Heraklion and the island of Crete have a rich heritage when it comes to nurturing the vine — with the isle being home to the first signs of wine cultivation in Europe. For 4000 years, Cretans have been raising a glass to good health and long friendships.

The best way to join the merriment is during a wine-tasting tour in Heraklion to discover the island’s rich wine heritage for yourself. You’ll sample a number of different cultivars and learn how Crete’s unique soil impacts their flavor profiles.

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

What are the best wine-tasting tours in Heraklion?

The best wine tour in Heraklion is the experience that best fits the time and money at your disposal.

Wine tour and tasting at a winery in Heraklion

This tour is perfect for old and new wine enthusiasts alike and you’ll gain a valuable glimpse into Crete's storied vinicultural heritage. You’ll travel to the Doulofakis Winery — one of the most celebrated wine producers in the region — where you’ll enjoy six different estate wines.

Small group wine tour in Heraklion

This tour accommodates a maximum of six people, making it perfect for couples, groups of friends and small families. You’ll enjoy 15 different wine varietals — some of which are indigenous to the island — and you’ll get to experience the entire process from root to vine to barrel to bottle. You’ll also get to talk with the winemakers, learning about a time when Crete was synonymous with the best wines in the world.

Heraklion private wine tasting tour with sommelier

If you want to gain a deep understanding of Crete's wine tradition, you can’t do better than a private tour with your very own sommelier. Hear how these unique wines and grapes have been shaped by the regional soils and winds before sitting down and experiencing the intricate tastes and aromas for yourself.

Are there any combos available with wine-tasting tours in Heraklion?

Combining your wine tour with another activity is a wonderful option when you want to explore all the tastes that Heraklion has to offer.

Heraklion wine-tasting tour on e-bikes

An e-bike is like Segway’s more rugged cousin, and it’s the perfect vehicle to travel from winery to winery in Crete’s countryside. The entire route is 24 kilometers but don’t worry, you won’t need to peddle and the riding time is only 90 minutes.

Heraklion off-road jeep tour with wine tasting and sunset dinner

This offroad experience combines the great outdoors with the finer things in life as your jeep tour in Heraklion takes you to lesser-visited parts of the island. Along the way, you’ll enjoy a wine tasting at a famous winery and end your tour with a delicious dinner at sunset.

Gourmet food tour with wine tasting in Heraklion

This food tour and wine-tasting combo is every foodie’s dream, as you’ll explore Heraklion’s most delicious dishes, as well as its best wines. In total, you’ll taste 15 different types of wines at two wineries and sink your teeth into eight different dishes and appetizers. But that's not all, as it also includes an olive oil tasting tour.

What will you do?

Heraklion and the surrounding area in northern Crete form one of Greece’s most important wine regions, producing a third of the country’s tipple. You’ll visit centuries-old vineyards, protected from the warm Libyan winds in the south by the rugged landscape and olive groves.

You’ll enjoy a variety of local wines during your visit, each with its own unique taste and history. Some of the varieties that you’ll learn more about originated in Crete, making it the best place to taste them.

Apart from the vineyards of northern Crete, you may also enjoy an off-road jeep drive, a private dinner or a walking tour of Knossos palace — depending on the type of tour you choose.

How much do wine tours in Heraklion cost?

Wine tastings and tours in Heraklion usually range from €20 to €160 per person — ensuring that every type of traveler will find an outing to fit their needs and budget.

A wine tour and tasting at a winery in Heraklion will cost around €20 per person, and you’ll enjoy six different types of wine — providing unbeatable value for money.

A small group wine tour in Heraklion will cost €150 per person and this includes lunch.

The Heraklion private wine-tasting tour with a sommelier costs €160 per person, but you’ll enjoy the guidance of a qualified sommelier.

What is included?

A typical wine-tasting tour in Heraklion includes up to eight different wine varieties, some of which you’ll struggle to find outside of Crete. These outings also tend to include transport from where you're staying in Heraklion and back again.

Usually, you’ll visit a number of different vineyards to explore the full scope and terroir of Cretan wines — but sometimes you may only visit one with a wide assortment of cultivars. Certain tours include access to a qualified sommelier, an addition that will greatly elevate your overall experience.

Where does it start?

If you are staying in the city, the wine-tasting tour will start from your hotel in Heraklion — with an air-conditioned vehicle taking you to your first vineyard. Some less expensive tours do not include transport, and these will start at the first winery, from where you’ll continue in a van or car. Always confirm whether a shuttle service is included when booking the wine tour.

How long does it last?

The duration of a wine-tasting tour in Heraklion depends on the number of wineries visited. There are several expeditions that last between 1 and 2 hours — a great option for travelers short on time.

You’ll also find wine tours lasting anything between 4 and 8 hours — perfect for aficionados who want to explore this unique wine tradition from root to vine.

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

The start of your visit to Heraklion is perfect for a wine tour, as you’ll gain better insight into Cretan wines. You may choose any time of year to enjoy wine tasting, as there’s no such thing as a bad time for wine.

However, April is an especially good time to visit Cretan wineries, with the verdant vineyards providing a welcome contrast against the Mediterranean backdrop.

Travel tips

Wear comfortable shoes and clothes. Wine-tasting tours in Heraklion include a fair bit of walking.
The legal drinking age in Greece is 18. Persons younger than this may still join the tour, but they shall not be served.
Communicate any dietary requirements or food allergies. Snacks and appetizers form part of many tours, so be sure to inform the tour company in advance if you have any restrictions or special requests.

Wine Tours and Tastings in Heraklion