Rethymno: Private Winery & Olive Oil Tasting Tour With Lunch

Discover Rethymno’s culinary heritage on a 5-hour private tour. You’ll explore Cretan olive oil production, enjoy traditional Greek coffee, and tour the Dourakis Winery. A knowledgeable guide will lead you through the olive groves and vineyards, sharing insights into the region’s unique terroir. Sample exceptional virgin olive oil, taste a selection of Cretan wines, and savor a traditional Greek lunch. Whether you’re a wine enthusiast or eager to explore Crete’s gastronomic traditions, this comprehensive tour offers an immersive experience that showcases the island’s natural bounty and skilled artisans.

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

Key Points

• This 5-hour guided tour offers an immersive experience exploring Cretan olive oil production, traditional Greek coffee, and the Dourakis Winery.
• Visitors can witness the olive oil harvesting and milling process, and sample the exceptional virgin olive oil renowned for its vibrant flavors.
• The tour includes a traditional Greek coffee experience at the olive oil mill, providing a glimpse into Crete’s deep-rooted cultural traditions.
• At the Dourakis Winery, guests explore the vineyards, learn about the unique terroir, and taste a selection of Cretan wines and local drinks.
• The tour includes a traditional Greek lunch, offering a holistic culinary journey through the region’s gastronomic delights.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Details

The tour lasts for 5 hours and includes guided exploration in Greek, French, and English.

Pickup is available from Rethymno city only, though there’s an additional charge for pickup outside the city within a 12km radius.

The tour isn’t suitable for pregnant women or those with mobility impairments.

Participants will discover Cretan virgin olive oil production, enjoy traditional Greek coffee at an olive oil mill, and tour the Dourakis Winery.

They’ll explore vineyards, sample Cretan wines and local drinks, and indulge in a traditional Greek lunch, which includes a vegetarian option.

Guided Tour Options

Guests can explore the region’s renowned olive oil and wine production through guided tours offered in Greek, French, and English.

The tour provides a comprehensive experience showcasing Cretan virgin olive oil production, a visit to an olive oil mill for traditional Greek coffee, and a tour of the Dourakis Winery.

Visitors will have the opportunity to explore the vineyards, learn about the unique soil aromas, and taste a selection of Cretan wines and local drinks.

The knowledgeable English- or French-speaking guide and local driver will ensure an informative and enjoyable experience throughout the 5-hour tour.

Whether you’re a wine enthusiast or simply eager to discover Cretan culinary traditions, this guided tour offers a well-rounded exploration of the region’s gastronomic delights.

Olive Oil Production

Cretan olive oil production showcases the region’s rich agricultural heritage, with centuries-old traditions and a dedication to quality that’s evident in every step of the process.

Visitors to the olive oil mill can witness the meticulous care taken in harvesting the olives, ensuring they’re picked at the perfect ripeness. The olives are then expertly milled and pressed, extracting the pure, unfiltered oil that’s renowned for its vibrant flavors and health benefits.

Throughout the tour, guests can sample the exceptional virgin olive oil and learn about the unique terroir that gives Cretan olive oil its distinctive character. It’s a true celebration of the island’s bountiful natural resources and the skilled artisans who bring them to life.

Traditional Greek Coffee

After exploring the olive oil production process, visitors enjoy a traditional Greek coffee at the mill. This time-honored ritual offers a glimpse into Crete’s deep-rooted cultural traditions, as the aromatic brew is carefully prepared using time-tested methods.

The rich, full-bodied flavor of the coffee, complemented by the tranquil ambiance of the olive grove, provides a moment of respite and reflection amidst the tour’s immersive experiences. Seated in the shade of ancient olive trees, guests savor the robust, earthy taste of the coffee, sipping slowly and taking in the serene surroundings.

This pause in the tour allows travelers to fully appreciate the pace and rhythm of Cretan life, where tradition and hospitality are interwoven into everyday experiences.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Dourakis Winery Experience

Upon visiting the Dourakis Winery, guests embark on an immersive exploration of Crete’s rich winemaking heritage.

