Tree of Vouves, the tour provides an immersive glimpse into Crete’s vibrant food culture. With knowledgeable guides leading the way, travelers can indulge in regional wine and olive oil tastings, uncovering the unique flavors that define this remarkable Mediterranean destination. What secrets might this tour unveil about Crete’s enduring gastronomic traditions?

This experience made our list of the 24 Best Wine Tours In Chania.

Key Points

• Comprehensive exploration of Crete’s ancient culinary heritage, including visits to family-run wineries, olive mills, and sampling of regional wines and olive oils.
• Opportunities to learn about traditional production methods at Anoskeli Winery Olive Mill and discover award-winning wines at Manousakis Winery.
• Immersive experience in family-owned wineries, with guided tastings and tours that provide a deep understanding of Crete’s viticultural history.
• Visit to the Monumental Olive Tree of Vouves, a 3,000-year-old living symbol of Crete’s resilience and culinary traditions.
• Convenient transportation with pickup from hotels in the Chania region, knowledgeable English-speaking driver and wine specialists, and bottled water and light snacks provided.

Tour Overview

This Crete Wine and Olive Oil Tour provides a comprehensive exploration of the island’s ancient culinary heritage, allowing visitors to enjoy the rich flavors and traditions that have endured for generations.

With 185 positive reviews and a Badge of Excellence, this tour treats the senses to the ancient tastes of Crete.

Guests will visit family-run wineries and olive mills, sampling regional wines and olive oils while learning from knowledgeable guides.

The tour includes a stop at the Monumental Olive Tree of Vouves, one of the oldest olive trees in the world.

This all-inclusive experience delivers an in-depth look at Crete’s vibrant food and beverage culture.

Wine and Olive Oil Tasting

Visitors on the Crete Wine and Olive Oil Tour enjoy the island’s ancient culinary heritage, sampling an array of regional wines and olive oils at family-run estates.

The tour includes stops at:

1. Anoskeli Winery Olive Mill, where guests learn about traditional production methods and indulge in tastings.

2. The Monumental Olive Tree of Vouves, one of the oldest olive trees in the world, estimated to be over 3,000 years old.

3. Manousakis Winery, a family-owned vineyard showcasing the unique terroir of Crete through its award-winning wines.

Throughout the journey, knowledgeable wine specialists guide participants, sharing insights into the region’s rich viticultural and agricultural history. Visitors depart with a deeper appreciation for Crete’s time-honored culinary traditions.

Winery Visits

On the Crete Wine and Olive Oil Tour, guests enjoy the winemaking traditions of the island, visiting family-owned wineries and learning about the unique terroir that shapes the region’s award-winning vintages.

At the Anoskeli Winery Olive Mill, they’ll experience a 1.5-hour tasting and tour, exploring the production of premium olive oils alongside the winery’s selection of locally-grown wines.

Later, they’ll visit Manousakis Winery for another 1.5-hour tasting, discovering the nuances of Cretan grape varieties and savoring the flavors that have made the island a rising star in the global wine scene.

Throughout the tour, knowledgeable wine specialists guide guests, ensuring they leave with a deep appreciation for Crete’s rich viticultural heritage.

Ancient Olive Tree

The tour’s highlight is a visit to the Monumental Olive Tree of Vouves, one of the world’s oldest known olive trees, estimated to be over 3,000 years old and still producing fruit. This ancient olive tree is a testament to the enduring tradition of olive cultivation in Crete. Visitors can marvel at its massive trunk, gnarled branches, and the lush foliage that continues to thrive after millennia.

The tree is believed to have been planted during the Minoan civilization, the earliest known advanced society on the island.

It has survived countless invasions, natural disasters, and the passage of time, making it a living symbol of Crete’s resilience.

The tree’s olives are still harvested and used to produce high-quality olive oil, connecting the past to the present.

