Rhodes Wine & Food Tour: 10 Meal Course Lunch, Wine Tasting, Cooking Class

An in-depth look at Rhodes’ Wine & Food Tour: a blend of vineyard visits, culinary lessons, and a hearty 10-course Greek meal—perfect for foodies and wine lovers alike.

This Rhodes-based experience offers a beautifully curated taste of Greek wine, local cuisine, and scenic vineyard views—all wrapped into about four hours of engaging activity. What makes this tour stand out is its focus on genuine, hands-on experiences like learning to prepare Greek dishes and understanding wine production from vineyard to glass.

One aspect we particularly appreciate is the host’s expertise, especially their certified sommelier guide who walks you through the nuances of Greek wines and spirits like souma and tsipouro. The only potential consideration is the duration—while four hours might seem tight for such a comprehensive experience, it’s packed with enough highlights to make it worth every minute.

This tour is ideal for travelers who love immersive activities that combine food and wine with cultural insights. Whether you’re a couple, a small group, or traveling solo, if you enjoy learning about local gastronomy and tasting excellent wines, this experience will suit you well.

Key Points

• Authentic Greek Experience: Combines vineyard and distillery tours with a cooking class and a multi-course Greek lunch.
• Expert Guidance: Led by a certified sommelier, ensuring knowledgeable insights into Greek wines and spirits.
• Hands-on Cooking: You’ll learn to prepare traditional dishes, making this more than just a tasting tour.
• Hearty Meal & Unlimited Wine: A full 10-course meal paired with unlimited wine, promising a satisfying and convivial experience.
• Convenient Transfers: Round-trip transportation by air-conditioned vehicle simplifies logistics.
• Great Value: At just over $90, you get a rich, multi-layered experience that often exceeds expectations for the price.

The Itinerary Breakdown: What to Expect

Vineyard & Distillery Tour

The journey begins with a warm welcome and a drive through the scenic Rhodes countryside. As you arrive at the small, family-run vineyard, you’ll walk among the vines, where your host explains the grape varieties and the steps involved in wine production. The atmosphere is intimate—often with groups as small as six—making the experience feel personal and engaging.

Next, you’ll visit the distillery where traditional spirits like souma and tsipouro are produced via fermentation and distillation. Expect to see molasses fermenting and spirits being distilled, with explanations of how these local drinks differ from more commercial spirits. Reviewers often mention the graciousness of hosts like Jason, who explain everything in clear English and add personal touches that make the visit memorable.

Wine Tasting Experience

After the vineyard tour, you’ll move into the tasting room, where the certified sommelier guides you through a detailed analysis of the onsite wines. You’ll learn how vinification influences flavor profiles, and enjoy sampling a variety of Greek wines—white, red, and perhaps a rosé—paired with local cheese and bread. Reviewers frequently rave about the quality of the wines, with many noting that the white wines, in particular, are exceptional and even unexpected for those unfamiliar with Greek varieties.

Greek Cooking Class

The culinary component is a central highlight. You’ll toss ingredients, roll dolmades, and learn to prepare traditional dishes like tzatziki, meatballs, or other Greek staples. The class is described as relaxed and informative, with hosts taking time to explain each step, making it accessible even for beginners. One reviewer mentioned that although some dishes are pre-prepared, the experience of making them and then enjoying the family-style meal is truly satisfying.

10-Course Greek Lunch

Finally, the feast begins. Expect a generously portioned, multi-course meal featuring dishes prepared during the cooking lesson—served family-style with unlimited wine. Reviewers have described this as “the best lunch you will have in Greece,” emphasizing the high quality, authentic flavors, and the warm, communal atmosphere. The wine flows freely, making it an ideal setting for conversation and relaxation.

The Experience in Practice: Details That Matter

Transportation & Group Size

Included in the tour is round-trip pickup in air-conditioned vehicles, which simplifies logistics and keeps the focus on enjoying the experience. The group sizes typically vary but are often small enough to foster intimacy—some reviews mention groups as tiny as six, which creates a cozy, friendly environment. With a maximum capacity of 999 travelers, the tour can accommodate larger groups but often feels personal and engaging.

Duration & Pacing

Spanning around four hours, the tour offers a balanced pace—enough time to savor each part without feeling rushed. Critics mention that while the cooking involves making a few dishes (like salad and dolmades) rather than full multi-course prep, the experience remains fun and educational. The meal and wine are plentiful, and guests often comment on how satisfying and value-packed the experience is given the price point.

Price & Value

At approximately $90.56 per person, this experience provides excellent value considering the inclusion of vineyard visits, spirits, a full meal, wine tastings, and a cooking lesson. Multiple reviewers point out that the lunch alone is “worth the price”—a hearty, authentic feast that could stand on its own, but is even better when combined with the other activities.

Potential Drawbacks

Some guests note the presence of wasps around the cooking area, which can be a minor annoyance during the outdoor meal. Plus, a few found the cooking component somewhat limited, as some dishes are pre-made. However, reviewers widely agree that the overall experience compensates for these minor inconveniences.

Weather & Cancellation

The tour is weather-dependent, but if canceled due to poor conditions, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. Cancelation policies are flexible if made 24 hours in advance, making it less stressful to plan around unpredictable weather.

What Reviewers Love Most

Many guests highlight the knowledgeable hosts, especially Jason, whose warmth and expertise shine through. The setting’s authenticity, with a family-run vineyard, offers a genuine taste of Greek hospitality. The wines are frequently praised—both their quality and the opportunity to taste spirits like souma and tsipouro that are less common elsewhere. The food receives glowing remarks, with the ten-course meal often described as the best in Greece, served with generous pours of wine.

The social atmosphere, especially in smaller groups, makes the experience feel like a gathering of friends rather than a touristy event. Reviewers also appreciate the detailed explanations, the personal touches, and the opportunity to learn while having fun.

Who Should Book This Tour?

This experience is perfect for food and wine enthusiasts who want more than just a tasting—who enjoy hands-on learning and authentic local flavors. It’s excellent for couples seeking a romantic yet educational outing, as well as small groups or solo travelers looking for a friendly, engaging activity. Those interested in Greek spirits and traditional dishes will find plenty to love here.

If you’re after a quick, superficial tour, this might not be your best bet. But if you want a well-rounded, immersive experience that combines scenic vineyard visits, spirits, cooking, and a hearty meal, this tour offers excellent value and authentic insights.

FAQs

Is transportation included?
Yes, the tour provides round-trip transfers in air-conditioned vehicles, which makes logistics straightforward and comfortable.

How long does the tour last?
It lasts approximately 4 hours, providing enough time to enjoy each part without feeling rushed.

Can I participate if I don’t drink alcohol?
While wine tasting is central to the experience, the focus is on learning about wine, spirits, and Greek cuisine, so non-drinkers are welcome. You can simply enjoy the food and learn from the guides.

What kind of wines will I taste?
You’ll sample onsite-made wines, including white, red, and possibly rosé, along with spirits such as souma and tsipouro.

Are the dishes prepared from scratch?
Most dishes during the cooking class are prepared during the experience, though some reviewers mention that certain items are pre-made for simplicity. Regardless, the meal is authentic and satisfying.

Is this suitable for families?
The tour is generally suitable for most travelers, but it’s primarily geared towards adults due to wine tasting. Children or non-drinkers can participate in the cooking and enjoy the scenery.

Can I book this tour last minute?
Yes, but advanced booking is recommended—most guests book about 48 days in advance—especially during peak seasons.

What happens if the weather is bad?
The tour requires good weather; if canceled due to rain or poor conditions, you will be offered a different date or a full refund.

To sum it up, this Rhodes Wine & Food Tour offers a comprehensive, engaging taste of Greek culture through its excellent wine, delicious food, and warm hospitality. It’s an experience that balances education and enjoyment perfectly, making it a top choice for anyone wanting to truly dive into local flavors. Whether you’re a wine novice or an eager foodie, you’ll walk away with new knowledge, a full belly, and perhaps a few bottles of memorable Greek wine. For those who value authentic experiences, friendly guides, and a relaxed yet enriching atmosphere, this tour is a smart pick.