Rethymno: Olive Oil Tasting With Cretan Food Pairing

Rethymno, a quaint city on the island of Crete, offers an unparalleled culinary experience that delves into the heart of Cretan culture. Set amidst a 2,000-year-old olive grove, the "Rethymno: Olive Oil Tasting With Cretan Food Pairing" invites you to embark on a journey of the senses. Prepare to sample four distinct varieties of Cretan olive oil, each paired with a delectable four-course menu featuring locally-sourced ingredients. Under the guidance of experts, you’ll uncover the nuances of olive oil tasting and the unique harvesting methods that contribute to Crete’s rich culinary heritage. As you savor each course, you’ll discover why olive oil is not just a staple, but a revered cornerstone of Cretan cuisine.

Key Points

• A 3-hour immersive experience in a 2,000-year-old olive grove, featuring tasting of 4 distinct Cretan olive oils and a 4-course degustation menu.

• Guided instruction on olive oil tasting, cooking, and selection, along with insights into the harvesting and extraction processes.

• Exploration of the cultural significance and health benefits of premium Cretan olive oils, accompanied by an emphasis on harmonious food pairings.

• A wheelchair-accessible experience with a small group size of 8 participants, available in English, French, and Greek.

• Flexible booking and cancellation policy, with a meeting point that offers free parking and recommendations for a comfortable experience.

Experience Overview

The olive oil tasting experience in Rethymno, Crete offers a unique opportunity to explore the rich heritage and flavors of the region.

Lasting 3 hours, the activity takes place in a 2,000-year-old monumental olive grove, with a limited group size of 8 participants.

Offered in English, French, and Greek, the experience is wheelchair accessible, ensuring inclusivity.

Participants can expect to taste 4 different olive oils and enjoy a 4-course degustation menu expertly paired with the oils.

Beyond the tasting, the experience provides instruction on olive oil selection, harvesting, and cultural significance in Crete, delivering a well-rounded, immersive learning opportunity.

Olive Oil Tasting

During the olive oil tasting, you will sample four distinct varieties of Cretan olive oils. Each oil will be paired with a 4-course degustation menu, allowing guests to experience the nuanced flavors of the oils alongside traditional Cretan fare.

The tasting includes:

1. Instruction on how to properly taste, cook with, and select high-quality olive oil
2. Information on the harvesting, extraction, and production of premium olive oil in Crete
3. Exploration of the rich history, culture, and civilization surrounding olive oil in the region
4. Complimentary water, soft drinks, and local spirits to cleanse the palate.

Cretan Food Pairing

Paired alongside the four olive oil tastings, participants embark on a 4-course degustation menu showcasing traditional Cretan fare.

The menu features locally-sourced ingredients thoughtfully paired with the distinct flavors of the olive oils. From rustic salads drizzled with peppery green oil to hearty bean stews complemented by buttery, fruity variations, each dish highlights the versatility of Crete’s acclaimed olive products.

Soft drinks and local spirits are also available to cleanse the palate between courses.

Through this immersive dining experience, guests gain a deeper appreciation for the ancient traditions and modern nuances of Cretan cuisine and its harmonious relationship with the region’s celebrated olive oil.

Tasting and Degustation

As participants embark on this olive oil tasting experience, they’ll sample four distinct varieties of Crete’s acclaimed olive oils.

The tasting is accompanied by a 4-course degustation menu, where each dish is carefully paired with a specific olive oil to showcase their harmonious flavors.

The experience includes:

• Tasting of 4 different olive oils
• 4-course degustation menu paired with various olive oils
• Additional offerings of water, soft drinks, and local spirits

This comprehensive tasting and pairing session allows visitors to explore the nuances of Crete’s olive oil heritage and discover the art of crafting exceptional culinary pairings.

Learning About Olive Oil

Participants explore the intricacies of olive oil during this experience, learning from the experts how to properly taste, cook with, purchase, and select high-quality Cretan olive oils.

They’ll discover the unique harvesting and extraction processes that produce Crete’s renowned extra virgin olive oils.

The session also explores the deep history and cultural significance of olive oil in Cretan civilization, dating back over 2,000 years.

With this newfound knowledge, attendees can confidently incorporate premium olive oils into their cooking and embrace the health benefits and distinct flavors that characterize this Mediterranean staple.

Olive Oil Harvesting and Extraction

One of the key aspects explored during the olive oil tasting experience is the unique harvesting and extraction processes that produce Crete’s renowned extra virgin olive oils.

Participants learn about:

1. Harvesting: Olives are handpicked during the optimal ripeness period to preserve their natural flavors.

2. Milling: The olives are cold-pressed using traditional stone mills to extract the oil gently.

3. Settling: The oil is allowed to settle and naturally separate from the olive paste, eliminating the need for chemical treatments.

4. Bottling: The oil is packed in dark bottles to protect its quality and prevent oxidation.

These meticulous methods result in the rich, complex flavors that characterize Crete’s exceptional olive oils.

Booking and Cancellation

The olive oil tasting experience is priced from $106.33 per person. Participants can reserve their spot and pay later. Cancellations are free up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Booking	Cancellation
Reserve now & pay later	Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance
Price: From $106.33 per person	Full refund

The combination of affordable pricing, flexible booking, and generous cancellation policy makes this olive oil tasting an accessible and risk-free experience for guests. The organizers aim to provide a hassle-free and enjoyable exploration of Cretan olive oil and cuisine.

Meeting Point and Recommendations

The meeting point for the olive oil tasting experience is in front of the Valide Cooking Activities Building.

Free parking is available opposite the Valide building for participants.

To make the most of the experience, visitors are encouraged to wear:

• Comfortable shoes for walking around the olive grove
• A sun hat to protect against the Cretan sun
• A light jacket or sweater in case of cooler temperatures
• Any necessary mobility aids, as the experience is wheelchair accessible

Customers have rated this olive oil tasting experience 4.8/5 based on 40 reviews, ensuring an informative and enjoyable time exploring Crete’s olive oil culture.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will There Be Vegetarian or Vegan Options Available?

Yes, the experience offers a 4-course degustation menu with vegetarian and vegan options paired with the olive oils. Participants can specify any dietary requirements when making their reservation.

Can the Olive Oil Tasting Accommodate Dietary Restrictions?

The olive oil tasting can accommodate dietary restrictions, including vegetarian and vegan options. Participants should inform the organizers of any dietary needs when making their reservation.

How Much Walking Is Involved During the Experience?

The experience involves minimal walking, as it takes place within the 2,000-year-old monumental olive grove. Participants can explore the grove, but the tasting and food pairing sessions are held in a comfortable, accessible setting at the Valide Cooking Activities Building.

Are There Any Discounts or Packages Available for Larger Groups?

The experience doesn’t mention any discounts for larger groups. However, the group size is limited to 8 participants, so it may be worth inquiring about pricing for a full group booking if you have a larger party.

Can Participants Take Home Any of the Olive Oils or Products Sampled?

Participants can purchase the olive oils and products sampled during the tasting. Additional bottles of the tasted olive oils are available for purchase at the end of the experience to take home.

Recap

Enjoy Crete’s olive oil heritage with this intimate tasting experience set in a stunning 2,000-year-old grove. Savor four Cretan olive oil varieties paired with a delectable four-course menu, while learning about the region’s unique harvesting methods and the cultural significance of olive oil in Cretan cuisine. This is a must-do for any food and wine enthusiast exploring Rethymno.