Rethymno: Cretan Herbs and Wine Tasting With Lunch

Enjoy Crete’s traditional lifestyle with a guided tour of an organic farm and local winery. Explore olive groves and vineyards, then discover the versatile flavors of Cretan herbs through a tasting session. Savor a wine-paired Cretan meal featuring regional specialties like Dakos and Moussaka. A knowledgeable local guide leads this authentic experience, providing insights into sustainable agriculture and the island’s deep-rooted culinary heritage. Prepare to delight your senses and gain a deeper appreciation for Crete’s rich cultural traditions. There’s more to uncover about this immersive exploration.

This experience made our list of the 4 Best Lunch Experiences In Rethymno.

Key Points

• Immersive experience exploring traditional Cretan lifestyle through visits to an organic farm and local family winery.
• Interactive tasting session to discover the versatility of Cretan herbs and a guided wine tasting at a family-run winery.
• Observation of the winemaking process and appreciation for the role of local, sustainable practices in Cretan viticulture.
• Savoring a delectable Cretan meal prepared with fresh, locally sourced ingredients, paired with the region’s renowned wines.
• Opportunity to learn about the deep-rooted connection between Cretan culture, the land, and its agricultural products.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Overview of the Experience

This immersive Cretan experience allows visitors to explore the traditional lifestyle of the island, exploring an organic farm and a local family winery.

Guests will have the opportunity to taste a variety of Cretan herbs and participate in a wine tasting session, learning about the region’s rich winemaking heritage.

The highlight of the tour is a delectable Cretan meal, where visitors can savor the flavors of the local cuisine, paired with the region’s renowned wines.

The experience is led by a knowledgeable local guide, ensuring an authentic and insightful journey through the heart of Cretan culture and traditions.

Traditional Cretan Lifestyle Immersion

Visitors enjoy Crete’s time-honored rural lifestyle, exploring an organic farm and local family winery that showcase the island’s enduring agricultural heritage. They’ll wander through the olive groves and vineyards, learning about traditional farming methods and the importance of local produce.

Discovering the versatility of Cretan herbs, from aromatic thyme to fragrant oregano, through an interactive tasting session.

Observing the winemaking process at a family-run winery, complete with a guided wine tasting to sample the region’s renowned vintages.

Indulging in a delectable Cretan meal prepared with fresh, locally sourced ingredients and complemented by the regional wine.

Gaining a deeper appreciation for the island’s rich culinary traditions and the community’s steadfast commitment to preserving their time-honored way of life.

Organic Farm and Local Winery

The tour begins with a visit to an organic farm, where guests can explore the lush olive groves and vineyards that have sustained Crete’s agricultural heritage for generations. The farmer provides an insightful look into traditional Cretan farming practices, showcasing the cultivation of indigenous herbs and the production of premium olive oil and wine.

Visitors have the opportunity to interact with the farmer, learning about the importance of organic and sustainable agriculture in preserving the island’s rich culinary traditions.

After the farm visit, the group heads to a local family winery to engage in an exclusive wine tasting. Here, they’ll discover the distinct flavors of Cretan varietals while gaining an appreciation for the winemaking process that has been passed down through generations.

Cretan Herb Tasting and Wine Tasting

Following the farm visit, guests dive into a captivating exploration of Cretan herbs and wines.

They’ll sip aromatic teas made from locally sourced herbs, discovering the unique flavors and medicinal properties that have sustained the island’s traditional herbal practices for centuries.

The wine tasting that follows allows visitors to savor the distinct character of Crete’s renowned vintages, gaining insight into the region’s centuries-old winemaking heritage.

