WHY WE LOVE IT

A fantastic full day tour for those who want to explore the wines of Crete beyond the simple wine tasting tour. Ideal for those staying close to Heraklion, Agios Nikolaos, Elounda and Plaka in Lassithi prefecture. 

Activity Description

Join an exciting walking wine tour in a family vineyard located in one of the most important wine-producing areas of Crete, the area of Peza-Archanes.

Your wine tour will start in Houdetsi village where your expert guide will meet you in a dedicated tasting room and will start with an introduction to the wines of Crete.  You will learn about the area's micro-climate and its influence in wine-production of special varieties. You will also discover indigenous Cretan varieties recognise the different stages of growth of the vine.

During this tour you will also visit Venetian or Minoan wine presses and you will get involved in the cultivation of a traditional Cretan vineyard. This wine tour will end back in the tasting room where you will have the chance to taste Cretan wines accompanied with local artisanal cheese and traditional rusk (paximadi).  

Special Features

• Introduction to the wines of Crete and local 'terroir' in a tasting room

• Visiting the oenologist’s vineyard and get involved in the seasonal field-works

• Option to trek for 1.5 hour to visit the Venetian/Minoan wine presses, passing from olive groves and beautiful rural landscapes

• Picnic in nature

• Return to the tasting room where a tasting of Cretan wines accompanied with paximadi (dried bread) and cheese will be provided

• Wine-tasting

Activity Snapshot

Dates | Start Time: All year round, private tour upon request | 9 AM or as agreed upon request. 

Duration: Up to 7 hours

Meeting Point: Houdetsi village (Request transfer to/from Houdetsi village here).

Group Size: Private groups of min. 2 max. 12 participants. 

Pace: Easy

Spoken Language: English, French translator to other language upon request

Included: English-speaking wine expert guide, wine tasting of 5 local high quality wines, all tastings and snacks as described, picnic in nature, personal thematic booklet.

Excluded: Transfers to/from Houdetsi village, translator (where required), any entrance fees to museums/archaeological sites, everything else not mentioned as included, any food and beverages other than the tastings during the tour, personal expenses and tips (optional).

Note: This is a private tour. Bookings required at least 3 days in advance. The tour can be tailored and adjusted in line with your needs. Seasonal organic ingredients used therefore menu may change. Let your guide know in advance of any local products you would like to taste and learn more about. Please advise of any food allergies and special dietary requirements upon booking.

Young Travellers: Children under 6 years: free of charge.

Cancellation Policy

Cancellation up to 45 days before the tour: full refund; cancellations 44 days to 15 days before the tour: 80% refund (20% cancellation fee); cancellation 14 up to 7 days before the tour: 50% refund (50% cancellation fee); cancellation 7 up to 4 days before the tour: 10% refund (90% cancellation fee); for cancellations less than 3 days before the tour, late comers and no shows: no refund. 

Additional Info

• Confirmation to be received as soon as possible (within 24 hours from booking)

• You can present either a print out or an electronic booking confirmation for this activity

• Complete information on Vendor, including local telephone numbers at your destination, will be sent with your Booking Confirmation. The TravelPorter hand-picks the most remarkable, experienced and reliable vetted professionals for a pleasant experience from booking to completion.

Experience East Crete