Crete: 2 Wineries Tour with Wine Tasting & Lunch

If you’re heading to Crete and want to dive into the island’s wine and food culture, a full-day winery tour might just be the highlight of your trip. This particular experience offers a well-rounded glimpse into Crete’s winemaking traditions—combining visits to two distinct, family-run wineries, tasting a total of 10 different wines, and including a traditional village lunch with local dishes and wine. It’s a chance to see the countryside, meet passionate producers, and enjoy the kind of genuine flavors that make Crete special.

What I find especially appealing about this tour is the focus on authentic, small-scale producers. You get to peek behind the scenes at two wineries with different approaches—one organic and modern, the other with its own unique philosophy—and meet the people behind the bottles. Plus, the inclusion of an olive oil mill visit sets this apart, giving you a full taste of Crete’s agricultural heritage. On the flip side, the tour lasts about 7 hours, which might be a bit long for some, especially if you prefer more relaxed mornings or are not big wine drinkers.

This experience is perfect for those who love wine, food, and a little adventure. It suits travelers eager for authentic local encounters without the hassle of organizing multiple visits on their own. If your idea of a perfect Crete trip involves tasting, learning, and eating in picturesque settings, you’ll likely find this tour well worth your while.

• Authentic Experiences: Visits to family-owned wineries with organic and traditional winemaking methods.
• Tasty Tasting: Sample 10 wines, including organic varieties, with guided insights from knowledgeable hosts.
• Cretan Flavors: A traditional village lunch paired with local wine provides a true taste of the island.
• Olive Oil Tour: Learn about olive oil production at a modern mill surrounded by groves.
• Scenic Drive & Culture: Enjoy the countryside scenery and meet local producers for an immersive experience.
• Small Group: Limited to 8 participants, ensuring personable guides and more intimate encounters.

Starting Point & Transportation

The tour begins with hotel pickup in Crete, which simplifies the logistics and allows you to relax from the start. The transport is a comfortable vehicle, and with a small group capped at 8 people, you’ll find the journey more personal and less rushed than larger bus tours. Expect a quick 10-minute drive between stops, which adds to the relaxed pace.

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Olive Oil Mill and Olive Grove

The first stop is a modern olive mill set amid olive groves. Here, you’ll get a guided tour of the olive production process, led by the olive oil maker. This part of the tour reveals the meticulous steps involved—from harvesting to pressing—giving you insight into what makes Greek olive oil so prized worldwide. Many reviews highlight how engaging and informative this segment is, with travelers appreciating the chance to meet the producer and taste fresh olive oil paired with local snacks.

Winery Number One: Organic & Family-Run

Next, you’ll visit a small, family-owned winery that employs organic cultivation methods. Touring the vineyards and the winery’s cellar, you’ll observe their organic approach firsthand. This stop is especially appreciated for its authenticity and passion. The tasting here includes five organic wines, all carefully explained, providing a clear understanding of what makes these wines special. Reviewers often comment on the knowledgeable guides and the chance to exchange views on flavor profiles and winemaking techniques.

Winery Number Two: Different Technique, Same Passion

The second winery, also family-run but with its own unique philosophy, offers a different perspective on winemaking. The guided tour includes a look at the vineyards and the cellar, where you’ll taste another four wines. Complemented by a wine platter, this stop emphasizes the craft and tradition behind each bottle. Many guests enjoy this contrast—seeing two wineries with different methods—and the chance to meet the winemakers, which adds a personal touch that elevates the experience.

Traditional Village & Lunch

The last stop takes you to a quaint village, where you’ll enjoy a home-cooked-style lunch at a traditional tavern. The menu features local dishes, often described as “the best home-made Cretan food” by previous visitors. The meal is paired with local wine, enhancing the flavors and providing a genuine taste of village life. This part of the tour is cherished for its authentic atmosphere and the relaxed companionship with locals and fellow travelers.

