Heraklion SUV Private Guided Wine Tour With Lunch

Crete’s winemaking heritage takes center stage in this immersive SUV tour, where visitors embark on a captivating exploration of the Heraklion region. Delving into the island’s award-winning vineyards, guests will uncover the unique grape varieties and enduring traditions that have shaped its renowned wines. From guided winery tours to a 500-year-old wine press, this curated experience promises a delightful blend of cultural insights and palate-pleasing discoveries. But the true highlight may lie in the opportunity to savor Cretan cuisine paired with carefully selected wines – a harmonious symphony that invites travelers to fully enjoy the flavors of this storied land.

This experience made our list of the 25 Best Lunch Experiences In Heraklion.

Key Points

• Immersive private wine tour in Heraklion region, exploring two award-winning family wineries and tasting 12 selected Cretan wines.
• Includes guided tours through vineyards, cellars, and a 500-year-old wine press, along with a 3-course traditional Cretan cuisine meal with wine pairings.
• Pickup from various locations in Chersonisos, Malia, and Agia Pelagia, providing a convenient and hassle-free experience.
• Learn about the unique Cretan grape varieties, winemaking traditions, and the region’s award-winning winemaking heritage.
• Straightforward cancellation policy, allowing for flexibility in managing the tour experience.

Overview of the Tour

This private guided wine tour in the Heraklion region of Crete invites participants to explore two award-winning family wineries, where they can taste 12 selected wines and learn about the winemaking traditions of the island.

Highlights include guided tours through the wineries, vineyards, and cellars, as well as a visit to a 500-year-old wine press.

The experience also includes a 3-course traditional Cretan cuisine meal with wine pairings, allowing guests to savor the local flavors.

With pickup available from select locations and an air-conditioned vehicle for transportation, this tour provides a comprehensive and immersive wine-tasting experience in the heart of Crete.

Included Experiences

The private guided wine tour includes a range of experiences to immerse participants in the winemaking traditions of Crete.

Visitors can enjoy 12 selected wine tastings at two award-winning family wineries, where they’ll tour the facilities and learn about the production process.

The tour also includes:

• A 3-course traditional Cretan cuisine meal with wine pairings, providing a delicious culinary experience.
• Guided tours through the vineyards, cellars, and a 500-year-old wine press, offering a glimpse into Crete’s rich winemaking heritage.
• Transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle, ensuring a comfortable and hassle-free journey.
• Gratuities, so participants can fully enjoy the experience without worrying about additional costs.

Pickup and Locations

Pickup locations for this private guided wine tour include Chersonisos, Malia, and Agia Pelagia, though an additional charge may apply for those locations.

The tour visits two award-winning family wineries in the Heraklion region of Crete, and you will also explore a 500-year-old wine press during the excursion.

These family-owned wineries offer the opportunity to taste 12 selected wines from Crete’s unique grape varieties and learn about the island’s rich winemaking traditions.

The tour provides a comprehensive immersion into Crete’s wine culture, complemented by a 3-course traditional Cretan cuisine meal with carefully curated wine pairings.

Award-Winning Wineries

Two award-winning family wineries in the Heraklion region of Crete welcome guests on this private guided wine tour, offering the opportunity to taste 12 carefully selected wines and learn about the island’s rich winemaking traditions.

The tour delves into the history and production methods of these renowned vineyards, providing an immersive experience for wine enthusiasts.

Guests can expect to:

• Explore the vineyards and witness the traditional winemaking process
• Visit the centuries-old wine cellars and observe the aging of the wines
• Learn about the unique Cretan grape varieties and their distinct flavors
• Engage with the winemakers and gain insights into the region’s wine culture

This exclusive tour promises a memorable journey through Crete’s award-winning winemaking heritage.

500-Year-Old Wine Press

Nestled within the picturesque Cretan landscape, the tour also includes a visit to a captivating 500-year-old wine press, offering a glimpse into the island’s rich winemaking heritage.

Participants will have the opportunity to explore this historical artifact, which has been meticulously preserved and continues to serve as a testament to the ingenuity and craftsmanship of Cretan vintners.

The guide will provide insights into the traditional methods used in this ancient wine press, allowing visitors to appreciate the evolution of winemaking on the island.

This unique experience adds an authentic touch to the tour, immersing participants in Crete’s enduring viticultural traditions.

Cretan Cuisine Meal

Along With the wine tastings, the tour includes a 3-course traditional Cretan cuisine meal with wine pairings, allowing participants to fully enjoy the local culinary traditions.

The meal features authentic Cretan dishes made with fresh, locally-sourced ingredients. Some highlights of the meal include:

• Dakos – A traditional Cretan appetizer made with barley rusk, tomatoes, feta, and olive oil
• Lamb with Stamnagathi – A hearty main course of slow-cooked lamb served with the bitter leafy green stamnagathi
• Galaktoboureko – A rich custard-based dessert wrapped in flaky phyllo dough

Local Cretan wines carefully selected to complement each course.

This dining experience provides a well-rounded introduction to the rich culinary heritage of Crete.

Wine Tasting Varieties

The tour offers participants the opportunity to taste 12 carefully selected wines from Crete’s diverse grape varieties, providing an in-depth exploration of the region’s winemaking traditions.

During the wine tastings, visitors will have the chance to sample a variety of indigenous Cretan grapes, including Assyrtiko, Vidiano, Kotsifali, and Mandilaria. The expert guides will share insights into the unique terroir and production methods that contribute to the distinctive flavors of these wines.

Guests can expect to learn about the history and evolution of Crete’s winemaking heritage as they savor the complex aromas and balanced profiles of the selections on offer.

Cancellation Policy

Travelers may cancel their reservation up to 24 hours before the scheduled tour date to receive a full refund, though any cancellations made less than 24 hours in advance aren’t eligible for a refund.

This policy provides flexibility for those with last-minute schedule changes while also ensuring the tour operator can adequately plan for each excursion.

The cancellation policy includes the following key points:

• Cancellations up to 24 hours before the experience are eligible for a full refund
• Cancellations less than 24 hours before the experience aren’t eligible for a refund
• Changes less than 24 hours before the experience aren’t accepted

This straightforward approach helps manage expectations and ensures a seamless experience for all participants.

Recap

The Heraklion SUV Private Guided Wine Tour offers an immersive experience into Crete’s rich winemaking heritage.

Visitors will explore two renowned wineries, taste a selection of award-winning wines, and savor a traditional Cretan cuisine lunch.

The tour includes transportation, guided visits, and insights into the island’s unique grape varieties and viticultural traditions, providing a comprehensive and enjoyable wine journey through the Heraklion region.