Fine & Premium Retsina Wines Tasting

If you’re wandering through central Greece and have a fondness for wine—or just curiosity about how ancient traditions blend with modern craftsmanship—this Fine & Premium Retsina Wines Tasting might be just the ticket. While I haven’t personally joined this particular experience, I’ve researched it thoroughly and can tell you it offers a fascinating glimpse into a wine style dating back thousands of years.

What we love about this tour is its combination of historical context and tasting variety. You get to try five different premium Retsinas, with a knowledgeable guide providing insights into their evolution from the cheap, often questionable versions of the 1960s to today’s sophisticated, food-friendly wines. Plus, the inclusion of delicious nibbles makes it a well-rounded experience. On the flip side, it’s a short 45-minute class—so if you’re after a more extensive wine journey, this might feel a bit light.

Designed for wine enthusiasts, history buffs, and curious travelers alike, this tasting is an excellent way to deepen your appreciation for Greek wine and culture—especially if you’re keen to learn about a style that’s less common outside Greece.

Key Points

• Authentic Greek tradition: Learn about Retsina’s ancient origins and modern renaissance.
• Tasting variety: Sample five carefully chosen premium Retsinas.
• Food pairing: Enjoy matching nibbles that enhance the wine experience.
• Expert guidance: Knowledgeable instructor offers engaging insights.
• Accessible price point: At around $20.89, this offers good value for a curated tasting.
• Small group experience: Limited to 10 participants for personal attention.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An Introduction to Retsina: Ancient Roots, Modern Flavors

Retsina is a wine style that traces its roots back nearly 5,000 years, with origins linked to Persia and ancient Greece. Historically, it was prized for its reliability and ability to store well, especially in times before modern wine technology. Traditionally made from grape varieties like Rodites or Savvatiano, Retsina was often a simple, everyday drink.

However, in recent decades, perceptions of Retsina took a hit because of its association with cheap, home-made versions that lacked finesse. Today, thanks to advancements in winemaking technology and a focus on quality, Premium Retsina has reclaimed its place as a stylish, food-friendly wine. This tour showcases that transformation, offering a chance to compare a range of refined Retsinas and appreciate their complex, sometimes challenging, flavors.

The experience is set in CRU Wine Tasting Room-Store & Wine Bar in central Greece, providing a cozy, relaxed environment to learn and taste. It’s perfect for those who want an authentic taste of Greece’s wine heritage without a massive time commitment or high price.

What You Can Expect from the Retsina Tasting

The main attraction here is the chance to sample five different premium Retsinas. These wines are selected to demonstrate the range from more traditional styles to innovative takes on the classic recipe. Each Retsina is crafted with care, using traditional methods but with modern technology to improve quality and consistency.

Alongside the wine, you’ll enjoy delicious nibbles—probably a selection of cheeses, olives, or typical Greek snacks—that help balance the wine’s herbal, resinous notes. These food pairings are essential, as they reveal how well Retsina can match with various dishes, making it a versatile choice for a Greek meal.

The group is small—limited to 10 participants—so you’ll get personalized attention and plenty of opportunity to ask questions. The English-speaking instructor is praised for being both friendly and very knowledgeable, making the session informative and engaging. The 45-minute duration means you get a concentrated dose of Greek wine history, tasting, and food pairing, all in a comfortable setting.

The Experience Itself: Breaking Down the Tour

The tour begins at the CRU Wine Tasting Room-Store & Wine Bar, where you’ll meet your guide and fellow wine enthusiasts. After a brief introduction to the history of Retsina, you’ll start your tasting journey. Expect to sample five premium Retsinas, each offering a different expression of this ancient style.

The wines are carefully selected to show the evolution of Retsina, from those that still carry the resinous, herbal backbone reminiscent of its age-old roots, to more refined, modern interpretations that showcase its versatility. You might find that some Retsinas are surprisingly complex, with herbal, citrus, and mineral notes that make them excellent for pairing with Greek foods or even modern cuisine.

The tasting is complemented by nibbles, which are thoughtfully curated to match the wines. These aren’t just fillers—they’re carefully chosen to highlight the flavors and textures that make Retsina such a distinctive wine. Many reviews highlight how well the nibbles enhance the tasting experience, making this more than just a wine sampling but a mini culinary journey.

Throughout the session, your guide explains the history and production techniques, giving you context that enriches your understanding. One reviewer mentioned how Anton, the instructor, was “amazing and so knowledgeable,” sharing insights that made the experience both educational and enjoyable.

The Value of the Tour: Price versus Experience

At $20.89 per person, this tasting offers good value. You’re getting a curated selection of five wines, paired with snacks, and guided by an expert—all within a 45-minute session. Compared to similar experiences elsewhere, this is a reasonable price point, especially considering the quality of the wines and the personalized atmosphere.

This tour is perfect if you’re looking to add a cultural and culinary dimension to your Greek trip without committing to a full-day tour or a pricey winery visit. The small group format ensures that the experience feels intimate and relaxed, with ample opportunity to ask questions and learn.

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Why This Tour Will Appeal to You

This experience is well-suited for curious travelers who want to deepen their understanding of Greek wine, especially those interested in historical styles that are still evolving. If you appreciate good wines that are food-friendly and enjoy tasting a variety, you’ll love the chance to explore different Retsinas side-by-side.

It’s also ideal for those who enjoy small, interactive settings and value expert guidance. Reviewers mention how much they appreciated the knowledgeable guides and the high-quality wines, which makes it clear that this isn’t just a casual tasting but an educational mini-course.

Who Should Consider This Experience

• Travelers with an interest in Greek culture and history, especially wine’s role in Greece.
• Food and wine lovers looking for authentic, high-quality tasting experiences.
• Visitors seeking a short, engaging activity that’s both fun and informative.
• Small groups or solo travelers who enjoy personal attention and the chance to ask questions.
• Those who want a cost-effective way to sample premium wines and learn about their background.

FAQ about the Retsina Tasting Tour

Is the tour suitable for all ages?
No, this experience is not suitable for people under 19 years old, as it involves alcohol tasting.

How long does the tasting last?
The tasting runs for about 45 minutes, making it a perfect quick but enriching activity.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering flexibility if your schedule shifts.

Is there a specific start time?
Yes, check availability to see the starting times, as they vary daily. Remember, it’s a short session, so arriving on time is best.

Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, reservations are recommended to secure your spot, especially since group size is limited to 10 people.

What’s included in the price?
You’ll get to taste five premium Retsinas along with fine nibbles, all guided by an expert instructor.

Is this experience good for learning about wine?
Absolutely. Many reviews highlight how the guide’s knowledge made the session both fun and educational, especially if you’re new to Retsina or Greek wines.

For those wanting a taste of Greece’s ancient wine heritage combined with modern craftsmanship, this Fine & Premium Retsina Wines Tasting offers an authentic and enjoyable experience. You’ll walk away with a greater appreciation for this unique style—its history, its modern twists, and its perfect pairing potential.

Ideal for curious travelers and food-and-wine enthusiasts, this tour delivers quality at an accessible price point. It’s a lively, intimate way to connect with Greece’s vinicultural past and present—something not to miss if you’re in Athens or central Greece and looking for a meaningful, flavorful adventure.

Whether you’re a dedicated oenophile or just eager to try something new, this tasting promises a memorable glimpse into a wine that’s been part of Greek life for millennia, now reimagined for today’s palate.

You can check availability for your dates here: