Crete Wine Tasting Tour Review: Manousakis Winery Jeep Safari
Crete is one of the best places in Greece for wine tasting — especially if you’re visiting on a cruise or staying near Heraklion or Chania. The island is known for its local varietals, family‑run wineries, and relaxed tasting experiences that feel nothing like the crowded tours you find in Santorini. In this guide, I’m sharing exactly what our Crete wine tasting was like, how to book a tour, what it costs, and the best wineries for beginners, couples, and cruise travelers.
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
If you want a relaxed, small‑group wine tasting like ours, check Viator and GetYourGuide — they have options for every budget and pickup location
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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.
🍇 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 or linen pants - 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.
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