Galatas Village (Herakion): Cretan Cold Cuts Tasting

Nestled in the heart of Heraklion, Galatas Village offers a unique culinary experience that delves into the rich heritage of Cretan charcuterie. Under the guidance of a passionate 4th-generation charcutier, visitors can savor an array of traditional cured meats paired with seasonal appetizers and local wine. Beyond the tasting, the charming village sets the perfect backdrop, with its winding streets and picturesque stone buildings, inviting guests to enjoy the region’s time-honored curing techniques. This intimate gathering promises to captivate the senses and leave a lasting impression on those seeking to explore the depths of Crete’s renowned gastronomic traditions.

Key Points

• Enjoy a 1.5-hour Cretan cured-meat tasting experience in the charming village of Galatas, led by 4th-generation charcutier Manolis Kassakis.
• Savor a charcuterie board featuring traditional Cretan deli meats, accompanied by Cretan wine and seasonal appetizers in an intimate small-group setting.
• Learn about Crete’s rich culinary heritage and centuries-old curing methods that define the region’s distinct flavors and textures.
• Explore the picturesque Galatas village, known for its whitewashed homes, fragrant herb gardens, and immersion in Cretan cultural traditions.
• Opportunity to purchase the cured meats as souvenirs, capturing the essence of Cretan gastronomy.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Activity Overview

Guests can experience a Cretan cured-meat tasting at a boutique charcuterie in Galatas village, with the activity lasting approximately 1.5 hours and accommodating up to 10 participants in English and Greek.

Priced from $27.31 per person, the tasting allows guests to meet the local producer, Manolis Kassakis, a 4th generation charcutier.

Participants will learn about traditional Cretan foods, curing methods, and the history of the Galatas area.

The experience includes a charcuterie board with traditional Cretan deli meats, Cretan wine, seasonal appetizers, and an opportunity to purchase cured meats as souvenirs.

Booking Information

Customers can reserve a spot without upfront payment, and they’re able to cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Availability for starting times can be checked as well.

The charcuterie tasting experience is limited to just 10 participants, so early booking is recommended. Guests will have the opportunity to meet the 4th generation charcutier, Manolis Kassakis, and learn about traditional Cretan curing methods and the history of the Galatas area.

The tasting includes a charcuterie board with Cretan deli meats, seasonal appetizers, and a glass of wine per person in a serene setting. Purchasing cured meats as souvenirs is also an option.

Experience Highlights

During the tasting experience, you will have the opportunity to meet Manolis Kassakis, a 4th generation charcutier, and learn about traditional Cretan foods, curing methods, and the history of the Galatas area.

Guests will be treated to a charcuterie board featuring a variety of traditional Cretan deli meats.

Plus, they can enjoy:

• Cretan wine and seasonal appetizers in a serene setting

• Insights into the region’s rich culinary heritage

• A chance to purchase cured meats as souvenirs

• An intimate, small-group setting limited to 10 participants

• An educational and immersive cultural experience

Included Amenities

The tasting experience includes a Cretan cured meats platter, a variety of seasonal cold appetizers, a glass of wine per person, and water.

Visitors will have the opportunity to sample an assortment of traditional Cretan deli meats, such as sausages, prosciutto, and salami, all expertly cured by the local producer.

The seasonal appetizers, made with fresh local ingredients, provide a delightful complement to the cured meats.

A glass of Cretan wine per person is included, allowing guests to fully enjoy the flavors of the region.

Water is also provided to cleanse the palate between tastings.

Visitors can even opt to purchase some of the delectable cured meats as souvenirs to take home.

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Important Information

This experience isn’t suitable for people with mobility impairments, vegans, vegetarians, and those with insect allergies.

Visitors should wear comfortable shoes, sunglasses, and a sun hat. The meeting point is in Galatas village, where a sign will direct them to the Kassaki Cold Cuts facility.

Some key things to note:

• This tasting isn’t recommended for those with certain dietary restrictions or mobility issues.

• Appropriate clothing and sun protection are advised.

• The meeting location is clearly marked in the village.

• Guests will have the opportunity to purchase cured meats as souvenirs.

• The serene setting provides the perfect backdrop for this authentic Cretan culinary experience.

About the Producer

Manolis Kassakis, a 4th generation charcutier, leads this authentic Cretan cured-meat tasting experience. Hailing from a long lineage of artisan producers, Manolis is passionate about preserving the centuries-old traditions of Cretan charcuterie.

During the tasting, he’ll share insights into the curing methods, history, and cultural significance of these iconic deli meats. Guests can expect to learn firsthand from this expert artisan, who’s dedicated his life to mastering the craft.

Manolis’ intimate knowledge of the region’s terroir and time-honored techniques ensures an immersive and educational experience that truly captures the essence of Cretan gastronomy.

Cretan Curing Methods

Centuries-old curing methods are central to Cretan charcuterie, imparting the region’s hallmark flavors and textures. Artisans meticulously salt-cure and air-dry locally sourced meats, often using techniques passed down through generations.

This slow, patient process not only preserves the products but also intensifies their robust, earthy profiles.

Key Cretan curing methods include:

• Dry-curing with salt, herbs, and spices

• Smoke-curing over aromatic wood fires

• Prolonged air-drying in mountain caves

• Brining in saltwater baths

• Fermentation to develop deeper, tangy notes

The result is a mouthwatering array of air-dried sausages, prosciutto-style hams, and other specialty cold cuts that evoke the essence of Crete’s rugged terrain and rich culinary heritage.

Exploring Galatas Village

Nestled in the heart of Crete’s rugged landscape, Galatas village offers visitors a captivating glimpse into the island’s rich cultural heritage. Its winding streets and picturesque stone buildings bear witness to centuries of tradition, setting the stage for the immersive Cretan cold cuts tasting experience.

As participants stroll through the quaint village, they’ll be enchanted by the charming ambiance, with its whitewashed homes, fragrant herb gardens, and friendly locals going about their daily lives.

The tasting takes place at a boutique charcuterie, where visitors can meet the 4th generation producer and learn about the time-honored techniques used to craft the region’s renowned cured meats.

This intimate interaction allows guests to truly enjoy the culinary traditions that have defined Cretan culture for generations.

Recap

The Cretan cold cuts tasting experience in Galatas Village offers a unique opportunity to explore the region’s rich culinary heritage.

Under the guidance of a seasoned charcutier, visitors savor traditional cured meats and local delicacies, all set against the charming backdrop of the picturesque village.

This intimate gathering celebrates the time-honored techniques of Cretan charcuterie, providing a truly immersive and authentic taste of the island’s vibrant food culture.

You can check if your dates are available here: