Crete Wine and Olive Oil Tour

Imagine a day spent wandering through traditional Cretan villages, tasting award-winning wines, and marveling at some of the oldest olive trees in the world. That’s what you get with the Crete Wine and Olive Oil Tour, a six-hour journey designed for food and drink lovers eager to learn about the island’s culinary treasures. This experience, rated perfect by 97% of travelers, offers a relaxed and authentic taste of Crete’s heritage, all led by passionate guides and wine experts.

What we really love about this tour is how it balances education with leisure. You get to sample regional wines and extra virgin olive oils, tour family-run wineries, and see ancient olive trees—highlighting the island’s ongoing traditions. A standout feature is the visit to the Monumental Olive Tree of Vouves, believed to be one of the oldest olive trees on the planet, which adds a sense of history and awe.

A potential consideration is the tour’s focus on wine and olive oil, which might leave some wishing for more vineyard visits or in-depth wine production details. However, for those eager for a taste of authentic Crete, the experience hits the sweet spot.

This tour is perfect for curious travelers who appreciate good food, stunning scenery, and engaging storytelling. It’s especially suited for small groups who want to avoid the noise of large coach tours and prefer a more intimate experience.

Key Points

• Authentic Crete Experience: Visits to two family-run wineries and an ancient olive tree showcase local traditions.
• Expert-Led Tastings: Knowledgeable guides and wine specialists enhance the tasting sessions, making it educational as well as delicious.
• Beautiful Scenery: Traverse through charming villages and lush landscapes, perfect for photography and soaking up the local atmosphere.
• Cultural Insights: Learn about the history and process behind olive oil and wine production from passionate local hosts.
• Well-Organized: Includes hotel pickup and drop-off, making logistics hassle-free, with a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle.
• Good Value: At just over $139, the tour offers a comprehensive taste of Crete’s culinary culture, with generous tastings and insightful guides.

Starting Point and Transportation
The tour kicks off with a pickup at your hotel in Chania or a nearby meeting point, around 8:45 am. Small groups of up to 20 travelers mean you’ll avoid the chaos of large bus tours, fostering a more relaxed, personal atmosphere. The transport is by air-conditioned minibus or minivan, which makes the scenic drive comfortable and enjoyable as your guide takes care of navigation.

First Stop: Anoskeli Winery and Olive Mill
About a 30-minute drive from Chania, Anoskeli Winery offers a picturesque setting inside the natural landscape of Crete. Here, you’ll tour the vineyards and learn how award-winning regional wines and extra virgin olive oils are made—an eye-opener for anyone interested in the local food scene. The guides at Anoskeli are known for being warm and informative, making the tasting process lively and educational.

Guests often praise the superb quality of both the wines and olive oils, with one reviewer calling the products “superb” and “award-winning.” You’ll sample a variety of regional wines and oils, gaining insight into what makes Cretan produce so special. Some visitors wish there was more olive oil tasting, but generally, the quality and authenticity of what’s offered leave a lasting impression.

Ancient Olive Tree at Vouves
Next, you’ll visit the Monumental Olive Tree of Vouves, estimated to be over 3,000 years old. Standing before this ancient giant is a humbling experience; it’s one of the oldest olive trees in the world. The site includes an information board explaining its history and significance—not just for Crete but for the entire Mediterranean. Visitors often comment on the awe of standing next to such a living monument of resilience and tradition.

Second Wineries: Manousakis Winery
The final stop is the family-run Manousakis Winery in Vatolakkos, where you’ll spend about 1.5 hours. This estate is well-loved for its warmth, authenticity, and excellent wines. The guides here are recognized for their engaging storytelling—one reviewer admired Andreas, the sommelier, for being “fun, friendly, and knowledgeable.”

As you taste several wines and more olive oils, you’ll learn about the production process, the different grape varieties, and how the climate influences Crete’s unique flavors. The winery’s intimate setting allows for relaxed conversations and plenty of opportunities to ask questions. Many reviewers find this part of the tour the most enjoyable, citing the quality of the wines and the friendliness of the hosts as highlights.

Closure and Return
After the winery visit, you’ll head back to Chania, typically arriving around 3-4 pm. The tour concludes where it started, leaving you with a full belly of flavors and a head full of new knowledge about Crete’s culinary traditions.

