The Secret Gorge, wine & restaurant 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 six-course Cretan feast. Learn about local winemaking and traditional cooking from seasoned experts in a small group setting limited to maximum 12 guests. Immerse yourself in Cretan culture while soaking in the breathtaking natural beauty of the gorge, creating unforgettable memories against this stunning backdrop.

The Zourida Gorge is located barely three kilometres west of the town of Rethymno in Crete and yet it is only known to few people. It is named after the island’s ‘zourida’, also dubbed ‘the fox of Crete’, which is a rock ferret that burrows in large numbers within the ravine’s caves. Another animal that is also often spotted inside the gorge is the Cretan badger species called ‘arkalos’. With some luck, you might see them as they come out to hunt their prey whilst you enjoy dinner with an incredible flight of wines to match.

From the Ottoman era to the grim World War II years, the Zourida Gorge has played an important part in Cretan history for the local community. The secrecy of the place made it a perfect hideaway for locals to escape from the Ottomans during their rule, as well as a clandestine corridor for Greece’s resistance fighters through which they could transport food and war supplies brought in by sea during the Second World War.

The accessibility of the wine tasting’s location caters to visitors from both Chania and Heraklion, offering convenient reach from both regions.