Crete Wine Tasting Tour Review: Manousakis Winery Jeep Safari (Chania Excursion)
If you’re cruising to Crete and looking for a relaxing, scenic, and delicious way to spend your day, a wine tasting at Manousakis Winery might be exactly what you’re craving. This was one of our favorite Mediterranean excursions — a mix of off‑road adventure, stunning views, generous pours, and a traditional Greek lunch that felt straight out of a movie.
Here’s everything you need to know before you book, plus my honest review and tips for cruise travelers.
✈️ Check out our itinerary for our trip → Princess Cruises Mediterranean
💳 How We Saved on This Trip Using Points
We booked our Mediterranean cruise using points and miles — and you can too. Check out my guide to the Best Credit Cards for Travel to learn how to save on your next cruise.
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Why We Chose a Wine Tasting Tour in Crete
When I started looking at things to do in Crete, I found this tour on Shore Excursion Group.
Cretan Wines Jeep Safari with a Full Lunch
Experience the world-renowned Manousakis vineyards on our Cretan Wines Jeep Safari and taste exquisite wines.
Embark on an exciting off-road trip to Vatolakos Hill, boasting stunning views from 700 meters, where the vineyards offer a breathtaking spectacle.
Food and wine in Crete? Yes Please! I signed us up!
🍷Want to sip your way through Greece? See how we booked this Mediterranean cruise with points →Princess Cruises Mediterranean
🎟️ Book a Crete Wine Tasting Tour
If you want to experience the same winery and Jeep safari we did, here are top‑rated options:
Off-Road Adventure to Vatolakos Hill
Our tour guide picked us up right outside the gate of the ship. We loaded into a van with a family of 4 from Toronto. We set off on our adventure in Crete. Our driver did a great job explaining everything we were seeing. What we were seeing was the most olive trees I have ever seen in my life. He mixed in local stories with Greek Mythology to keep us entertained as we ventured to the top of Vatolakos Hill.
Check out this view!
This is where the winery we were visiting grows their grapes. I had to try a fresh one. Delicious! It was harvesting season so this was yummy!
🍷 Manousakis Winery: Wine, Views, and the Best Lunch of Our Trip
Once we arrived at Manousakis Winery, we were greeted with a warm welcome and a table waiting for us under the trees. The setting alone is worth the trip — peaceful, rustic, and surrounded by vineyards.
The Wine Tasting
We sampled several wines, each paired with small bites. The pours were generous, the staff was friendly, and the atmosphere was relaxed. Even if you’re not a wine expert, you’ll enjoy this tasting.
The Lunch
This was the highlight. We were served a full Greek meal — fresh bread, salads, meats, cheeses, and more. Everything tasted homemade and authentic. It felt like we were eating at someone’s family table.
Where we had lunch
Is This Crete Wine Tasting Tour Good for Cruise Passengers?
Absolutely. It’s:
Relaxing
Scenic
Easy to get to
Not crowded
A great break from typical cruise excursions
If you want a cultural experience that doesn’t feel rushed, this is a perfect choice.
⭐ My Verdict
This Crete wine tasting tour was one of the best excursions of our Mediterranean cruise. The Jeep safari was fun, the winery was beautiful, the wine was delicious, and the lunch was unforgettable. It’s a great value and a fantastic option for anyone looking for a slower, more authentic day in Crete.
I’d book it again in a heartbeat.
FAQ: Wine Tasting in Crete
Is Crete good for wine tasting? Yes — Crete has a long wine‑making history and produces excellent local varieties.
Is Manousakis Winery worth visiting? Absolutely. It’s beautiful, peaceful, and offers a great tasting experience.
Is this tour good for cruise passengers? Yes — it fits well into port schedules and avoids crowds.
How long is the Jeep safari? About 30–45 minutes depending on your route.