Transportation and Pickup

Commencing the tour, participants are picked up from their hotels in the Chania region, transported via air-conditioned minibus or minivan to the various winery and olive oil mill stops on the itinerary.

For areas with limited access, the group meets at pre-arranged meeting points. The transportation is seamless, ensuring a comfortable and efficient experience as guests are escorted by the knowledgeable English-speaking driver and wine specialists.

Throughout the journey, bottled water and light snacks are provided, allowing travelers to stay refreshed and energized as they enjoy the ancient flavors of Crete.

The transportation logistics are meticulously planned to maximize the time spent exploring the wineries and olive oil mill.

Inclusions and Exclusions

The tour package includes a wine and food tasting, an olive oil tasting, and the services of an English-speaking driver/escort and wine specialists. Plus, bottled water and light snacks are provided to keep travelers refreshed throughout the experience. However, gratuities and any additional food or drinks beyond what’s included aren’t covered by the tour price.

The tour highlights three key inclusions:

1. Wine and food tasting at two family-run wineries

2. Olive oil tasting to discover the ancient flavors of Crete

3. Transportation by air-conditioned minibus/minivan and the expertise of knowledgeable guides

Tour Duration and Schedule

The Crete Wine and Olive Oil Tour lasts approximately 5-6 hours, providing travelers ample time to enjoy the region’s rich winemaking and olive oil traditions. After pickup from their Chania-area hotels, guests embark on an air-conditioned minivan or minibus journey to three distinct stops. These include the Anoskeli Winery Olive Mill, the iconic Monumental Olive Tree of Vouves, and the Manousakis Winery, with ample time allotted at each location for tastings and exploration.

Tour Schedule
Anoskeli Winery Olive Mill	1.5 hours
Monumental Olive Tree of Vouves	20 minutes
Manousakis Winery	1.5 hours

Reservation and Cancellation Policy

Reservations are required for the Crete Wine and Olive Oil Tour, which must be made at least 12 hours in advance.

Cancellations are permitted up to 5 days prior to the tour date, with a 50% refund provided. No refunds are given for cancellations made within 5 days of the scheduled tour.

The tour’s reservation and cancellation policy has a few key points:

1. Reservations must be made at least 12 hours before the tour.
2. Cancellations up to 5 days prior to the tour date receive a 50% refund.
3. No refunds are provided for cancellations within 5 days of the tour.

Guests are advised to plan their schedules carefully and communicate any dietary preferences or allergies in advance to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Cancellation Policy for Last-Minute Changes?

The cancellation policy for last-minute changes is a 50% refund up to 5 days before the tour, and no refund after that. Reservations must be made at least 12 hours in advance.

Are There Any Dietary Restrictions for the Food and Wine Tastings?

The tour accommodates various dietary restrictions. Travelers with allergies or dietary preferences should inform the tour company in advance so they can make the necessary arrangements for the food and wine tastings.

Is There an Option to Customize the Tour Itinerary?

Based on the information provided, it doesn’t seem there’s an option to customize the tour itinerary. The tour appears to have a set schedule and pre-determined stops. Travelers can’t request changes to the itinerary or add/remove specific winery visits.

Can We Bring Any Souvenirs or Purchases Back on the Bus?

Yes, travelers can bring any souvenirs or purchases back on the bus during the tour. The tour provider allows participants to bring their purchases with them throughout the excursion for convenience and flexibility.

Are There Any Age Limitations for Participating in the Tour?

The tour has an age limitation – wine tasting is not allowed for children under 18. They’ll be provided with water or juice instead. The maximum group size is 20 travelers.

Recap

The Crete Wine and Olive Oil Tour offers a comprehensive exploration of the island’s ancient culinary heritage.

With visits to family-run wineries, olive mills, and the Monumental Olive Tree of Vouves, the tour provides a deep appreciation for Crete’s vibrant food culture.

Knowledgeable guides and tastings of regional wines and olive oils make this tour a must-do for anyone seeking to enjoy the flavors of Crete.