The experience includes:

1. Sampling four different Cretan wines, each showcasing the terroir and traditional grape varieties of the region.
2. Learning about the winemaking process and the role of local, sustainable practices.
3. Pairing the wines with a delicious Cretan meal, highlighting the perfect harmony of food and drink.
4. Gaining an appreciation for the deep-rooted connection between Cretan culture, the land, and its agricultural products.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Savoring the Cretan Meal

A delectable Cretan meal caps off the immersive experience, allowing guests to savor the flavors that have sustained the island’s traditional way of life for generations. The Cretan meal features an array of local delicacies, each one bursting with the essence of the Mediterranean landscape. Guests can look forward to indulging in:

Dish	Description
Dakos	A rustic barley rusk topped with tomatoes, olives, and feta
Dolmades	Grape leaves stuffed with rice and aromatic herbs
Moussaka	A layered casserole of eggplant, ground meat, and béchamel sauce
Tsikoudia	A strong, distilled spirit made from grape pomace
Raki	A clear, potent liquor distilled from grape pomace

The meal is accompanied by free-flowing Cretan wine, allowing guests to fully enjoy the island’s rich culinary heritage.

Inclusions and Pickup Details

Pickup and drop-off services are included, with guests able to be collected from within 11km of Rethymno’s city center or a specified point in the Rethymno city center.

The tour also includes:

• A local, English-speaking guide to lead the experience.
• A local driver to handle the air-conditioned transfers.
• Bottled water, tea tasting, and coffee or tea.
• Four wine tastings and a full Cretan meal with wine.

Liability insurance is also provided, and the tour has a cancellation policy that allows for a full refund up to 24 hours in advance.

Guests should come prepared with comfortable shoes, sun protection, and any necessary identification.

Important Information and Considerations

The tour isn’t suitable for certain groups, including pregnant women, people with back, mobility, or heart problems, wheelchair users, children under 18, and those with food allergies.

Guests will need to provide a valid passport or ID, and should wear comfortable shoes, sun protection, and bring cash for any additional expenses.

Pets aren’t allowed on the tour, which may be weather-dependent, though free umbrellas are available.

The tour offers a unique opportunity to immerse in traditional Cretan culture, so guests should come prepared and ready to fully experience all the tour has to offer.

Cancellation Policy and Exclusions

Regarding the cancellation policy, guests can receive a full refund up to 24 hours prior to the tour’s start time.

As for exclusions, the tour price doesn’t cover any additional food or drink purchases, nor personal expenses incurred during the experience. Some key exclusions to be aware of include:

1. Any extra food or beverages beyond what’s included in the Cretan meal and wine tastings.
2. Personal expenses such as souvenirs, tips, or other discretionary spending.
3. Costs associated with transportation to and from the tour’s pickup location.
4. Fees for activities or attractions not specified in the tour itinerary.

The tour’s inclusions provide a comprehensive package, but guests should budget for these additional out-of-pocket costs to fully enjoy their Cretan herbs and wine tasting experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks?

Generally, participants are not permitted to bring their own food and drinks on this type of tour. The tour includes a full Cretan meal and wine tasting, so outside food and beverages are typically not allowed. Checking with the tour provider is recommended.

What Is the Dress Code for the Tour?

The tour doesn’t have a strict dress code, but comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing is recommended. Participants should wear closed-toe shoes and bring sun protection like hats and sunglasses. Casual, breathable attire that allows easy movement is advised.

Can I Take Photos/Videos During the Tour?

Visitors are generally allowed to take photos and videos during the tour. However, they should be mindful of not disrupting the experience for others and avoid excessive use of flash or video recording. It’s best to check with the guide for any specific guidelines.

How Many People Are Typically in a Tour Group?

The tour group size typically ranges from 2 to 8 people, allowing for an intimate and personalized experience. The small group size enables the guide to provide attentive service and ensure each participant can fully engage with the activities.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for Participants?

This tour has an age restriction – it’s not suitable for children under 18. Participants must be at least 18 years old to join this activity. The tour is geared towards adults and may not be appropriate for younger travelers.

Recap

This immersive Cretan experience offers a unique opportunity to explore the island’s traditional lifestyle.

Visitors will explore an organic farm, savor locally-grown herbs, and indulge in a tasting of the region’s renowned wines.

Capped off by a delectable Cretan meal, this tour provides a comprehensive glimpse into the rich culinary and cultural heritage of Crete.

It’s a must-do for anyone seeking an authentic and memorable connection with the island’s traditions.

You can check if your dates are available here: