Kefalonia: Wine Tasting Tour with Vineyard Lunch & Pickup

Summary

Wander old olive groves sip rare kefalonian wines village lunch with a view

You’ll walk ancient olive groves on Kefalonia’s slopes, taste rare Robola wines with a local guide whose family has farmed here for generations, share a home-cooked lunch in a village cottage, then sample premium wines overlooking St. Gerasimos Cathedral—all with easy hotel pickup and drop-off. This isn’t just wine tasting; it’s feeling part of someone else’s story for an afternoon.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t think much about wine before this day trip in Kefalonia, honestly. But the way Julia—our guide—talked about her family’s vines made it feel like we were stepping into someone’s old photo album. She met us right at our hotel (which was good, since I’d never find these villages on my own), and as soon as we left the main road, the island started to smell different—like wild herbs and something sweet I couldn’t place. Maybe fig trees? Julia said it always smells like this after rain.

We stopped on the side of Mount Aenos where olive trees twist around grapevines so old they look half-asleep. Julia showed us how her grandfather used to check the soil with his hands, and I tried it too—dirt under my nails for the rest of the day, but kind of worth it. The wind picked up and you could hear goats somewhere nearby, their bells clinking out of sight. We learned about Robola grapes (I’d never heard of them) and how everything here is done slow, still by hand.

Lunch happened in this little cottage that’s been in Julia’s family forever—it still smells faintly like musty barrels and oregano. We sat outside under a fig tree eating bread, cheese, tomatoes that tasted like sunshine, plus homemade wine and something called grappa that nearly knocked me out (Julia laughed at my face). There was an old press in the corner that her uncle still uses sometimes; she let us peek inside but warned us not to touch anything sticky.

The last stop was a bigger winery overlooking St. Gerasimos Cathedral—the view is just there while you’re swirling your glass, no big deal. Eight wines later (yes, eight), I could actually tell the difference between them—or maybe I just thought I could. The drive back was quiet; everyone a bit sleepy or tipsy or both. I keep thinking about those olive trees though, and how Julia said they’ll outlive all of us.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Kefalonia vineyards and wineries

• Pickup from accommodation by mini van
• Walk among olive trees and grapevines
• Visit traditional cottage winery and lunch
• Taste wines at largest island winery
• Return to accommodation

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included in this Kefalonia wine tour?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included for all guests.

How many wineries do we visit on this tour?

You’ll visit two: one small family cottage winery in Valsamata and one large winery near St. Gerasimos Cathedral.

Is lunch provided during the day trip?

Yes, a light lunch of fresh local products is served at the family cottage house along with homemade wine and grappa.

Are children allowed on this Kefalonia wine tasting tour?

Yes, children are welcome but must be accompanied by an adult; infant seats are available if needed.

How long does the tour last?

The exact duration isn’t specified but includes multiple stops from morning through afternoon before returning to your accommodation.

Do we need to bring anything special?

No special equipment is needed; bottled water is provided and all entry fees are covered.

Is public transportation available near the pickup point?

Yes, public transportation options are available nearby if needed.

Can cruise ship passengers join this tour?

Yes, but you’ll need to provide your ship name and docking times when booking.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off in a comfortable minivan, bottled water throughout the trip, all taxes and entry fees handled for you, guided walks through vineyards with Julia or another local expert, a light lunch featuring local products plus homemade wine and grappa at a traditional cottage house, tastings at both small family-run and larger wineries—and then safe return to your accommodation by evening.