The guided tour takes them through the lush vineyards, where they learn about the unique terroir and the careful cultivation practices that imbue the wines with their distinctive aromas and flavors.

Inside the winery, visitors discover the meticulous wine-making process, from fermentation to barrel aging.

They’ll have the chance to sample a selection of Cretan wines, including the renowned Romeiko and Vidiano varietals, and learn about the intricate subtleties that make each one unique.

This winery experience offers a deeper appreciation for the art and tradition of Cretan winemaking.

Vineyard and Soil Exploration

As guests explore the winery’s vineyards, they’ll gain insight into the unique soil composition that gives Cretan wines their exceptional character. The guide explains how the region’s distinct terroir, shaped by millennia of geological processes, provides the ideal conditions for cultivating the indigenous grape varieties.

Visitors marvel at the lush, sprawling vines and the distinctive aromas rising from the earth, a reflection of the area’s history and natural wonders. They learn how the mineral-rich, low-yielding soils contribute to the wines’ depth of flavor and complexity.

This hands-on experience in the vineyards allows guests to develop a deeper appreciation for the painstaking work that goes into crafting Crete’s celebrated vintages.

Cretan Wine and Drink Tastings

The wine and drink tastings allow guests to sample a variety of Cretan vintages and local libations, showcasing the region’s rich winemaking heritage and diverse beverage culture. Visitors can explore the Dourakis Winery, where they’ll learn about the unique soil aromas and terroir that shape the flavors of the wines. The tasting experience also includes sampling Cretan specialty drinks like limoncello and the traditional spirit raki. To complement the beverages, guests enjoy a traditional Greek lunch, offering a holistic culinary journey through the island’s gastronomy.

Wine Varieties	Local Drinks
Assyrtiko	Limoncello
Mandilaria	Raki
Kotsifali

Included and Excluded Amenities

The private winery and olive oil tasting tour includes a comprehensive package of amenities, such as hotel pickup and drop-off within Rethymno city limits, an English- or French-speaking guide, and a local driver.

Visitors can enjoy olive oil tastings, a winery tour, and wine tastings, as well as a traditional Greek lunch with a vegetarian option.

However, the tour excludes additional charges for pickup outside the 12km radius of Rethymno city, and it’s not suitable for pregnant women or those with mobility impairments.

The tour offers a well-rounded experience, allowing participants to enjoy the local olive oil production and winemaking processes while savoring the flavors of traditional Greek cuisine.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Cancellation Policy for This Tour?

The tour has a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance. Customers can reserve the tour now and pay later, providing flexibility for their travel plans.

Is There a Group Size Limit for This Tour?

There is no specified group size limit for this tour. The tour is private, so the group size can be tailored to the customer’s needs. Group size is flexible and not restricted, allowing for a personalized experience.

Can I Request a Vegetarian or Dietary-Restricted Lunch?

Yes, the tour provides a vegetarian lunch option. Customers with dietary restrictions can request this when booking the tour. The tour includes a traditional Greek lunch, so accommodating special dietary needs is possible.

What Is the Dress Code for the Tour?

There’s no specific dress code for this tour. Comfortable, casual clothing and walking shoes are recommended, as the tour involves outdoor activities. Guests should dress appropriately for the weather and be prepared to move around during the day.

Is There Any Age Restriction for Participants?

The tour doesn’t have an age restriction, but it’s not suitable for pregnant women or people with mobility impairments. Children are welcome, though parental supervision is required. The tour caters to a diverse range of participants.

Recap

This private tour of Crete’s renowned olive oil and wine production offers a comprehensive and immersive experience.

Guests will discover the intricate process of virgin olive oil making, savor traditional Greek coffee, and explore the vineyards of the Dourakis Winery.

Tasting Cretan wines, local specialties, and indulging in a traditional Greek lunch provide an authentic glimpse into the captivating flavors and aromas that have defined the region for generations.

You can check if your dates are available here: