Athens: Greek Wine & Olive Oil Tasting at Brettos Plaka

If you’re visiting Athens and have a soft spot for good food and drink, this Greek Wine & Olive Oil Tasting at Brettos might just be a highlight of your trip. While we haven’t personally been on this exact tour, reviews and descriptions give us a pretty clear picture of what to expect—and it sounds like a great way to deepen your appreciation for Greece’s culinary heritage.

What really draws us in are the focus on local products—six different wines paired with four extra virgin olive oils—and the chance to learn how herbs and food come together in classic Greek flavors. Plus, the cozy setting at Brettos, one of Athens’ oldest bars, adds a layer of authenticity. That said, it’s worth noting that some reviews mention the experience isn’t quite as “masterclass” as advertised, so keep your expectations balanced.

This tour is ideal for those who want to expand their tasting skills, understand food pairings, or simply enjoy a relaxed, intimate experience of Greek flavors. If you’re curious about how olive oil and wine are made and want practical tips for choosing quality products back home, this is a solid pick. But if you’re chasing a highly structured or extensive lesson, you might find this tour a bit light.

Key Points

• Educational yet relaxed: Focused on pairing wines and olive oils with herbs, cheese, and deli items.
• Small group size: Limited to 8 participants, which allows for more personalized attention.
• Authentic setting: Starts at Brettos, a historic Athens bar, adding charm and local flavor.
• Multi-sensory experience: Includes tasting, smelling, and understanding food and drink combinations.
• Value for money: At $56 per person, it offers a decent sampling of Greek staples with guidance.
• Potential areas for improvement: Some reviews note the explanations are quick and the advertised canapés were missing, so manage your expectations accordingly.

You can check availability for your dates here:

What You Can Expect from This Tour

Starting at Brettos, the oldest bar in Athens, you’ll step into a space rich with history and character. The meeting point is easy to find—just go down the steps on the right side of Brettos and enter the Deli & Tasting Room. From there, the two-hour experience kicks off, combining tastings, learning, and a good dose of Greek culture.

The Olive Oil Tasting

The tour begins with an exploration of extra virgin olive oils—four distinct types to taste and compare. Greece has been producing olive oil for over four millennia, so these oils carry a heritage of craftsmanship. You’ll learn how to evaluate quality based on aroma, flavor, and texture. The guide will probably help you understand how herbs and olive oil work together, giving you practical tips on how to select and enjoy olive oil at home.

The Wine Tasting

Next, you’ll move on to six wines, likely including different types of grapes and styles. Reviews highlight that the guides are quite knowledgeable, explaining the grapes’ origins, flavors, and popularity. We loved the idea that you’re not just drinking but also learning how to recognize different tastes and aromas—a skill that can really enhance future wine experiences.

Food and Flavor Pairings

One of the key strengths of this experience is the focus on pairing—cheese, deli meats, herbs, and spices—designed to complement the wines and olive oils. Expect to enjoy canapes and condiments that tie everything together. While some reviews mention the absence of advertised canapés or food with tastings, the included deli items and herbs are still enough to create a flavor experience.

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Additional Tasting and Learning

Some tour participants, like Sharon and Andrea, appreciated learning about food pairings and the varieties of honey, adding extra layers of flavor to the journey. The guides are described as extremely knowledgeable, making the afternoon both fun and educational.

The Practicalities: What Makes This Tour Work

Price & Duration: At $56 per person for 2 hours, this experience is reasonably priced considering the number of tastings and educational content. It’s not a full-day tour, but for a quick immersion into Greek flavors, it hits the right notes.

Group Size & Atmosphere: Limited to 8 people, the small-group setting creates an intimate vibe. You’re likely to get more personalized attention, ask questions freely, and connect with other curious travelers.

Meeting Point & End: Starting at Brettos, the tour benefits from a charming and historic setting. The activity concludes back at the same spot, so it’s convenient for continuing your exploration of Plaka or grabbing a drink afterward.

Availability & Flexibility: You can reserve now and pay later, which is handy if your plans are still fluid. And if you need to cancel, you can do so up to 24 hours beforehand for a full refund.

Language & Accessibility: The tour is conducted in English, making it accessible for most travelers. However, note that it’s not suitable for those under 21.

The Honest Bits: What Could Be Better

While the experience is generally well-reviewed, a couple of points are worth considering. A reviewer noted that the explanations were quick and generic, which might leave those looking for a deep dive a bit disappointed. Also, the advertised canapés and food with tastings weren’t always present, which could lessen the overall feeling of indulgence for some. If you’re expecting a formal masterclass, you might find this more of a tasting and pairing session with friendly guidance rather than an in-depth educational experience.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This tasting is especially good if you’re looking to learn practical tips for choosing quality olive oil and wine, or if you’re interested in pairing foods with local products. It’s suitable for travelers who enjoy a social, relaxed atmosphere and are happy to be part of a small group. If you’re traveling with friends, a partner, or even solo but enjoy small, focused experiences, this fits well.

People who love to sample local specialties in a cozy environment will appreciate the authentic setting at Brettos. However, if you’re after a comprehensive wine or olive oil masterclass, or a food tour that includes a larger meal, you might want to explore other options.

FAQs

Is this tour suitable if I don’t speak Greek?
Yes, the tour is conducted in English, so language won’t be an issue. Guides are able to explain the tastings and pairings clearly.

How many wines will I taste?
You’ll enjoy six different wines, each offering a different flavor profile—great for understanding regional styles and grape varieties.

Will I learn how to evaluate quality in olive oil and wine?
Absolutely. The tour aims to teach you how to recognize quality by aroma, taste, and pairing potential, which can be useful for shopping in Greece or at home.

What’s included in the price?
Your fee covers the six wines, four olive oils, herbs and spices, canapes and condiments, and the educational masterclass on both olive oil and wine.

Can I join if I have dietary restrictions?
The details don’t specify special accommodations, but since food and oils are part of the experience, you might want to ask the provider beforehand.

Is the experience family-friendly?
It’s not suitable for those under 21, but otherwise, it’s a relaxed setting that can work for adults interested in learning about Greek flavors.

Final Thoughts

This wine and olive oil tasting at Brettos offers a genuine slice of Greek culinary tradition in a friendly, intimate setting. It’s a solid choice if you’re curious about how to evaluate and pair these staples of Mediterranean cuisine, and if you enjoy small-group experiences with knowledgeable guides.

While it may not be a deep-dive masterclass with extensive food, the combination of learning, tasting, and charming atmosphere makes it a worthwhile addition to your Athens itinerary. It’s especially ideal for travelers who appreciate practical knowledge and local flavors over a highly structured or lengthy tour.

If you’re looking for a relaxed, authentic introduction to Greece’s beloved staples—wine, olive oil, herbs, and cheese—this experience could be just the right fit.

You can check availability for your dates here: