Wine Tasting & Food Experience Inside a Cretan Gorge

Eight premium Greek wines that outshine the rest. An eight-course Cretan banquet crafted exclusively with 100% organic, locally sourced ingredients. Enjoy this adventure within Zourida Gorge on a stone-built balcony. Guided insights into Greece’s local winemaking traditions.

Duration: 3 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • The Secret Gorge - Wine Tasting Experience - Come with us to one of the most unique wine tastings in Crete and escape to a secluded heaven in the little-known Zourida Gorge of Rethymno. Indulge in native wines, matching dishes, and the unrivalled beauty of this land that since Minoan times has been the earth of fertility and centre of good wines and tasty food.

Away from the crowded places of quick Instagram snaps to Crete’s most untouched escapes where time slows down and history persists in the midst of natural marvel.

Embark on an exclusive wine and culinary journey amidst the majestic views of Zourida Gorge. Enjoy a wine tasting featuring eight Greek wines of the highest quality paired with a eight-course Cretan feast. Learn about local winemaking and traditional cooking from seasoned experts in a small group setting of only 12 guests. Immerse yourself in Cretan culture while soaking in the breathtaking natural beauty of the gorge, creating unforgettable memories against this stunning backdrop.

What's Included
  • Dinner
  • Explanation of ancient Cretan cooking methods and winemaking heritage
  • 8 wine labels from all over Greece that stand out from the rest of the bunch
Meal Options
  • Variety of Aged Cheeses
  • Cretan “Apaki” - Cured pork smoked over an olive wood fire and slow roasted in olive oil with wine, thyme honey
    and wild herbs
  • Cretan “Dolmades” - Tender vine leave rolls stuffed with rice and Cretan herbs, accompanied by Greek yogurt
    sauce
  • Potato Wedges Fried in Extra Virgin Olive Oil - Freshly cut and pan-fried on an open wood fire in extra virgin olive oil
  • Seared Lamb - Cooked in a clay pot with olive oil and herbs in a fire of olive wood
    (as practised by the Minoans 3000 years ago)
  • Handmade “Sfakiani” Flatbread Pita - Stuffed with soft white xynomyzithra cheese drizzled with thyme
    honey
  • Wild Snails ‘Boubourista - Cooked with extra virgin olive oil and rosemary.
  • Dakos - Cretan rusk with grated organic tomatoes and white soft whey cheese myzithra with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil.
Additional Information
  • Minimum age of drinking in Greece is 18 years old
Location
The Secret Gorge - Wine Tasting Experience
3rd Klm. National Road, Rethymno 741 50 Call us if you can’t find the location.
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
5.0
(19 Ratings)
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Bhendri
Jul 23, 2024
A night to remember - I will always remember the amazing night we had at the Secret Gorge. Book your seat at the most beautiful table of Crete, and enjoy the freshest food and best wines the island has to offer. Thanks to Sifis‘ great hospitality, it is so easy to connect with the other guests and find yourself having dinner with friends by the end of the night.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Moniqued131
Jul 22, 2024
Romantic and intimate experience - This place is magical, romantic, and picturesque perfect. Sifis, was an amazing host his knowledge of the wines amd the love that goes into the food is unmatched The views is breathtaking just a great experience
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Caputz95
Jul 19, 2024
Best food and view in Crete - Such an amazing experience! I went with my boyfriend on our first night in Crete. Sifis and his dad created a genuine Cretan cuisine experience in a stunning context. At first I was undecided about having dinner with strangers but I was so wrong! The atmosphere was super friendly and Sifis (the waiter) managed to create a nice atmosphere and meeting new people became one of the highlights of the night. Also it was so good to share with other visitors plans, things to see and other recommendations. The food was genuine and super good, it was our first night in Crete and nothing could compare after. The view was STUNNING, it really showcases how gorgeous this island can be. It's really worth every penny and if you get the chance just book!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Elleg360
Jul 2, 2024
Amazing evening in Crete! - We had such a fantastic evening at The Secret Gorge. We went as a three and were joined by 7 other travellers. Sifis was very attentive and knowledgeable about the local wines and cuisine and all the dishes and wines we tried were delicious. The location was also incredibly beautiful. I would 100% recommend to anyone visiting Crete! It’s been the highlight of our trip!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Ambercp9152hn
Jun 26, 2024
Incredible must-do experience! - Sifis and his father hosted us for an amazing dinner. The food (my 1st time to try lamb and it was delicious) and wine paired well. This experience was our favorite outing on the island of Crete! I can't say enough good things about the location, the sunset, the food, the wine, the great company! We had such a fun time. Only negative is that the evening ended before we were ready to leave! Thank you for an incredible experience and hope to cross paths again. ❤️
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Jennyt460
Jun 25, 2024
Not to be missed experience! - This is the most wonderful exclusive Cretan experience! An intimate dining setting on the ledge of a gorge with super views . How special is that before you even begin to enjoy the wonderful food and wine!! On arrival we were greeted by Sifis who was our super host for the duration of the evening. At each course Sifis produced an excellent wine to accompany the home made Cretan dishes. This was made particularly interesting as he explained the origins of both the wine and the food. There are only 9 guests that come to this exclusive experience which really makes it an intimate and unique evening.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
725kirstya
Jun 25, 2024
The best experience and view in Crete! - Enjoyed an absolutely wonderful evening at The Secret Gorge, shared with some like minded other guests. Spectacular view, very high quality food and superb handpicked wines. Sifis and Micel were brilliant hosts and made this the best experience we have had in Crete! Would highly recommend to anyone, and if we come back to Crete we will definitely be doing this again.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Rquinton
Jun 23, 2024
Wine tasting and taster menu - This was a a last minute booking for us after a quick search looking for a wine tasting venue with an amazing view close to Rethymnon. At first I was surprised to arrive and see we were sat on a table with 6 other people , but that quickly turned to joy after a few glasses of Wine we all got on like a house on fire ! And the views were something else … The 8 courses were home cooked sharing plates. Nothing was rushed and the 3 hours passed quickly. This is a New business and wish them every success ! A hidden treasure and I am sure next time I come to Crete I will be struggling to get a booking !
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Culture45141696539
Jun 12, 2024
Best thing to do in Crete! - This was hands down the best experience we had in Greece. Both the food and the wine were outstanding, and my family and I loved the view of the gorge. Sifis and his father are both so welcoming—you could tell how much care went into each dish. I wish I could have some more of the food but I definitely gulped down the first few dishes way too fast lol. We had an amazing time talking to the other guests, and no one wanted to leave at the end because it was genuinely so much fun. 12/10 would recommend. Pro tip: take a taxi there - you don’t want to drive with eight glasses of wine in your system.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
E
Jun 4, 2024
Great wine, great food, and great people! - Sifis and his father were abundantly welcoming. Amongst all of the wines we had, along with many different dishes, we had great conversations about Greece along with many other various topics. The experience was a 5/5 as they were accommodative and very great hosts. They know their wine extremely well, along with their food that was prepared and served.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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September 2024
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