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

If you’re looking for a way to get a true taste of Rhodes beyond the beaches and ancient ruins, this Rhodes Wine & Food Tour offers a delightful mix of local wine, authentic cooking, and beautiful scenery. While I haven’t personally taken this exact tour, it has garnered consistently glowing reviews and seems to pack a lot into just four hours—something that busy travelers will appreciate.

What makes this tour stand out? For one, the chance to visit a small, family-owned vineyard and see how Greek wines, souma, and tsipouro are made gives it an authentic touch. Plus, the cooking class adds a hands-on element that makes the experience both fun and educational. The 10-course Greek lunch with unlimited wine sounds like a real highlight, offering a relaxed way to enjoy local flavors without feeling rushed.

On the flip side, a potential consideration is the duration and pace—if you’re not into wine or food, this might feel a bit niche. Also, be aware that wine shipping isn’t available, so travelers with extra wine in mind might need to plan around luggage weight.

This experience will suit those who love good food, fine wine, and local traditions, especially if you’re open to a more relaxed, intimate setting. It’s a great fit for couples, small groups, or anyone keen to understand Greek wine and cuisine firsthand.

Key Points

• Authentic experience at a family-run vineyard and distillery
• Included: wine tasting, cooking lesson, and a generous 10-course Greek lunch
• Transport: round-trip transfers included, making logistics simple
• Group size: small groups create a relaxed, personal atmosphere
• Price: around $90, offering good value for the depth of experience
• Best for: wine lovers, foodies, and those craving an authentic local experience

Why This Tour Is Worth Considering

Rhodes is famous for its beaches and historical sites, but this tour offers a refreshing change—getting to explore local Greek wine-making traditions combined with a hands-on cooking session. It’s a chance to learn while tasting and eating your way through the island, making it more than just a sightseeing trip.

We loved the way the tour balances educational insights with interactive fun. The vineyard tour is straightforward but meaningful, giving you a peek into how Greek wines, souma, and tsipouro are crafted. The wine tasting, guided by a certified sommelier, ensures you gain real knowledge about vinification and how different processes influence flavor—something that wine newbies and connoisseurs alike can appreciate.

The cooking class is approachable and engaging, with the cook guiding you through making classic dishes. One review described it as a “great experience” that wasn’t overwhelming, and another mentioned the fun of preparing dishes like dolmas and tzatziki. The lunch that follows is a 10-course feast showcasing Greek culinary traditions, with all the wine you could want—making it a very relaxed, convivial meal.

The Itinerary in Detail

Vineyard & Distillery Tour

The tour kicks off with a warm welcome and a walk through the vineyard. Here, you’ll see the vines up close and hear about the production process—an aspect that adds a layer of appreciation for what you’ll be tasting later. The owner’s son, often praised for sharing great info, takes guests on a walk, offering insights into grape harvesting and winemaking.

Next, the group heads into the distillery, where the fermentation and distillation of molasses into souma and tsipouro are explained. This part of the tour is especially interesting if you’re curious about Greek spirits, as it’s a window into local traditions that differ from other wine regions.

Wine Tasting Experience

After observing the production process, you’ll move on to a wine tasting led by a certified sommelier. Reviews show that guests find this part particularly valuable—”learning a great deal about wine from him,” as one reviewer put it. You’ll sample the onsite wines, which are made at the vineyard, giving a direct connection between the land and the glass.

Many reviews highlight the quality of the wines, especially the white varieties, with guests noting that the white wines were surprisingly appealing even for red wine lovers. Unlimited wine during lunch is included—so you can relax and enjoy without worry about the bill.

Cooking Class

The cooking portion of the tour is light but engaging. The chef joins the group to teach simple, authentic Greek dishes. One reviewer mentioned making dömlades (stuffed grape leaves) and sauces, which adds a fun, interactive element.

