Crete Wine Tasting Tour Review: Manousakis Winery Jeep Safari
This post contains affiliate links. If you use them, I may earn a small commission — the kind that fuels coffee, not private jets. I only recommend tours and products we’ve personally used and loved. Thanks for supporting No Point Left Behind.
Crete surprised us in the best way — especially this wine tasting tour at Manousakis Winery. What we thought would be a simple excursion turned into one of our favorite days of the entire Mediterranean cruise. If you’re looking for a relaxed, small‑group wine experience, this one belongs on your list.
⭐ Planning More Excursions?
See every tour we’ve personally done (including this one!) → Tours & Excursions Hub
⭐ Cruising the Mediterranean?
My full Princess + Med planning guide is here → Mediterranean Cruise Guide
⭐ How We Book Tours
My exact system for choosing between cruise‑line tours and independent tours → How I Book Shore Excursions
⭐ Quick Overview
Excursion: Manousakis Winery Jeep Safari
Duration: 6–7 hours
Activity Level: Easy
Best For: Wine lovers, foodies, relaxed travelers
Why We Loved It: Scenic drive, authentic Greek meal, generous wine tasting, and warm hospitality
⭐ Why We Booked This Tour
Crete is one of the best places in Greece for wine tasting — especially if you’re visiting on a cruise. Unlike Santorini’s crowded tours, Crete’s wineries are relaxed, scenic, and incredibly welcoming. We found this Cretan Wines Jeep Safari through Shore Excursions Group, which offers a Guaranteed Return to Ship — a huge plus for cruise passengers.
Food and wine in Crete? Yes please! We signed up and never looked back. 🍷
Our Food was amazing!
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:
Jeep Safari to Vatolakos Hill: What the Tour Is Like
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.
Is This Crete Wine Tasting Tour Worth It for Cruise Travelers
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.
🍇 What to Wear to a Crete Wine Tasting
Crete is warm, sunny, and relaxed — which makes getting dressed for a wine tasting incredibly easy. Whether you’re visiting on a cruise or staying on the island, aim for light, breathable layers and comfortable shoes. Most wineries are casual, and many have outdoor patios or garden areas, so you’ll want something you can move in and stay cool in.
Here’s what works perfectly for a Crete wine tasting:
✔ Light, breathable clothing
Think linen, cotton, or moisture‑wicking fabrics. A breezy dress, linen pants, or a lightweight top keeps you comfortable in the Mediterranean sun.
✔ Comfortable sandals or flats
You may walk across gravel paths, vineyards, or uneven stone patios. Supportive sandals or cushioned flats are ideal.
✔ A small crossbody bag
Perfect for your phone, wallet, sunscreen, and tasting notes — without feeling bulky.
✔ Sunscreen + sunglasses
Most tastings include outdoor seating or vineyard views, and the Cretan sun is strong even in spring and fall.
✔ A light layer for breezy days
A thin wrap or lightweight cardigan is great if you’re visiting early morning or late afternoon.
What I Wore for Wine Tasting in Crete
• Lightweight Athleta dress - Shop Athleta
• Reef sandals (comfortable for uneven paths) - Shop Reef
• Away Crossbody bag - Shop Away
• MD Sciences Tinted Sunscreen - Shop Sunscreen
⭐ 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.
Let’s Travel Hack Together
If you enjoy learning how we travel as a family using points, miles, and smart credit card strategies, I’d love for you to follow along:
Facebook | Youtube | Instagram
⭐ About the Author
Julie Davis is the travel‑obsessed creator behind No Point Left Behind, where she teaches families how to travel smarter using points, miles, and cruise strategies that actually work in real life. She’s a Mediterranean‑cruise superfan, a devoted wine‑tasting enthusiast, and the mom behind the Lazy Girl travel‑hacker voice you’ll find throughout this site.
If you love learning simple, doable ways to stretch your travel budget — or you just want a friendly place to ask questions — come join my community of travelers inside the Travel Hacking Moms Group on Facebook. We’d love to have you.
👉 Join the Travel Hacking Moms Group