Small Group Size
With a maximum of 20 travelers, the group feels more like a friendly gathering than a tourist herd. Several reviews praise the intimacy, noting Andreas and other guides foster a welcoming atmosphere. This setup allows for more personalized attention and better engagement.

Knowledgeable Guides and Hosts
Many reviewers highlight guides like Andreas and Costas for their passion and storytelling ability. Andreas, in particular, is praised for being a “fun, witty, and knowledgeable” host who makes the entire experience lively and memorable.

High-Quality Tastings
The tour goes beyond superficial sampling. Guests mention tasting “about 8 wines” and a variety of olive oils, including some “award-winning” options. The guides educate you on what to look for in a good olive oil and how different wines pair with local foods.

A Historic Touch
Standing beside the ancient olive tree or learning from the guides about the history and industry of olive oil and wine adds depth to the experience. Several reviews mention the emotional connection to Crete’s traditions, making this more than just a tasting tour.

Beautiful Scenery and Authenticity
Traveling through traditional villages and lush landscapes gives a real sense of Cretan life. The countryside drive itself is often described as beautiful—an added bonus for photography lovers.

At approximately $139 per person, the Crete Wine and Olive Oil Tour offers a well-rounded package. Considering the included tastings, expert guides, transport, and visits to two wineries plus an ancient olive tree, many find it highly worthwhile. The tour’s reviews support this—several mention that it was “the best thing” they did during their trip, and the experience offers an authentic taste of local life without the hefty price tag of private tours.

The inclusion of a light meal and bottled water adds to the value, helping everyone stay refreshed and satisfied throughout the day. The organized pickup and drop-off make logistics simple, especially if you’re staying in central Chania or along the coast.

• Book in advance: The tour is popular and usually booked about 40 days ahead, so plan early if you want a spot.
• Arrive on time: Pickup begins around 8:45 am; punctuality helps keep the schedule smooth.
• Children: They are welcome but must be accompanied by an adult, and wine tasting isn’t available for under-18s—juice or water will be offered instead.
• Weather considerations: The company reserves the right to make minor changes in case of bad weather, so be prepared for adjustments.
• Dietary needs: Inform the operator ahead of time if you have allergies or food preferences.

This experience is ideal for food and wine lovers who want an authentic, relaxed insight into Crete’s culinary traditions. It suits small groups looking for intimate conversations, as well as travelers interested in history and culture—not just tasting. If you prefer more vineyard visits or in-depth wine production, this tour might feel a tad light on that aspect, but the overall quality and authenticity compensate.

For solo travelers, the welcoming group size and friendly guides make it easy to feel included. Families with older children will also find it suitable, as the focus on food and scenery is family-friendly (though wine tasting is adult-only).

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, hotel pickup is offered from Chania and along the coast to Maleme, making the start of the day convenient.

How long does the tour last?
Approximately 6 hours, including transport, sightseeing, tastings, and the return trip.

Can children participate?
Yes, children can join, but wine tasting is not permitted for those under 18. Juice or water is provided instead.

What should I wear?
Casual, comfortable clothing suitable for walking and outdoor visits. Sunscreen and hats are recommended in summer.

Are the tastings included?
Absolutely. You’ll sample regional wines, extra virgin olive oils, and enjoy a light meal at the end of the tour.

Is this tour suitable for people with dietary restrictions?
Yes, but it’s best to inform the provider in advance about allergies or food preferences.

What’s the group size?
Up to 20 travelers, ensuring a relaxed and personal experience.

Can I cancel if needed?
Yes, with free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.

The Crete Wine and Olive Oil Tour from Chania is a thoughtfully curated experience that offers a genuine glimpse into Crete’s culinary heartbeat. From visiting family wineries to standing beneath ancient olive trees, it combines scenery, tradition, and tasting in a way that feels both relaxed and enriching.

It’s ideal for those eager to learn about regional products, enjoy authentic local hospitality, and experience the island’s culture firsthand. Whether you’re a wine connoisseur or simply curious, this tour provides excellent value and memorable moments in a setting that truly captures Crete’s spirit.

If you’re after a laid-back, educational, and delicious half-day exploration, this tour is a fantastic choice that will leave you with a deeper appreciation for Crete’s natural and culinary treasures.