Exploring the Enchanting Chania
Chania, a beautiful coastal town located on the Greek island of Crete, is renowned for its rich cultural heritage and breathtaking natural beauty.
If you find yourself amid the azure waters of the Mediterranean Sea, make sure to set your sights on the picturesque harbor town of Chania, located on the stunning island of Crete. With its mesmerizing blend of ancient history, rich culture, and natural wonders, Chania (pronounced as Haniá) is a destination that will leave you in awe. My family and I spent 9 days here and it still wasn’t enough. If you want to explore all that Chania has to offer, some say two weeks is an absolute must.
A visit to Chania is incomplete without an immersive experience focused on gastronomic delights. Indulging yourselves in a wine and olive oil tour is unmissable. Chania, often referred to as the "Olive Oil Capital of Greece," boasts a rich olive oil heritage that spans centuries. The city also has a long-standing history of winemaking, dating back to ancient times. The region's Mediterranean climate, with its hot and dry summers, is ideal for cultivating both international and indigenous grape varieties. This unique territory gives Chania's wines a distinctive character that is not to be missed.
So if you’re like my family and want to do it all at once, one of our favorite experiences was hosted by Chania Wine Tours, recognized as The Best Wine Tasting Experience in Chania, a local family owned business. We chose to do The Ultimate Cretan Cultural Experience: Wine, Olive Oil, and Honey Tour with Winemaker which immersed us in the history, cultivation, and production processes of Chania's delightful wine and olive oil, leading us to an intimate experience at a third generation owned vineyard. Not only was this a Chania highlight, we gained new friends.
The day went like this:
Visit to Melissakis Olive Oil Mill
Our day began with Vasili (co-founder of Chania Wine Tours) who led us with a captivating tour of the Melissakis Olive Oil Mill. Once we arrived at the Mill, we were greeted by the fragrant aroma of olives and the warm smiles of the passionate family behind this remarkable establishment. With over a century of expertise in olive oil production, the Melissakis family takes great pride in crafting some of the finest olive oils in the region.
Nestled in the heart of Greece's picturesque countryside, this family-run mill offers an exceptional experience that will delight your senses and deepen your appreciation for the liquid gold known as olive oil.
Vasili guided us through every step of the olive oil production process, from the harvesting of the olives to the pressing of the fruit. He explained the importance of quality selection and the meticulous techniques used to extract the purest extra virgin olive oil. Witnessing the craftsmanship and dedication that goes into every bottle was truly inspiring.
Next came the much-awaited olive oil tasting, where we had the privilege of sampling a variety of olive oils produced by the Melissakis family. No olive oil tour is complete without indulging in a sensory experience of tasting the olive oils produced in Chania. After learning how to identify the subtle nuances of flavor, aroma, and texture that characterize each distinct type of olive oil, we sampled the freshest extra virgin olive oils with freshly baked bread. (our boys’ favorite part of the tour!) From mild and buttery to bold and peppery, all of our taste buds embarked on a sensory adventure, discovering the complexities and versatility of these liquid gold elixirs.
The Melissakis family's commitment to producing high-quality olive oil reflects their reverence for the land, the trees, and the legacy of their ancestors. Before bidding farewell to this memorable experience, we made sure to visit the mill's boutique shop where we purchased enough olive oil to bring back home to family and friends making sure to carefully calculate the weight of each bottle!
Travel tip: If you know before you travel that your suitcase won’t have space for extras, make sure to pack an empty duffel bag in your suitcase, it folds flat and barely weighs anything!
Dourakis Wine Tasting
There are several wineries and vineyards scattered throughout the region, each offering a unique experience for wine enthusiasts. One of the most renowned wineries is Dourakis Winery, located in the picturesque village of Alikampos.
This was our next stop.
Nestled in the foothills of the White Mountains, the Dourakis winery is a family-owned establishment that has been producing exceptional wines for generations. With a commitment to sustainability and an unwavering passion for winemaking, the Dourakis family has become synonymous with excellence in Crete's viticulture
Our knowledgeable guide, Vasili led us through the winery sharing stories of of the Dourakis family tradition and craftsmanship. With every step, we gained a deeper appreciation for the meticulous care and dedication that goes into each bottle of Dourakis wine.
Finally, we arrived at a beautifully set table, where an array of glasses awaited us, ready to be filled with the exquisite flavors that have made Dourakis wines famous.
Our tasting journey began with the flagship white wine, grown in the volcanic soils of Crete, this white wine embodied hints of citrus, minerality, and a refreshing acidity. Next, we moved on to the full-bodied reds, bursting with ripe red fruits and spiced undertones. As we savored each sip, we couldn’t help but marvel at the harmony between tradition and innovation that Dourakis wines represent. Our tasting adventure concluded with the indulgent sweet nectar of vidiano dessert wine.
Lunch in a Private Vineyard
Located in the heart of this picturesque region, in the foothills of the White Mountains lies a hidden gem that holds a rich and storied history - the charming village of Keramia. Tucked away within this idyllic landscape is a vineyard that has been passed down through generations, a place where time-honored traditions meet modern-day innovation. This is the legacy of Vasili’s grandfather's winery.
Vasili is a passionate winemaker and beekeeper with a deep connection to his grandfather’s land.
Upon arrival, we had the opportunity to sample a variety of Vasili's wines, savoring the distinct flavors of each wine from the barrels, each sip revealing the complex notes and nuances that make Chania wines so special.
Upon reaching Vasili's Bees, we were immediately greeted by the gentle buzzing of bees as they went about their important work. Led by the passionate beekeeper, Vasili, we stepped into a world where wine and honey converge. Vasili's love for both, and his dedication to sustainable agriculture, has made his apiary a true gem on his grandfather’s land. It was a first time for all of us as we learned about the fascinating world of beekeeping, I’ll admit a bit daunting. But with Vasili’s knowledge, appropriate safety precaution and protective gear, we knew we were in great hands.
We had the honor of meeting Queen Bee. It’s not every day where you have a one-to-one peaceful interaction with Ms. Queen Bee. We witnessed firsthand the careful attention that Vasili gives to his bees, ensuring their well-being and the continued success of his vineyards.
The picturesque landscape with the breathtaking views led us to our final stop, lunch in the vineyards under a shaded spot beneath the vine-draped pergolas.
Vasili had prepared a beautiful spread of artisanal cheeses, freshly baked bread, olive oil and ripe olives. In addition, his mother had prepared some fresh delicious spinach pies. It was a sight to behold. Vasili laid out all the ingredients for a traditional Cretan salad, everything freshly grown from the garden and we prepared and ate it together. Soon after we used the last bit of fresh bread to soak up every drop of olive oil from our plates, Vasili began barbecuing. He had prepared a traditional Cretan feast for us, there was no chance we were leaving hungry.
The setting was enchanting, surrounded by the lush vineyards and overlooking a picturesque backdrop. It was the ideal location to embark on a culinary adventure like no other. It was simple, yet deeply magical. A moment of pure serenity amidst the breathtaking scenery.
Our day with Vasili surpassed our highest expectations and gave us so much. Before bidding farewell, Vasili made sure to invite us for one last visit to his wine barrel where he so generously gave us the opportunity to bottle our own wine, the perfect souvenir, capable of preserving the essence of our day together.
Thank you Vasili for a perfect and memorable day. Until next time in Crete.
