Private Wine and Olive Oil Tour With Wine Professional

Exploring the rich culinary heritage of Crete, this private tour offers an immersive experience for wine enthusiasts. Led by a seasoned wine professional, guests will venture through picturesque olive groves, savor diverse Cretan wine varietals, and indulge in a traditional 3-course lunch featuring authentic local flavors. With personalized insights and a focus on the region’s viniculture and gastronomic traditions, this tour promises an unforgettable journey into the heart of Crete’s vibrant food and wine culture. Whether you’re a seasoned oenophile or simply curious about the island’s renowned produce, this exclusive experience…

This experience made our list of the 25 Best Wine Tours In Crete.

Key Points

• Explore two renowned Cretan wineries with a wine professional, tasting approximately 10 different Cretan wine varietals.
• Visit an olive oil mill and wander through picturesque olive groves to learn about traditional olive oil production.
• Enjoy a 3-course lunch featuring authentic Cretan cuisine, including freshly baked bread and local olive oil.
• Engage in a hassle-free, immersive experience with an open bar, wine tastings, and all taxes and gratuities covered.
• Benefit from a private tour created by a wine-loving couple with industry experience, ensuring a personalized and informative experience.

Tour Overview

This private Wine and Olive Oil Tour in western Crete was created by a wine-loving couple with industry experience. It offers entry to an olive oil mill and two esteemed Cretan wineries, showcasing the region’s rich winemaking and olive oil heritage.

The tour features estate tours, full lunch, and wine tastings, providing an immersive experience for attendees. Guests can expect to sample approximately ten different Cretan wine varietals and enjoy traditional local cuisine in a setting that avoids touristy options.

The tour also allows for unreserved questions, giving participants the opportunity to engage directly with the guides and learn more about the region’s viniculture and olive oil production.

Activities and Experiences

Guests on the private Wine and Olive Oil Tour can first visit the olive groves at the Cave of St. John the Hermit, where they’ll sample the region’s renowned extra virgin olive oil.

Throughout the day, they’ll have the chance to:

• Sample approximately ten different varietals of Cretan wine

• Enjoy traditional food for lunch, avoiding touristy options

• Ask unreserved questions during the private tour

• Explore estate tours at two esteemed Cretan wineries

• Take advantage of the open bar with unlimited drinks

This comprehensive experience allows visitors to enjoy Crete’s rich winemaking and olive oil production traditions, while also savoring the local cuisine in an intimate, personalized setting.

Inclusions

The Wine and Olive Oil Tour includes a glass of Champagne, unlimited drinks from an open bar, and wine tastings throughout the day.

Visitors also enjoy a 3-course lunch, snacks, and all taxes and gratuities are covered. This ensures a hassle-free experience where guests can fully enjoy the flavors of Crete without worrying about additional costs.

The inclusions provide a well-rounded tour that caters to both wine enthusiasts and those looking to savor the local cuisine.

With everything taken care of, guests can focus on learning about the region’s rich winemaking heritage and olive oil production from the knowledgeable guides.

Logistics

The tour offers flexible meeting point selection, allowing guests to conveniently begin their experience.

It starts promptly at 9:30 am and isn’t wheelchair accessible, though strollers are permitted. While the tour isn’t suitable for those under 18, it’s easily accessible via public transportation.

The logistics for this private tour include:

• Meeting point options available to accommodate guests

• Tour duration of approximately 5-6 hours

• Minimum age requirement of 18 years old

• Stroller accessibility for families with young children

• Close proximity to public transportation hubs for easy access

Booking Information

Pricing for this private tour starts from €250.00 per person, with the final cost varying based on group size. The tour offers a lowest price guarantee, ensuring customers get the best deal.

Guests can cancel their booking for free up to 24 hours before the experience. Confirmation is provided at the time of booking, and flexible payment options are available.

The tour has received an impressive 5.0 rating from 25 reviews across platforms like Viator and Tripadvisor, indicating a high level of customer satisfaction.

Whether you’re a wine enthusiast or simply looking to learn about Crete’s rich culinary heritage, this private wine and olive oil tour is a must-try experience.

Visit to Olive Groves

The olive groves at the Cave of St. John the Hermit offer a unique glimpse into Crete’s rich agricultural heritage, where guests can enjoy the process of olive oil production.

Visitors will:

• Wander through the picturesque olive groves, admiring the centuries-old trees that produce Crete’s renowned extra virgin olive oil.

• Learn about the traditional methods of olive harvesting and pressing, gaining insights into the region’s time-honored traditions.

• Discover the importance of olives in Cretan culture and cuisine, and how they’ve shaped the island’s identity.

• Witness the olive oil milling process firsthand, from crushing the olives to extracting the precious liquid gold.

• Develop a deeper appreciation for the care and craftsmanship that goes into creating Crete’s world-class olive oils.

Wine Tasting Opportunity

Guests can sample approximately ten different varietals of renowned Cretan wine during the tour, gaining a comprehensive understanding of the region’s diverse viticulture. The wine tasting experience allows visitors to explore the unique flavors and characteristics of Crete’s premier wines. Guided by a wine professional, the tasting features a selection of both red and white wines, showcasing the island’s exceptional terroir and winemaking traditions.

Wine	Color	Tasting Notes
Vidiano	White	Vibrant acidity, citrus, and stone fruit flavors
Kotsifali	Red	Medium-bodied, with notes of dark berries and spice
Liatiko	Red	Elegant, with flavors of ripe plums and dried herbs
Thrapsathiri	White	Crisp, with aromas of green apple and white flowers
Mandilaria	Red	Full-bodied, with intense tannins and a long finish

Traditional Cretan Lunch

After the wine tasting, guests can look forward to enjoying a traditional Cretan lunch, which is a highlight of the tour.

The 3-course meal features authentic local dishes, allowing visitors to savor the rich culinary heritage of the island.

The menu includes:

• Freshly baked bread and local olive oil for dipping

• A selection of mezze-style appetizers, such as dolmades (stuffed grape leaves) and tzatziki (cucumber yogurt dip)

• A main course of grilled meats or seafood, accompanied by roasted vegetables and traditional Cretan potatoes

• A dessert of homemade baklava or a seasonal fruit platter

All dishes are prepared with locally sourced, high-quality ingredients, providing a truly immersive gastronomic experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Maximum Group Size for This Private Tour?

The tour is private, with only the customer’s group participating. The tour company does not specify a maximum group size, indicating it can accommodate groups of varying sizes for the exclusive private experience.

Are There Any Vegetarian or Gluten-Free Meal Options Available?

The tour offers flexible meal options, including vegetarian and gluten-free choices. Guests can inform the provider of any dietary requirements when booking, ensuring an enjoyable and accommodating experience during the private tour.

Can We Request Specific Wines to Be Included in the Tasting?

Yes, guests can request specific wines to be included in the tasting. The tour is private, so the hosts are flexible and willing to accommodate individual preferences within the established itinerary.

Is There an Additional Fee for Being Picked up From a Different Location?

There is no additional fee for being picked up from a different location. The tour offers flexible meeting point selection, allowing guests to choose a convenient pickup spot without incurring extra charges.

Do the Winery Visits Include a Tour of the Production Facilities?

The winery visits on this tour include a tour of the production facilities. Guests can expect to see where the wines are made and stored, learning about the winemaking process from the professionals.

Recap

This private wine and olive oil tour offers an immersive experience into Cretan viniculture and culinary traditions.

Guests will explore picturesque olive groves, indulge in olive oil and wine tastings, and savor a traditional 3-course Cretan lunch, all while learning from industry experts.

It’s a memorable journey that showcases the rich flavors and centuries-old practices that make Crete’s wine and olive oil so renowned.