It’s important to note that the dishes are pre-prepared in some cases and not all cooking stations are hands-on for every guest. Still, the experience is relaxed, and folks appreciate the chance to learn culinary tricks and taste the results.

Lunch & Unlimited Wine

The final act is a 10-course Greek meal, served family-style. Guests rave about the delicious food and the generous flow of wine. One reviewer called it the “best lunch in Greece,” emphasizing the quality of the dishes and the overall value.

The meal is a highlight for many, with the chance to savor traditional flavors and enjoy a convivial, unhurried atmosphere. The unlimited wine makes it all the more enjoyable, especially if you like to indulge a little while chatting with new friends.

Practical Details

This 4-hour tour is well-paced, with plenty of time to appreciate each stop without feeling rushed. Round-trip transportation is included, so there’s no need to worry about navigating or parking. The group size is kept small enough to foster a personal experience, yet large enough to feel lively—though some reviews mention groups up to 999, so it’s flexible.

The cost of around $90.56 per person is quite reasonable considering the experience offered—wine tasting, a cooking class, and a substantial Greek meal. For those interested in wine, food, or just wanting a taste of everyday Greek life outside the tourist spots, it’s a solid choice.

One aspect worth considering is the lack of wine shipping options; if you fall in love with a particular bottle, you’ll need to plan for extra luggage or local purchase options.

Who Will Love This Experience?

This tour is ideal for wine enthusiasts eager to learn about Greek vino-making traditions firsthand. Food lovers will enjoy the cooking class and the generous, authentic meal. If you’re traveling with someone who appreciates a relaxed, small-group vibe with plenty of tasting and storytelling, this will suit you well.

It’s not a tour for those looking for high-energy, fast-paced sightseeing or who don’t drink alcohol—it’s all about savoring flavors and local craftsmanship. The experience has received praise for its knowledgeable guides, stunning views, and excellent wine selection, making it a good value for the price.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for children?
While most travelers of all ages can participate, it’s primarily a wine and food experience, so it’s better suited for adults or older teens. The focus on tasting and learning about wine might not appeal to very young kids.

Does the tour include transportation?
Yes, round-trip transfers in an air-conditioned vehicle are included, which makes logistics easier and allows you to relax.

How long does each part of the tour last?
The entire experience lasts about four hours, with enough time allocated for the vineyard tour, wine tasting, cooking class, and lunch.

Can I buy wine during the tour?
While you can sample and enjoy the wines on-site, the tour does not offer wine shipping. You might want to purchase bottles to take home, but you’ll need to plan for extra luggage or local stores.

Is the lunch served immediately after the cooking class?
Yes, after the cooking lesson, you’ll enjoy a 10-course Greek meal with unlimited wine. It’s a leisurely, family-style sit-down.

What is the price, and does it seem worth it?
At around $90.56 per person, the tour offers a lot of value—wine tastings, a cooking lesson, and a substantial meal. Many reviews point out its excellent quality and memorable experience.

How do I know when my pick-up will be?
The start time is an estimate; you’ll receive detailed pick-up info the day before, based on your location. Be sure to check your email for exact details.

Final Thoughts

If you’re after an authentic taste of Rhodes beyond its beaches and ruins, this Wine & Food Tour really delivers. It’s perfect if you enjoy learning about local traditions in a relaxed, friendly environment, with plenty of wine and delicious food to go around. The combination of vineyard visits, spirits, hands-on cooking, and a hearty Greek lunch makes for a well-rounded, memorable experience.

For those who value good guides, stunning scenery, and a taste of local craftsmanship, this tour checks all the boxes. It’s most suited for couples, small groups, or anyone curious about Greek wines and cuisine—especially if you appreciate a slow, flavorful journey rather than high-paced sightseeing. Just keep in mind the wine shipping aspect if you’re planning to bring bottles home.

All in all, it’s a genuine, enjoyable way to spend half a day on Rhodes—something you’ll likely look back on as a highlight of your trip.