In the idyllic island of Ikaria, Greece, a unique opportunity awaits wine enthusiasts and culinary adventurers alike. A professional tour with a knowledgeable winemaker promises an immersive experience, blending the region’s rich winemaking traditions with its captivating culinary heritage. Theres some good a carefully curated selection of five cellar wines, each perfectly paired with a seven-course traditional meal crafted by a local chef. With a maximum of 12 participants, this intimate setting fosters personalized interaction and a deep dive into the flavors and stories that define Ikaria’s vibrant food and wine culture. It’s an experience that may just leave you craving more of this enchanting island’s secrets.
This experience made our list of the 3 Best Tours In Northeast Aegean Islands.
Key Points
- Afianes Wines offers a personalized wine tasting and traditional Ikarian cuisine experience led by their knowledgeable winemaker in the Northeast Aegean Islands.
- The 5-hour tour includes a 7-course Ikarian-style meal, 5 cellar wines, and unlimited alcoholic beverages and snacks.
- The tour operates Wednesday to Saturday from 5 PM to 11 PM, with a maximum capacity of 12 travelers.
- The meeting point is a 10-minute drive from Christos village, and the tour is available from June 3, 2022, to October 13, 2025.
- The tour is priced starting from $232.78 with free cancellation up to 24 hours before, and early booking is advised due to high demand.
Tour Overview
The professional tour with the winemaker takes place in the Northeast Aegean Islands of Greece, on the island of Ikaria.
It’s operated by Afianes Wines and can accommodate a maximum of 12 travelers.
The tour includes five cellar wines, a traditional Ikarian-style dinner or lunch homemade by Maria, a seven-course meal with two glasses of wine, and alcoholic beverages and snacks.
The meeting point is a ten-minute drive from Christos village, and the tour returns to the same location.
The operating hours are Wednesday through Saturday, from 5 PM to 11 PM, with dates available from June 3, 2022, to October 13, 2025.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Northeast Aegean Islands.
Experience Details
Included in the tour are five cellar wines for tasting. Guests will also enjoy a traditional Ikarian-style dinner or lunch, homemade by Maria. The seven-course meal comes with two glasses of wine of your choice. Throughout the experience, alcoholic beverages and snacks will be provided.
| Included in Tour | Details |
|---|---|
| Cellar Wines | 5 wines for tasting |
| Meal | 7-course traditional Ikarian dinner/lunch |
| Beverages | 2 glasses of wine, alcoholic beverages, and snacks |
The tour provides an immersive culinary and wine experience highlighting the flavors of Ikaria.
Meeting and Pickup
Located about a ten-minute drive from Christos village, the meeting point for the tour is at the coordinates 8G98H3RC+VV2 in Raches, Greece.
The tour begins and ends at this designated location. Participants should confirm the pickup time with the local provider in advance, as the tour operates from Wednesday to Saturday between 5:00 PM and 11:00 PM.
The tour is available for booking from June 3, 2022, to October 13, 2025. Guests should note that the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, but service animals are allowed, and infant seats are available.
Schedule and Availability
Confirming the tour time with the local provider in advance is recommended, as the experience operates Wednesday through Saturday, from 5:00 PM to 11:00 PM.
This professional tour with a winemaker in Ikaria is available from June 3, 2022, to October 13, 2025. Guests can choose from various dates within this range, though availability may be limited.
It’s important to check with the local provider for the most up-to-date schedule and ensure the desired date is open. Booking early is advisable, as this tour has been highly rated and may fill up quickly during the peak tourism season on the idyllic Greek island.
Booking Information
Priced from $232.78, this professional tour with a winemaker in Ikaria offers a lowest price guarantee.
Guests can reserve their spot now and pay later, with free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts. Confirmation is received within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability.
The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, but service animals are allowed, and infant seats are available.
With a maximum of 12 travelers, this intimate experience provides an opportunity to take in Ikarian winemaking and cuisine, led by a knowledgeable winemaker and featuring a traditional seven-course meal paired with two glasses of wine.
Reviews
The Ikaria winemaker tour has earned rave reviews, with a perfect 5-star rating across five total reviews. Guests have praised the knowledgeable winemaker, the delicious homemade Ikarian cuisine, and the generous pours of wine throughout the evening.
Some key highlights from the reviews:
- "Truly an unforgettable experience – I learned so much about Ikarian winemaking and culture."
- "Maria’s cooking was out of this world. Every course was better than the last!"
- "The winemaker was so passionate and made the tasting truly engaging."
- "Worth every penny. This tour exceeded all of my expectations."
Wine and Cuisine
A seven-course, wine-paired Ikarian feast awaits guests on this professional winemaker tour. The meal, homemade by local chef Maria, features traditional Ikarian-style dishes.
Travelers will enjoy five cellar wines during the tour, with two additional glasses of their choice paired with the elaborate meal. From appetizers to dessert, the culinary experience showcases the unique flavors of the Northeast Aegean Islands.
Alcoholic beverages and snacks are provided throughout the tour. With a maximum of 12 guests, the intimate setting allows for a personalized exploration of Ikarian cuisine and winemaking.
Getting to Ikaria
Reaching Ikaria, the remote Northeast Aegean island, can be a bit of a journey, but the breathtaking landscapes and unique cultural experiences make it well worth the effort.
Travelers have several options to get to this hidden gem, including:
- Flying into Ikaria Airport, which is serviced by regional flights from Athens
- Taking a ferry from the mainland port of Evdilos or Agios Kirykos, both offering regular connections
- Combining a ferry ride with a bus or taxi transfer, particularly convenient for those arriving at larger ports like Piraeus
- Driving from the mainland, taking in the scenic coastal roads along the way
The remote location is part of Ikaria’s allure, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the island’s authentic way of life.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Dress Code for the Tour?
The tour doesn’t have a strict dress code, but it’s recommended to wear comfortable, casual clothing that’s suitable for both indoor and outdoor activities. Participants should dress for the weather and be prepared for a relaxed, immersive experience.
Are There Any Special Dietary Requirements for the Dinner?
The tour provider indicates that a traditional Ikarian-style dinner will be served, and it is suggested guests contact them in advance to discuss any special dietary requirements. The meal includes a seven-course menu with two glasses of wine.
Can I Bring My Own Wine to the Event?
No, guests cannot bring their own wine to the event. The tour includes five cellar wines and two glasses of wine of your choice, so all alcoholic beverages are provided as part of the seven-course traditional Ikarian style meal.
How Much Time Is Allocated for the Wine Tasting?
The tour includes a 5-cellar wine tasting, with two glasses of wine of the traveler’s choice provided during the traditional 7-course Ikarian-style dinner/lunch. The duration of the wine tasting experience is not explicitly stated in the overview.
Is Transportation Provided to the Meeting Point?
The meeting point is provided, but transportation to the location is not included in the tour details. Travelers are responsible for arranging their own transportation to the designated meeting point approximately 10 minutes from Christos village.
Recap
A truly immersive experience, the professional tour with a winemaker in Ikaria, Greece offers a unique opportunity to indulge in the region’s rich culinary heritage and winemaking traditions. With a personalized seven-course meal and thoughtfully paired cellar wines, guests will be treated to an intimate and memorable journey, leaving them with a deeper appreciation for the flavors and traditions of this captivating island.