Private Wine and Olive Oil Tour With Wine Professional

Crete’s rich culinary heritage is on full display in this exclusive private tour. Guided by a wine professional, enthusiasts will enjoy the island’s winemaking and olive oil production traditions. Visiting top wineries and an olive oil mill, guests will learn about ancient techniques while savoring a tasting of ten unique Cretan varietals. Complementing the oenological journey is a personalized dining experience featuring locally-sourced ingredients. Throughout, knowledgeable experts share their passion for the region’s gastronomic legacy, leaving participants with a deeper appreciation for Crete’s renowned food and drink. What secrets await in this immersive exploration?

Good To Know

• This private tour offers an immersive experience showcasing Crete’s wine and olive oil traditions, led by knowledgeable guides with industry expertise.
• Highlights include visiting an olive oil mill, two renowned Cretan wineries, and the Cave of St. John the Hermit for cultural insights.
• The tour features educational estate tours, wine tastings of ten local grape varietals, a traditional Cretan lunch, and stunning panoramic views.
• The tour is praised for its personalized approach, enthusiasm of guides, and the perfect balance of learning and enjoyment.
• Pricing starts at $280.97 with free cancellation, and the tour is conveniently located near public transportation.

Tour Overview

This private Wine and Olive Oil Tour in Crete, Greece was created by a wine-loving couple with industry experience.

It includes visits to an olive oil mill and two esteemed Cretan wineries, featuring estate tours, a full lunch, and wine tastings. Guests can sample around ten different Cretan wine varietals and skip touristy eats for a traditional lunch.

The private tour allows for unreserved questions, providing a personalized experience.

The tour also includes a visit to the Cave of St. John the Hermit, where guests can learn about Greek Orthodox religion and Ottoman history.

Highlights and Activities

The Wine and Olive Oil Tour offers visitors an array of highlights and activities.

One of the main attractions is a visit to the Cave of St. John the Hermit, where guests can learn about Greek Orthodox religion and Ottoman history.

Plus, the tour includes a visit to the Astrikas Estate Biolea, where guests can tour an olive oil mill and experience breathtaking panoramic views of olive groves.

The tour also features unlimited drinks and a glass of Champagne, providing a delightful and immersive experience.

With a focus on education and local culture, the tour promises an unforgettable day in Crete.

Logistics and Pricing

The Wine and Olive Oil Tour boasts 26 positive reviews with a 5.0 overall rating, earning it a Badge of Excellence. The tour price starts at $280.97, varying based on group size.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the experience. Pickup options are provided, though the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible. The minimum age is 18, and it’s located near public transportation.

Many guests praise the knowledgeable and friendly guides, who offer personalized experiences and cultural insights. Reviewers consistently highlight the tour’s engaging mix of wine and olive oil education, along with authentic local cuisine.

Guest Experiences

Guests consistently praise the knowledgeable and friendly guides who lead the Wine and Olive Oil Tour.

Reviewers highlight the personalized nature of the experience, noting how the guides tailor the tour to their interests.

Many comment on the engaging combination of education, enjoyment, and culture, with several describing it as the "best day in Crete" and an "unforgettable experience."

The tour’s authenticity and the guides’ enthusiasm are recurring themes, as guests appreciate the opportunity to learn directly from industry professionals.

Olive Oil Production

As part of the Wine and Olive Oil Tour, guests visit the Astrikas Estate Biolea, where they learn about the intricacies of olive oil production.

The guided tour takes them through the mill, showcasing the traditional methods used to extract the liquid gold. Guests are captivated by the breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding olive groves, which contribute to the distinct flavors of the estate’s oils.

The experience highlights three key aspects of olive oil production:

1. Harvesting the olives by hand for maximum quality.
2. Using a stone mill to gently crush the fruit.
3. Carefully controlling the temperature during the extraction process.

This immersive olive oil education complements the wine tasting portion of the tour, offering a comprehensive understanding of Crete’s premier agricultural products.

Cretan Wine Varietals

Cretan wine varietals captivate guests during the tour, showcasing the region’s rich winemaking heritage. Visitors sample around ten different Cretan grape varieties, including renowned reds like Kotsifali and Mandinuro, and whites such as Vidiano and Vilana. The tour provides an opportunity to explore the unique flavors and characteristics of these distinctive Cretan wines.

Cretan Red Varietals	Cretan White Varietals
Kotsifali	Vidiano
Mandinuro	Vilana
Liatiko	Thrapsathiri

The guided tastings offer a deeper understanding of Crete’s viticultural traditions and the evolution of its renowned wine industry.

Traditional Lunch

One of the highlights of the Wine and Olive Oil Tour is the traditional Cretan lunch. Rather than touristy eats, guests are treated to an authentic, locally-sourced meal.

The tour skips the typical tourist traps, opting instead for a glass-free, family-style dining experience. Guests can expect to enjoy:

1. Fresh, seasonal ingredients from nearby farms.
2. Classic Cretan dishes like moussaka and dolmades.
3. An opportunity to savor the flavors of the region and learn about local culinary traditions.

This immersive dining experience allows guests to fully embrace the culture and cuisine of Crete, complementing the wine and olive oil tastings throughout the day.

Knowledgeable Tour Guides

The Wine and Olive Oil Tour is led by knowledgeable and friendly guides, such as Anna-Maria and Oz, who are praised by guests for their expertise and personalized approach.

These guides provide an engaging and educational experience, tailoring the tour to the interests of each group. Guests frequently mention the guides’ extensive knowledge of Cretan wine, olive oil production, and local culture, which enhances the overall tour.

The personalized attention ensures travelers have ample opportunities to ask questions and gain a deeper understanding of the region’s rich traditions.

Many reviewers highlight the guides’ ability to strike a perfect balance between information and enjoyment, making the tour an unforgettable experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the Tour Be Customized to My Preferences?

Yes, the tour can be customized to your preferences. The private nature of the experience allows the guides to tailor the itinerary and activities to meet your specific interests and needs.

How Do I Get to the Starting Point of the Tour?

The tour provider offers pickup options, so travelers can easily get to the starting point. They’ll work with you to arrange a convenient pickup location near your accommodation or other desired meeting spot.

What Is the Dress Code for the Tour?

The tour has a casual dress code. Guests are advised to wear comfortable clothing and sturdy shoes suitable for walking. The tour includes both indoor and outdoor activities, so dressing in layers is recommended.

Can I Take Photos or Videos During the Tour?

Guests are generally encouraged to take photos and videos throughout the tour. The tour provides ample opportunities to capture the beautiful scenery, olive oil production process, and wine tastings. However, guests should be mindful not to disrupt the tour experience.

Is There a Limit on the Number of Wine Samples I Can Have?

The tour does not specify a limit on wine samples. Guests can enjoy unlimited drinks, including a glass of champagne, as part of the full wine tasting experience.

The Sum Up

This exclusive private tour offers wine enthusiasts an immersive journey through Crete’s rich culinary landscape. Guests will visit top wineries and an olive oil mill, learning about traditional production methods while savoring Cretan varietals. The personalized experience includes a locally-sourced meal and knowledgeable guides who share their passion for the region’s wine and olive oil heritage, creating an authentic and unforgettable experience.