Athens: Greek Traditional Dips & Wine Pairing by a Sommelier

If you’re wandering through Athens and want a bite-sized taste of Greece’s culinary soul, this Greek dips and wine pairing experience offers a charming glimpse into local flavors. Hosted at the CRU Tasting Room, it’s a half-hour session that combines expert guidance with authentic snacks and wines—an ideal way to deepen your appreciation of Greece’s food and drink culture without a hefty time commitment.

What immediately appeals are the insightful short masterclass led by a friendly, knowledgeable sommelier and the way it makes Greek food and wine approachable—no fancy skills needed, just a curiosity to explore. Plus, the quality of wines and variety of dips make this a tasting that’s both educational and delicious.

One consideration? The class is quite short—just 45 minutes—so if you’re after a full-blown culinary adventure, this might serve best as a tasty interlude rather than a comprehensive meal. Still, if your goal is a practical, authentic experience that you can easily repeat at home, it hits the spot.

This experience suits foodies, wine lovers, and curious travelers eager to understand Greek flavors, or anyone looking for a memorable, compact activity in Athens that combines learning with tasting.

Key Points

• Authentic Greek flavors: Tasting four traditional dips and four wines offers a genuine taste of Greece.
• Expert guidance: A knowledgeable sommelier makes wine and food pairing accessible and fun.
• Short but impactful: Perfect for travelers with limited time but eager for a quality experience.
• Practical skills: You’ll learn how different wines pair with local dips, which you can replicate at home.
• Inclusive options: Gluten-free pita bread available if requested 48 hours in advance.
• Excellent value: At around $36, this offers a mix of education, tasting, and culture.

We loved the way this tour balances education with tasting—a key reason it appeals to both seasoned wine enthusiasts and curious travelers. The setup is straightforward but thoughtfully curated: you meet at the Wine & Olive Oil Bar and settle into an intimate, informal environment perfect for relaxing and learning.

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Dips: Authentic Greek Flavors

The star of the show is definitely the selection of four dips:

• Tzatziki: Creamy, garlicky, with a refreshing tang—a Greek staple that’s cooling and versatile.
• Aubergine Dip: Smoky, silky, with a depth that makes it stand out, perfect for savoring slowly.
• Taramasalata: Rich and umami-packed, made from fish roe, offering a salty, luxurious flavor.
• Tirokafteri: Spicy and feta-based, with a fiery kick that adds excitement to the tasting.

Each dip is served with pita bread—you can request gluten-free options at least 48 hours in advance—which provides the perfect vehicle to experience the flavors.

The Wines: Greece’s Hidden Gems

You’ll sample four Greek wines that complement the dips in different ways. The guide explains how the wines’ styles match each dip, transforming your understanding of wine-food pairing. The wines have been praised for their quality and variety—from crisp whites to more robust reds—and are carefully selected to showcase Greece’s diverse wine culture.

The Short Masterclass

The highlight is the brief but insightful explanation from the sommelier about how different styles of wine work with the dips. This isn’t just about tasting; it’s about understanding the art of pairing—a skill you can revisit when you get back home, perhaps with your own Greek dips and wines.

Practical Details

• The entire experience lasts about 45 minutes, making it easy to slot into a busy sightseeing day.
• The activity is suitable for adults over 20 years old.
• Filtered water is provided, ensuring you stay refreshed.
• The cost is $36.70 per person, which we find reasonable considering the quality of the wines and the professional guidance.
• You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, adding flexibility for travel plans.

We see this tour as a great starter for anyone interested in Greek cuisine or wine. It offers a learning experience that’s light enough for beginners but still interesting for those with some wine or food knowledge. The small group setting and expert guidance create a relaxed atmosphere, ideal for asking questions and engaging with the host.

The focus on pairing makes it practical—what you learn here can be applied at home on a sunny afternoon or a dinner party. And the quality of the presentation and wines ensure you’re not just nibbling but genuinely experiencing Greek flavors.

While it’s not a full meal, it’s an excellent introduction to the country’s culinary style. For travelers who want to combine cultural insight with delicious bites and a taste of local wines, this activity offers great value.

Starting Point: The Wine & Olive Oil Bar
You’ll meet your guide here, where the setting is relaxed yet professional. The bar specializes in Greek wines and oils, hinting at the authentic experience to come. The intimate environment encourages conversation, making it easy to engage with the guide and fellow participants.

The Dip Tasting
The dips are presented with clear descriptions that help you appreciate their differences:

• Tzatziki: The cool, yogurt-based dip with cucumbers and garlic is perfect for balancing the wine’s acidity.
• Aubergine Dip: Its smoky flavor comes from roasting eggplants, offering a depth that pairs well with a fuller-bodied wine.
• Taramasalata: Made from fish roe, it’s a salty, umami-rich spread that pairs beautifully with crisp whites.
• Tirokafteri: The fiery feta and chili dip adds spice and zest—great for those who like a bit of heat with their wine.

Wine Pairing
The sommelier explains how each wine’s style enhances the dips—insights that can transform your future meals. The wines are described as “amazing,” and reviews confirm the quality and variety are well-received, adding to the experience’s value.

Learning & Repeating at Home
Most participants find the pairing tips easy to remember and practical—perfect for recreating Greek-style snacks at home or impressing friends with your newfound knowledge.

This experience is best suited for adventurous food and wine lovers who can appreciate a short, informative tasting session. It’s particularly appealing for travelers looking to add a cultural twist to their itinerary without committing several hours or booking a full meal.

Those traveling with limited time but eager to explore Greece’s culinary side will find this a highly worthwhile activity. It’s also ideal for anyone interested in learning practical pairing techniques that they can use later.

This Greek dips and wine pairing experience offers an engaging, authentic taste of Greece that’s perfect for curious travelers. The knowledgeable guide, excellent selection of wines, and delicious dips make it a memorable, value-for-money activity. It’s especially suited for those wanting a quick, educational, and tasty introduction to Greek cuisine, with the potential to replicate the experience back home.

While it won’t replace a full dinner, it’s a delightful way to deepen your appreciation of Greek flavors in a relaxed setting. Whether you’re a seasoned wine lover or simply eager to learn more about local tastes, this tour adds flavor and fun to your Athens adventure.

What is included in the tour?
You get to taste four traditional Greek dips, four Greek wines, pita bread (with gluten-free options available if requested 48 hours in advance), and filtered water.

How long does the experience last?
The activity takes approximately 45 minutes, making it easy to fit into your sightseeing schedule.

Is there an age restriction?
Yes, it’s suitable for participants over 20 years old.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours before the scheduled time for a full refund.

Where does the activity start and end?
It begins at the Wine & Olive Oil Bar and concludes back at the same meeting point.

Is it suitable for people with dietary restrictions?
Gluten-free pita can be requested at least 48 hours in advance, but other dietary needs aren’t specified.

What language is the tour conducted in?
The experience is offered in Greek and English.

Can I repeat this experience at home?
Absolutely. The guide’s pairing tips are designed to be practical, allowing you to recreate Greek dips and wine pairings at home or a sunny picnic.

In sum, this tour offers a welcoming, insightful introduction to Greek cuisine that’s both fun and educational. It’s perfect for travelers who want a taste of Greek culture without a full meal, and for those eager to learn how to elevate their own food and wine pairings.

You can check availability for your dates here: