Heraklion: Private Wine Tour by SUV with Vineyard Lunch

Summary

Crete’s vineyards, ancient wine presses, and a long Cretan lunch

You’ll be welcomed into Crete’s countryside by a local sommelier, tasting twelve unique wines in two family-run wineries near Heraklion. Wander ancient cellars, touch history at a medieval wine press, then settle in among the vines for a slow Cretan lunch paired with more local wines than you’ll remember. It’s not about fancy words—it’s about feeling at home.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect to laugh so much before noon. Heraklion was already humming when our guide—Maria, who somehow knew everyone—pulled up in the SUV. The air smelled faintly of thyme and diesel (not unpleasant, just real), and as we drove out past olive groves and those low stone walls, I kept thinking how different the light feels here. Softer? Or maybe it’s just my mood slowing down.

We stopped at Domaine Paterianakis first. Maria waved us into the cellar like we were old friends. She poured something pale and sharp into my glass—Vidiano?—and explained how these grapes have survived wars and droughts. I tried to pronounce “Liatiko” properly; she grinned and corrected me gently (I still can’t say it right). There was fresh bread, cheese that tasted like grass after rain, and little bowls of olives that disappeared fast. The wine tasting wasn’t rushed; Maria told stories about her grandfather picking grapes by hand, which made the whole thing feel less like a lesson and more like sitting around someone’s kitchen table.

The medieval wine press near Alagni looked almost forgotten under wildflowers. You could smell old stone and earth—kind of cold even though the sun was out. Maria showed us how people used to stomp grapes here centuries ago. She let me run my hand along the grooves worn smooth from generations; I got goosebumps for a second (maybe just from the breeze?).

Lunch was out in the vineyard itself—table set between rows of vines with bees drifting lazily around us. There were three courses paired with six more wines (I lost count after four), all local dishes I’d never heard of but now crave randomly at home. Someone started singing quietly nearby; not for us, just because they felt like it, I guess. That’s what stuck with me most—the sense that nothing was staged or hurried, just people sharing what they love. If you’re looking for a private wine tour in Heraklion with actual warmth—and not just photos for Instagram—I’d say this is it.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Private guided wine tour in Heraklion

• See inland landscape and vineyards
• Tour Domaine Paterianakis winery and cellar
• Taste 5 wines with local snacks
• Visit Karaoula Medieval Wine Press
• Tour oldest winery vineyard and cellar
• Taste 6 wines paired with 3-course lunch

Top questions

How many wines do you taste on this Heraklion private wine tour?

You’ll taste 12 different Cretan wines across two wineries during the tour.

Is lunch included in the Heraklion SUV wine tour?

Yes, a full three-course traditional Cretan lunch is included with wine pairings.

Who leads the wine tastings on this day trip from Heraklion?

A certified local sommelier guides you throughout both winery visits and tastings.

Are transfers or pickup included on this private tour?

Yes, air-conditioned SUV transfers are provided from Heraklion or nearby areas.

Do you visit any historic sites during this Crete wine tour?

You’ll visit a 500-year-old medieval wine press near Alagni village as part of the itinerary.

What food is served during the vineyard lunch?

The lunch includes starters, main course, dessert—all traditional Cretan cuisine paired with six wines.

Is this Heraklion wine tour suitable for all fitness levels?

Yes, it’s suitable for all physical fitness levels according to the organizers.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup by air-conditioned SUV from Heraklion or nearby towns, guided tours through two award-winning family wineries plus their cellars and vineyards, tastings of twelve selected Cretan wines paired with cheeses and snacks along the way, an introduction to centuries-old winemaking at a medieval press near Alagni village, and finally a leisurely three-course traditional lunch served right among the vines before heading back in comfort.