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The Overall Experience

The tour’s 7-hour duration offers a comprehensive look at Crete’s wine and food culture without feeling rushed. The inclusion of olive oil, two wineries, and a village lunch makes it a well-rounded experience—perfect for those who want more than just wine tastings. Travelers consistently praise the knowledgeable guides, referring to them as informative, friendly, and humorous.

What Sets This Tour Apart

Unlike some larger, more commercialized wine tours, this experience emphasizes small-scale, family-run operations. The wineries are not tourist factories but passionate producers eager to share their craft. The olive oil mill visit adds a layer of local agriculture, giving insight into Crete’s land and traditions. Plus, the local lunch serves as a delicious, hearty conclusion, often highlighted as a tour highlight.

Price & Value

Considering the full-day itinerary, guided tastings, lunch, transportation, and small group size, the price offers good value. The chance to taste 10 wines and learn about organic versus traditional methods adds educational value that many wine connoisseurs will appreciate. This tour is less about glitz and more about genuine connection with Crete’s producers and flavors.

Reviews and Feedback

Feedback from previous participants is overwhelmingly positive. Reviewers frequently mention their guides’ enthusiasm and knowledge, the stunning scenery, and the delicious food. Comments like “the olive oil tasting was very good,” and “the scenery of the countryside is lovely,” confirm that this tour delivers both cultural and sensory rewards.

This experience is ideal for wine lovers, foodies, and curious travelers who want an authentic taste of Crete. It suits those who enjoy small-group settings, personalized insights, and the chance to meet passionate local producers. If you’re eager for a full-day, educational, and flavorful journey that combines wine, olive oil, and local cuisine, this tour fits the bill.

Who Might Want to Consider Other Options

If you’re not particularly interested in wine or prefer a more relaxed pace, this might feel a bit full-on. Also, if dietary restrictions or preferences are a concern, it’s worth noting the meal is traditional and hearty, with limited options for specific diets. However, for most, the value of immersion and authentic experiences outweighs these considerations.

How long does the tour last?
The tour lasts approximately 7 hours, starting at a time you can check when booking.

What’s included in the price?
Your fee covers transportation, hotel pickup and drop-off, guided tours at two wineries, tastings of 10 wines, and a full traditional village lunch.

Are the wineries family-owned?
Yes, both wineries are family-run, and their personal approach is a key feature of the experience.

Can I expect to taste organic wines?
Absolutely. One of the wineries specializes in organic cultivation, and you’ll taste five organic wines there.

Is there time to buy wine or olive oil?
While not explicitly stated, visits to wineries and the olive mill often include the opportunity to purchase products.

What is the group size?
The tour is limited to 8 participants, ensuring a more intimate and engaging experience.

Do I need to speak Greek to enjoy this tour?
Guides speak English and Greek. Most reviews mention that guides are very knowledgeable and clear, making it accessible for English speakers.

Is vegetarian or special diet options available?
The menu is traditional, and while specific dietary accommodations are not mentioned, it’s worth asking in advance if you have restrictions.

Is this tour suitable for children?
While not specifically stated, the experience is primarily designed for adult wine enthusiasts. Check with the provider if traveling with children.

This Crete wine, olive oil, and food tour offers a genuine window into the island’s agricultural soul. From touring family-run wineries with varied philosophies to savoring a homemade-style village lunch, you’ll leave with a deeper appreciation for Crete’s land and its people. The guides’ expertise and friendly approach have earned consistent praise, making this tour a memorable highlight for those looking to combine education, flavor, and scenic beauty.

If you’re eager to explore Crete beyond beaches and ruins, and want to taste the real flavors that define the island, this tour is an excellent choice. It’s particularly well-suited for curious, open-minded travelers who enjoy small groups, authentic experiences, and learning about local traditions through the lens of wine and gastronomy.

Whether you’re a seasoned oenophile or a casual wine drinker, the chance to visit two distinct wineries, learn about organic farming, and share a hearty meal in a village setting makes for a day rich in flavor and cultural insight. This tour promises a memorable, flavorful journey through Crete’s countryside—and one that many guests say is a true highlight of their trip.

You can check availability for your dates here: