Heraklion: Private Wine Tasting & Lunch @ Lyrarakis Winery

Discover Crete’s vibrant wine culture through an intimate 3-hour private tasting and lunch experience at the acclaimed Lyrarakis Winery. Choose hotel pickup or meet at the winery, then savor a guided tasting of 5 distinctive indigenous grape varieties. Explore the unique flavors and characteristics of Dafni, Vidiano, Thrapsathiri, Assyrtiko, and Liatiko. Afterwards, indulge in a delectable Cretan lunch amidst the picturesque vineyard scenery. Vegetarian options are available. This small-group tour (2-6 guests) offers a personalized and interactive encounter, providing deeper insights into Crete’s rich winemaking traditions. Discover more about this immersive experience.

This experience made our list of the 22 Best Lunch Experiences In Greece.

Key Points

• The private wine tasting and lunch experience at Lyrarakis Winery in Heraklion lasts for 3 hours and is wheelchair accessible.
• Guests can choose hotel pickup or meet at the winery entrance, with a 10-minute wait for those choosing pickup.
• The intimate experience accommodates 2-6 people, allowing for personalized engagement with winery staff and a deeper understanding of Cretan wines.
• The guided tasting includes 5 distinct indigenous Cretan wines, providing insights into the region’s vibrant wine culture and winemaking techniques.
• The gourmet lunch at the scenic vineyard showcases traditional Cretan dishes made with locally-sourced, fresh ingredients to complement the indigenous grape varieties.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Activity Duration and Accessibility

The activity lasts for 3 hours and is wheelchair accessible.

Guests can choose whether to be picked up from their hotel or meet the group at the winery’s entrance. They’ll just need to wait 10 minutes before the scheduled start time if they choose the pickup option.

This private wine tasting and lunch experience accommodates a minimum of 2 and a maximum of 6 people.

The itinerary includes a guided tasting of 5 different indigenous Cretan wines at the Lyrarakis Winery, followed by a delicious lunch at the vineyard.

Vegetarian menu options are available, and all fees, taxes, alcoholic beverages, and bottled water are included in the package.

Pickup and Group Size

Guests can choose whether they’d like to be picked up from their hotel or meet the group directly at the winery’s entrance, though they’ll need to wait 10 minutes before the scheduled start time if they choose the pickup option.

The private wine tasting and lunch experience accommodates a minimum of 2 and a maximum of 6 people. This small group size ensures an intimate and personalized experience, allowing for more interactive engagement with the winery staff and a deeper understanding of the Cretan wines.

Whether travelers opt for the pickup or meeting at the winery, they can look forward to an exclusive, tailored adventure that showcases the best of Lyrarakis Winery’s offerings.

Wine Tasting Experience

Upon arrival at Lyrarakis Winery, guests embark on a guided tasting of five distinct indigenous Cretan wines, seeing the region’s rich wine heritage.

The knowledgeable winery staff leads the private group through a curated selection, allowing participants to savor the unique characteristics and flavors of these locally-grown varietals.

The tasting experience highlights:

• Aromas and flavors that evoke the terroir of Crete
• Insights into the winemaking techniques that preserve traditional methods
• Opportunities to discuss and compare the distinctive styles of each wine

This intimate tasting offers an authentic glimpse into Crete’s vibrant wine culture, whetting the appetite for the delectable lunch to follow.

Guided Tasting of Cretan Wines

A guided exploration of Crete’s indigenous wine varietals awaits guests at Lyrarakis Winery, where a knowledgeable staff leads them through a curated tasting of five distinct local offerings. These wines showcase the island’s rich viticultural heritage, with each pour providing insight into the unique terroir and winemaking practices that define the Cretan experience.

Wine	Grape Varietal	Tasting Notes
Lyrarakis Dafni	Dafni	Delicate floral aromas, crisp acidity, hints of citrus and green apple
Lyrarakis Vidiano	Vidiano	Medium-bodied, ripe stone fruit flavors, balanced minerality
Lyrarakis Thrapsathiri	Thrapsathiri	Full-bodied, rich texture, notes of honey and orchard fruits
Lyrarakis Assyrtiko	Assyrtiko	Bright and zippy, with a distinctive saline character and steely finish
Lyrarakis Liatiko	Liatiko	Elegant and structured, displaying red berry aromas and a subtle spiciness

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Lunch at the Vineyard

After the guided wine tasting, guests savor a delectable lunch on the scenic grounds of Lyrarakis Winery, where the expansive vineyard landscape provides a picturesque backdrop.

The lunch menu features a variety of traditional Cretan dishes, perfectly complementing the distinct flavors of the wines tasted earlier. Guests can choose from a range of options, including:

• Vegetarian dishes to cater to all dietary preferences
• Locally-sourced, fresh ingredients that showcase the region’s culinary heritage
• Dishes that pair harmoniously with the indigenous Cretan grape varieties

The winery’s intimate setting and serene ambiance create a truly immersive experience, allowing guests to savor the flavors of Crete while surrounded by the beauty of the vineyards.

Vegetarian Menu Option

For those with dietary preferences, the winery proudly offers a vegetarian menu option that showcases the vibrant flavors of Crete’s produce.

Featuring locally-sourced, seasonal ingredients, the vegetarian dishes are carefully crafted to harmonize with the complexity of the indigenous wines.

Diners can expect to savor a delectable selection of meatless meze, salads, and main courses that celebrate the island’s culinary traditions.

Whether it’s a zesty tomato and feta salad, a hearty lentil stew, or a creamy eggplant moussaka, the vegetarian menu caters to those seeking a plant-based dining experience that complements the tasting of Lyrarakis’ award-winning vintages.

With attentive service and picturesque vineyard views, this is a truly immersive gastronomic journey for all palates.

Inclusions and Exclusions

The all-inclusive package covers air-conditioned transportation, a guided tasting of five Cretan wines, a gourmet lunch at the vineyard, and any applicable fees and taxes. However, visitors will need to cover any personal expenses incurred at the winery, such as purchasing extra wine by the glass or bottle during their meal.

The highlights of the experience include:

• Complimentary bottled water provided throughout the day
• Alcoholic beverages, including the wine tasting, included in the price
• Lunch at the Lyrarakis Winery, with a vegetarian menu option available

While the core experience is comprehensive, guests should plan to budget for any additional wine purchases or other personal expenditures beyond the inclusions.

Booking and Cancellation

Guests can reserve their spot now and pay later for the private wine tasting and lunch experience at Lyrarakis Winery.

The experience can be booked in advance, with free cancellation up to 24 hours before the scheduled time. This ensures flexibility for travelers who may need to adjust their plans.

The winery offers a convenient reserve now, pay later option, making it easy for guests to secure their spot without an upfront payment.

With the flexible cancellation policy and hassle-free booking process, guests can confidently plan their visit to the renowned Lyrarakis Winery for an exceptional wine tasting and dining experience in Crete.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I Need to Bring My Own Wine Glasses?

No, you don’t need to bring your own wine glasses. The activity includes a guided wine tasting at the winery, and they’ll provide the necessary wine glasses for the experience. All you need to bring is yourself and your taste for delicious Cretan wines.

Can I Purchase Additional Wines to Take Home?

Yes, you can purchase additional wines to take home. The experience includes a guided tasting of 5 different wines, but you’re welcome to buy any extra bottles you’d like to bring back from the winery.

Is the Activity Suitable for Children?

The activity is not ideal for children as it primarily focuses on wine tasting. However, the winery may accommodate families if the children do not participate in the wine tasting portion. It’s best to check with the tour operator about child-friendly options.

What Should I Wear for the Wine Tasting?

For a wine tasting, it’s best to wear comfortable, casual clothing. Avoid strong perfumes or colognes, as they can interfere with your ability to fully experience the aromas. Dress in layers, as the winery may be cool or air-conditioned.

Are There Any Dietary Restrictions Besides Vegetarian?

The activity offers a vegetarian menu option, and the provider can accommodate other dietary restrictions such as gluten-free or dairy-free upon request. Guests should inform the provider of any special dietary needs when booking the experience.

Recap

Enjoy Crete’s winemaking heritage with this private experience at Lyrarakis Winery.

Savor a guided tasting of five indigenous Cretan wines, then indulge in a delectable lunch made with fresh, local ingredients.

This curated tour offers an intimate journey through the island’s vibrant wine culture and culinary traditions, promising an unforgettable exploration of Crete’s rich viticultural legacy.

You can check if your dates are available here: