Rhodes is a fantastic place to explore authentic Greek cuisine, thanks to its local vineyards, traditional villages, and family-owned wineries. What sets Rhodes apart from other Greek islands is its rich tapestry of culinary traditions blended with scenic countryside and warm hospitality. We especially love the Rhodes Wine & Food Tour because it combines a 10-course Greek lunch with a vineyard and distillery visit, topped off with wine tastings led by a certified sommelier. It’s a full immersion into local flavors, perfect for food and wine lovers alike. You can read more about it here.
Another favorite is the Tasting Rhodes experience, which offers a charming small-group tour through a mountain village, with visits to a women’s cooperative, a local winery, and a hands-on cooking class. This experience goes beyond the kitchen, providing cultural insights in a relaxed setting, ideal for travelers who want a genuine taste of Rhodes life. Check it out here.
Our list below showcases a variety of options: from comprehensive winery visits with culinary lessons, to intimate traditional cooking classes with local grandmothers, all designed to give you a taste of authentic Rhodes.
1. Rhodes Wine & Food Tour: 10 Meal Course Lunch, Wine Tasting, Cooking Class
At number 1, the Rhodes Wine & Food Tour offers a full-day experience condensed into about four hours. It’s the most complete package for lovers of both food and drink. Starting with a visit to a local vineyard, you’ll see how the winemaking process works, and then sample the onsite wines with guidance from a certified sommelier. The tour continues into a distillery where you’ll learn how souma and tsipouro are made from molasses, which is a fascinating peek into local spirits.
Following the tasting, you’ll participate in a hands-on cooking class where you learn to prepare traditional Greek dishes. The class culminates in a 10-course Greek lunch — yes, ten — with unlimited wine, making it an excellent value for the experience. The small-group format ensures personal attention and a relaxed atmosphere, perfect for foodies or those celebrating a special occasion.
Guests consistently praise the warm hospitality and the depth of knowledge shared by the hosts, with rave reviews emphasizing the quality of the food, wine, and overall experience. This tour is best suited for travelers who want a combination of wine exploration, culinary skills, and a hearty local meal.
Bottom line: If you want a comprehensive, all-in-one culinary adventure with wine, spirits, and Greece’s best flavors in just a few hours, this tour hits the mark.
2. Tasting Rhodes: Cooking Class, Wine Tasting & more in an Authentic Greek village
Number 2 on our list is the Tasting Rhodes experience, renowned for its intimate small-group format and focus on local culture. This four-hour tour takes you into the heart of a traditional village on the foothills of Mount Profitis Ilias. The journey begins with a walk through the village, where you’ll visit a women’s agricultural cooperative, see local produce, and taste fresh fruits directly from the trees—a true farm-to-table moment.
The highlight is a hands-on cooking class with a local host, where you’ll learn to prepare classic dishes like tzatziki, dolmadakia, and other Greek and Rhodesian specialties. Afterwards, you’ll sample the dishes you’ve made, paired with local wines at a family-owned winery. Many reviews highlight the friendly guide Panos, who shares his knowledge and enthusiasm, making the experience both educational and fun.
The tour ends with a relaxed tasting of local wines, offering insight into Rhodes’ wine-making traditions. It’s perfect for travelers who enjoy culture, cooking, and authentic village life, all in a friendly, small-group setting.
Bottom line: For a genuine, hands-on experience that combines local culture, culinary skills, and wine tasting, this tour is hard to beat.
3. 11 Course Lunch with Cooking Mastery and Wine Tasting in Rhodes
Number 3 on our list takes you to a renowned Greek winery for an in-depth wine and culinary experience. The tour begins with a scenic 30-minute ride to a family-owned vineyard, where the owner shares stories about their history, grape cultivation, and winemaking process. You’ll get a behind-the-scenes look at how their wine is produced, followed by tastings of their best vintages.
The highlight is the cooking aspect, where you’ll learn to prepare multiple traditional Greek dishes in an energetic, interactive class. The chef — and often the winery owner — guides you through each step, emphasizing techniques and regional flavors. Once your dishes are finished, you’ll enjoy a leisurely lunch family-style, tasting your creations alongside other local dishes.
Guests rave about the warm hospitality, the expert guide, and the delicious food. The tour’s focus on family-run wineries and authentic recipes makes it ideal for wine lovers and foodies seeking a well-rounded experience.
Bottom line: If you’re interested in a deep dive into Greek wine and cuisine with personal touches from local winemakers, this tour offers exceptional value.
4. Traditional Greek COOKING class and Wine Tasting in Rhodes
Number 4 focuses on authentic Greek culinary techniques in a small-group setting in the village of Maritsa. This three-hour experience emphasizes traditional dishes such as saganaki cheese, feta with honey, and dolmadakia. The class is hands-on, with you actively preparing each dish from scratch alongside a friendly instructor.
While the emphasis on cooking is clear, many reviews highlight the wine tasting component as equally enjoyable. You’ll sample local wines in a relaxed environment, learning about the regional wine-making process. The intimate setting allows for personalized attention, making it suitable for all skill levels.
If you’re seeking a relaxed, interactive experience that combines cooking with wine tasting, this tour offers good value for its focus on small-group attention. Extra arrangements for pickup are available if you want to avoid transport hassles.
Bottom line: For those wanting to learn Greek dishes in a cozy atmosphere with a side of wine, this experience is a solid choice.
5. Meet My Grandma: Traditional Greek Cooking Class in Rhodes
Number 5 offers something more personal: a home-cooking experience with a Greek grandma herself. Last on our list, this two-hour class takes you into her kitchen, where you’ll learn to make authentic dishes using family recipes. You’ll enjoy your cooked meal with sides and a glass of wine, and you’ll also receive a printable recipe card to recreate the experience at home.
While shorter and more intimate, this tour is perfect for travelers who want to connect with local tradition on a deeper level. It’s especially suited for those interested in a warm, home-style atmosphere, and flexible for different schedules.
The experience’s charm lies in its personal touch, giving you a glimpse into everyday Greek life and cuisine that you won’t find in larger, more commercial tours.
Bottom line: If you want a cozy, authentic cooking experience led by a local grandmother, this is a delightful way to taste true Greek hospitality.
How to Choose Your Perfect Rhodes Cooking Experience
When selecting the best cooking class in Rhodes, consider your priorities: whether that’s wine, culture, or hands-on cooking. For a comprehensive day with wine tastings and a 10-course meal, the Rhodes Wine & Food Tour offers outstanding value. If you prefer a quaint village setting with authentic local life, the Tasting Rhodes provides a personalized experience.
For those who want a deep dive into Greek wine and cuisine, the winery-focused 11 Course Lunch is ideal. The Traditional Greek Cooking class and Wine Tasting suits travelers looking for a relaxed, small-group atmosphere, while the Meet My Grandma experience offers a heartfelt connection with local Greek traditions.
Budget-wise, expect to pay between $79 and $109 per person. Booking early is recommended, especially during peak season, to secure your preferred date and time.
Final Thoughts
Rhodes offers a rich selection of cooking experiences, from vineyard tours and comprehensive tastings to intimate home-style lessons. If you’re after a full culinary immersion, the Rhodes Wine & Food Tour tops the list. For more cultural authenticity and local flavor, the Tasting Rhodes is perfect.
Travelers with a passion for wine and food, or those looking for a personal storytelling experience, should consider the 11 Course Lunch or Meet My Grandma classes. No matter your choice, booking early will ensure you don’t miss out on these memorable culinary adventures.
