Heraklion: Olive oil and Wine Tour with Lunch

If you’re craving an immersive day exploring Crete’s legendary gastronomy, this Olive Oil and Wine Tour with Lunch offers an authentic, well-curated experience. Guided by a professional Sommelier, you’ll get to visit family-run farms and award-winning wineries, all while enjoying spectacular landscape views and delicious food.

What we love most about this tour is its focus on local, high-quality products — from extra virgin olive oil to indigenous wines and homemade dishes. It’s a chance to understand the island’s culinary culture firsthand. The positive reviews highlight the guides’ expertise and personal touches that elevate the day.

One thing to consider is that the tour is quite full, with several stops packed into 8 hours, so it’s best suited for those comfortable with a busy schedule. But if you’re eager to learn about Crete’s food and wine scene, and appreciate small group, personalized experiences, this tour is a fantastic choice.

Good To Know

• Authentic Crete: Focuses on local farms, family wineries, and genuine regional flavors.
• Expert Guidance: Led by a certified Sommelier with a wealth of knowledge.
• Scenic Views: Enjoy spectacular landscapes of olive groves and vineyards.
• Gourmet Lunch: A three-course meal paired with premium local wines in the vineyards.
• Balanced Experience: Combines education, tasting, and leisure for a well-rounded outing.
• Good Value: Includes transport, tastings, and meals, making it a convenient all-in-one experience.

You can check if your dates are available here:

The Detailed Experience

Starting Point and Transportation

The tour begins with a convenient hotel pickup from four locations: Agia Pelagia, Malia, Heraklion, and other central points. Expect a comfortable 35-minute drive in a Jeep or SUV to the first destination. This setup is ideal for travelers staying in the popular resort areas, ensuring a stress-free start.

Olive Oil Farm Visit in Skalani

The first stop is at a small, family-run olive farm in Skalani village. Here, you’ll go on a walk through the olive groves, guided by an olive oil specialist. This isn’t just a quick look — you’ll learn how to recognize the qualities of extra virgin olive oil — its fruity, herbal, and spicy notes.

Reviewers have noted the value of this part: “We learned how to recognize the characteristics of olive oil and enjoyed pairings with fresh vegetables, cheese, and bread,” mentions one traveler. The farm visit gives a genuine peek into local production, emphasizing fresh, local ingredients with a focus on quality over quantity.

Wineries and Vineyards in Alagni

Next, the tour guides you to one of Crete’s most beautiful wineries in Alagni village, renowned for producing wines from indigenous grape varieties. Here, a guided tour of the vineyard and cellar will introduce you to biodynamic cultivation and traditional winemaking techniques.

What sets this part apart is the spectacular setting — the table is set next to the vines, with the “Lasithiotika” mountains providing a dramatic backdrop. Expect to taste six premium local wines, carefully selected and explained by your Sommelier, who is WSET Level 3 certified. As one review states, “Areti is extremely knowledgeable in the wines and history of winemaking in Crete,” adding depth to the tasting.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Food and Wine Pairing Lunch

The highlight is the 3-course Cretan lunch, served right amid the vineyards. The meal is designed to pair perfectly with the wines, tying together the flavors of fresh vegetables, wild greens, cheese, meat, and herbs, all cooked with local extra virgin olive oil.

Expect to enjoy this in a relaxed, scenic setting — a rare chance to savor authentic Cretan dishes while overlooking the landscape. Reviewers have expressed how well the food and wine pairing worked: “The food was delicious, and the wines complemented each dish perfectly,” says a guest. The lunch is more than just a meal—it’s an experience that amplifies the flavors and aromas unique to Crete.

Additional Highlights and Personal Touches

Guests have praised the tour guides for their personal approach, with one reviewer noting, “Areti tried to understand our usual wine preferences, ensuring the tastings suited our palates.” She even went the extra mile by bringing snacks from a local bakery and pointing out ancient winepresses, adding layers of educational value and authenticity.

The landscape views throughout the day are stunning, making the entire experience not just about taste but also about appreciating Crete’s natural beauty. The tour includes bottled water and all entrance fees, which simplifies the day.

Practical Details and Considerations

This tour lasts about 8 hours, starting with a flexible scheduling option (check availability). It’s designed as a private group experience, which means more personalized attention. The transportation is comfortable, and the tour is suitable for most travelers — but those with mobility issues or heart problems may find it less accessible.

The cost covers hotel pickup and drop-off, all tastings, meals, guided tours, and entrance fees, providing good value for a full day of immersive activities. Extras like transfers from other towns (e.g., Rethymnon or Elounda) are available for an additional €50, paid on the spot.

What to Bring and Wear

Comfortable shoes are recommended, especially for walking through the olive groves and vineyards. Remember to bring your ID or passport, and avoid bare feet or smoking indoors to respect the farm and winery settings.

Why This Tour Works

This experience shines because it combines education, tasting, and scenic beauty. You won’t just sample wines and oils—you’ll also learn how they’re made, their cultural significance, and how to recognize quality. The guide’s expertise, particularly their focus on local, indigenous varieties, highly enhances the value.

Guests frequently mention how personalized and detailed the experience is, with reviewers praising Areti’s knowledge and care. The scenic lunch amid the vines acts as the perfect capstone, offering a genuine taste of Crete’s hospitality and gastronomy.

Who Will Love This Tour?

If you’re a wine and food lover eager to explore Crete beyond the usual tourist spots, this is a perfect fit. It’s ideal for travelers who appreciate small-group, guided experiences with authentic local insights. The mix of scenery, education, and delicious food makes it suitable for couples, friends, or solo travelers seeking a relaxed yet enriching day.

Active participants who enjoy walking through farms and vineyards will find this tour engaging, though it’s not designed for those with mobility limitations. Overall, if you value quality over quantity and want a memorable, taste-focused outing, this tour checks all the boxes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in the tour?
The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, visits to an olive oil mill and family-owned winery, tastings of 6 local wines, a Cretan brunch with olive oil, a 3-course lunch paired with premium wines, guided tours, bottled water, and all entrance fees.

How long does the tour last?
It runs for approximately 8 hours, with starting times available upon checking the schedule.

Is the tour suitable for vegetarians?
While the main focus is on local meats and cheeses, the lunch features traditional Cretan cuisine, often including vegetarian options. It’s best to confirm specific dietary needs in advance.

What should I wear?
Comfortable shoes are recommended for walking outdoors. Dress appropriately for the weather and bring your ID or passport.

Can I join if I have mobility issues?
This tour is not suitable for people with mobility impairments, as some walking and uneven surfaces are involved.

Are drinks other than wine included?
Bottled water is provided; additional drinks are not included but can be purchased on-site if desired.

Final thoughts

This Heraklion Olive Oil and Wine Tour offers a well-rounded, engaging glimpse into Crete’s rich culinary traditions. The combination of scenic views, expert-guided tastings, and a delicious, expertly paired lunch makes it stand out as a memorable experience. Perfect for those wanting to deepen their appreciation of local products in a relaxed, personalized setting, it’s a strong pick for food and wine enthusiasts alike.

Whether you’re a seasoned palate or just curious about Crete’s famed gastronomy, this tour provides both education and enjoyment in equal measure. It’s not just a tasting — it’s an invitation to understand and savor the authentic flavors of Crete.

You can check if your dates are available here: