Wine Tours and Tastings in Chania

Savor the flavors of Crete and discover the world of Cretan wine on a wine tour and tasting in Chania. Embrace the chance to immerse yourself in the rich culture, history and flavors of this beautiful region as you explore its vineyards, local wineries and renowned restaurants.

Ambrosia may have been considered the drink of the gods in ancient Greece, but today, the soils of Crete are perfect for growing several cultivars of grape that provide a modern-day equivalent in the form of fine and robust wines.

Here's all you need to know about wine tours and tastings, one of the most aromatic gastronomic experiences in Chania.

What are the best wine tours in Chania?

Crete offers wine lovers an opportunity to sample some of the region’s award winning wines. Here are just a few of the wine tastings and tours available from Chania.

Wine and olive day tours from Chania

Vineyards and olive groves often prefer similar climates and this is apparent when joining a wine and olive day tour from Chania. Kissamos is the most popular destination for this type of excursion and typically begins with a pickup at a designated meeting point.

You will travel towards the mountainous interior, arriving at a family-run vineyard to taste award-winning wines and stroll through the vines. At a nearby olive oil factory, you’ll learn more about oil production and get to sample a few for yourself. A highlight on this tour is a stop at one of the world’s oldest known olive trees.

Small group tours offer good value and in some cases, lunch is also included in the price of the trip. If this introduction to Cretan food has whet your appetite, you could consider booking a dinner or cooking class to round out your culinary experience.

Chania wine and food tasting walking tour

Get to know the real Chania with a small group guided tour that explores beyond the tourist sights and exposes the authentic aspects of culture, cuisine and wine of Chania.

As you stroll along the lanes of the city, you will see many historical landmarks, engage with the locals, and sample traditional Cretan products including local wines, honey and other fresh produce as part of this comprehensive food tour.

Chania Sacred Paths wine tour

Monasteries are one of the first recorded wine, beer and spirit producers and on a Chania Sacred Paths tour, you will join your guide on an excursion that includes a visit to the Holy Trinity Monastery to admire the Byzantine architecture and sample wines from their vineyards.

At the Manousakis Winery nearby, an additional five wines are available for tasting. They are paired with olive oil and Cretan bread, but if you’d like something more substantial, you can select a full mezze lunch with wine pairing for a small additional cost. You could also add beer tastings to the menu if you're ready to move beyond the grape.

Full day Apokoronas culture, cuisine and wine tour from Chania

Apokoronas is located just to the east of Chania and is an enchanting destination for visitors. On a full day tour, you will be able to learn more about Cretan lifestyle and traditions and view various handicrafts at the Apokoronas Museum.

While touring, you will visit wineries in the foothills of the White Mountains and sample regional wines, specialty cheeses and tasty rusks. Historic monuments, including the Alidakis Tower, are all included in the day’s itinerary.

Are there any combos available with wine tours in Chania?

There are tours available from Chania that combine wine tastings along with other activities. These are great if you only have a short amount of time available and want to experience all that the region has to offer.

Chania: Off-road sunset tour with wine tasting

A 4.5 hour off-road quad tour in a 4x4 vehicle that travels towards the White Mountains from Chania, passing through orchards and past traditional villages. After a panoramic sunset, this tour continues to a local winery where you can enjoy a wine tasting and sample some delectable local delicacies.

Chania: Sunset cruise and Cretan Wine

Set sail from Chania’s Old Harbor and head out to sea on a boat tour in Chania. The red and purple hues of the setting sun provide a stunning backdrop for the Old Venetian Lighthouse. The experience ends with an opportunity to sample local wines as well as Graviera cheese and golden honey.

Chania: Knossos Palace, Museum, & Wine Private Day Trip

This full-day private tour includes the ancient Knossos Palace, the Heraklion Archaeological Museum and a meander along the Minoan wine routes of central Crete. This tour is hosted by a specialized guide who balances aspects of history, mythology and agriculture in this comprehensive and immersive excursion.

Which places are visited?

One thing that all wine tours have in common is that they include tastings of some of the region’s finest wines. Tours typically have unique itineraries and include aspects that differentiate them from other similar offerings. If you're a cheese lover, make sure to choose a tour that includes plenty of cheese tastings.

In the regions around Chania, many tours, along with stops at family owned vineyards, wineries and local restaurants also include visits to nearby olive groves or olive oil factories and might include a stop at the world’s oldest known olive tree. The fertile soils in and around the White Mountains are often the source of the traditional fare you will be able to taste as you travel.

On a Chania walking tour, you not only get to taste wines and eat freshly prepared meals, but also view the 14th-century Venetian harbor, the historic Splantzia Square and visit one of the numerous cafés in the old town.

How much do wine tours in Chania cost?

Chania wine and olive tours cost from €110 per person. Tours that include lunch cost around €130 each, while a Chania wine and food tasting walking tour starts at €110 per person on a small group basis.

The Chania Sacred Paths wine tour costs from €90 per person for a wine tasting with bread and oil. For a surcharge of around €20 a mezze meal can be served, paired with tastings of recommended wines.

Full day Apokoronas culture, cuisine and wine tours from Chania vary in price depending on group size but cost from €120 per person for tours with eight participants to €340 per person if only two guests join the tour.

What is included?

Wine tours typically include return transport from the meeting point, the services of a guide and a set number of wine tastings, usually snacks or lunch and bottled water, tea, coffee or soft drinks. Tours may stop at one or two wineries or restaurants for tastings. A winemaker, expert guide or sommelier will typically guide you through your tastings and answer your wine-related questions.

Where does it start?

If you book a private excursion, you may be collected from your hotel. Otherwise, wine tours in Chania usually start at a central meeting point in the city, such as the Chania Public Market or a popular landmark in the Old Town. Details are provided when confirming your booking.

How long does it last?

Most wine tours in Chania last from 3 to 6 hours, depending on the itinerary and number of stops included on the route.

When is the best time for a wine tour in Chania?

The best time to take a wine tour in Chania is during the morning or late afternoon. This allows you to avoid the hottest parts of the day but still enjoy your tastings and meals at a leisurely pace. Taking a wine tour at the beginning of your stay serves as a great introduction to the local cuisine and wine culture.

Travel tips

• Book your tour in advance to secure your spot.
• Advise the operator if you have any food or other allergies or specific dietary requirements.
• Wear comfortable clothing and remember a hat on sunny days.
• Apply sunscreen regularly, especially during the warmer months.
• Alcohol can only be served to those over 18 and some tours may enforce age restrictions.