Varied Cheese Tasting With Production and Wine in Kournas

Kournas, a picturesque village in Crete, is the setting for an immersive culinary experience that celebrates the island’s rich cheese-making traditions. Hosted by food enthusiast Karl Röske, the "Varied Cheese Tasting With Production and Wine" event invites guests to embark on a delightful journey through a carefully curated selection of eight distinctive cheese varieties. From creamy feta to nutty Graviera, each sample promises to tantalize the palate, while the opportunity to witness the hands-on production of cream cheese adds an engaging and educational dimension to the proceedings. Complemented by the harmonious pairings of local wines, this event promises to transport attendees on a sensory exploration of Cretan gastronomic heritage.

About Your Stay

• Comprehensive cheese tasting experience featuring 8 distinct Cretan cheese varieties with unique flavors and production methods.
• Hands-on demonstration of traditional cream cheese making without rennet, led by a food enthusiast.
• Sampling of regional wines, including the robust red Romeiko and the aromatic white Vidiano, to complement the artisanal cheeses.
• Inclusion of savory pastries like tiropita and traditional Cretan accompaniments to create a harmonious culinary exploration.
• Event held in the scenic location of Kournas, Crete, with a capacity of up to 20 participants at a price of $79.12 per person.

Event Overview

Hosted in the picturesque village of Kournas on the island of Crete, Greece, this cheese tasting experience offers participants a diverse sampling of local dairy delights.

Priced at $79.12 per person, the event can accommodate up to 20 travelers and features an array of 8 different cheeses, cream cheese preparation, and traditional Greek pastries like tiropita.

Guests will also have the opportunity to sample regional wines, including the Romeiko and Vidiano varieties.

Led by food enthusiast Karl Röske, the activity includes a hands-on lesson in making cream cheese without rennet, providing a unique and educational component to the tasting.

Cheese Varieties

The cheese tasting experience showcases a diverse array of local dairy delights. Guests will savor eight distinct types of cheese, each with its own unique flavor profile and production method.

From the creamy, tangy feta to the semi-hard, nutty Graviera, the selection highlights the richness of Cretan cheesemaking traditions. Visitors will also have the opportunity to witness the hands-on preparation of fresh cream cheese, without the use of rennet.

Accompanying the cheese tasting are a variety of traditional Greek delicacies, including the savory tiropita pastry and the iconic dakos dish.

This immersive culinary journey promises to delight the senses and provide a deep appreciation for the artistry of Cretan cheese-making.

Cheese Production

What makes the cheese tasting in Kournas so special is the hands-on opportunity for guests to witness the preparation of fresh cream cheese.

Led by food hunter Karl Röske, you will learn the art of crafting cream cheese without rennet. This process involves:

• Heating and curdling milk
• Straining the curds to separate them from the whey
• Seasoning the fresh cheese with herbs and spices
• Forming the cheese into a desired shape or texture
• Sampling the homemade cream cheese alongside the other artisanal offerings

The interactive experience allows visitors to appreciate the care and skill required to produce high-quality dairy products.

Accompanying Dishes

Complementing the hands-on cheesemaking demonstration are a variety of traditional Greek dishes and accompaniments.

Guests will sample 8 different types of cheese, including the classic tiropita – a savory Greek pastry filled with a blend of cheeses.

To balance the richness of the cheeses, an array of sweet and savory pairings are provided, such as fragrant honey, fresh fruit, briny olives, and the traditional dakos – a Cretan rusk topped with tomatoes, olive oil, and oregano.

Warm, herb-infused breadsticks and the fluffy Kalitsounia pastries round out the tasting experience.

These regional specialties perfectly complement the local Romeiko and Vidiano wines, creating a harmonious exploration of Crete’s renowned culinary heritage.

Wine Selection

Two distinct local wines are featured as part of the cheese tasting experience – the robust Romeiko and the aromatic Vidiano.

The Romeiko wine boasts a deep, red color and offers notes of ripe berries, while the Vidiano wine presents a vibrant, golden hue and showcases fresh citrus and floral aromas.

Both wines are carefully selected to complement the diverse array of artisanal cheeses, enhancing the overall flavor profile of the tasting.

• The Romeiko wine is a local red varietal known for its full-bodied character and smooth tannins.

• The Vidiano wine is a crisp, white wine that showcases the region’s unique terroir.

• The wines are served in generous portions, allowing guests to savor and compare the flavors.

• Participants can expect to learn about the winemaking process and the local grape varieties.

• The wine selection is an integral part of the immersive cheese tasting experience.

Meeting and Pickup

The meeting point for the cheese tasting experience is Villa Stella Ξενοδοχείο in Kournas, Greece.

Parking is available in the small square nearby. The hosts can provide the GPS location via WhatsApp, SMS, email, or messenger, ensuring participants can easily find the location.

The activity ends back at the meeting point, allowing for a seamless start and end to the tasting experience.

The meeting point’s proximity to public transportation makes it accessible for those relying on other modes of travel.

Attendees should note that the experience isn’t wheelchair accessible, though strollers are permitted.

Additional Details

Confirmation of the booking is received upon completing the reservation.

The tour offers several convenient features, including:

• Accessibility: While not wheelchair accessible, the experience is stroller friendly.

• Location: The meeting point is located near public transportation, making it easily accessible.

• Recommendations: The tour isn’t recommended for pregnant travelers due to the nature of the activities.

• Cancellation Policy: Guests can take advantage of free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience begins.

• Payment Options: A convenient "Reserve Now, Pay Later" option is available.

Together, these additional details ensure a seamless and hassle-free cheese tasting experience in the picturesque village of Kournas, Crete.

Booking Information

Booking this cheese tasting experience in Kournas is a straightforward process. Travelers can reserve their spot now and pay later, ensuring a hassle-free booking.

Upon booking, guests receive confirmation immediately. The activity is accessible to those not in wheelchairs, and strollers are permitted.

While near public transportation, the experience isn’t recommended for pregnant individuals. Guests can conveniently receive the GPS location via various channels, including WhatsApp, SMS, email, or messenger.

The activity ends back at the meeting point, Villa Stella Ξενοδοχείο in Kournas, where parking is available in the small square.

Lastly, free cancellation is offered up to 24 hours before the experience begins.

Worth The Stay

Set out on a delightful culinary journey through Cretan traditions at the "Varied Cheese Tasting With Production and Wine" event in Kournas. Savor eight unique cheeses, from creamy feta to nutty Graviera, while witnessing hands-on cream cheese production. Complemented by local wines and traditional pastries, this interactive experience offers a rich tasting adventure you won’t soon forget.