Food & Wine Tour: 11- Course Lunch, Cooking Class, Wine Tasting

First, don’t eat before you go. Before you get to the end of this tour, your host will make sure you’ve had more than enough to eat. The tour started with a seem-less pickup at our cruise ship. After short ride in a comfortable vehicle we arrive at a beautiful vineyard. Our host, Jason, met us there and gave us sone history and background of the vineyard. He then discussed the wine making process at the vineyard followed by a pleasant walk through a portion of the vineyard where we learned even more about the winemaker and the process of winemaking in Rhodes. It was pretty chilly that day and sone of us were definitely underdressed for the chilly weather. Our host was quick to accommodate us and moved the lunch and tasting setting indoors. Reset in the less scenic but much warmer inside setting, we next began our wine tasting. We were afforded ample tastes of five or so of the vineyards products. Some unusual and interesting flavors to these local products. All unique and made with passion and care. We particularly enjoyed the more dry red varietal. Next up was a short cooking class. We created several dishes for our own lunch and everyone had the opportunity to lend a hand. Very informative and lots of fun. Great picture opportunities. This part was expedited nicely since a lot of the prep was done. So, not really a totally hands on cooking class but certainly a great addition to the program and a lot of excellent recipes and information. Finally, a well deserved 11-course lunch. Very fresh and healthy preparations. There is more than enough food. Another word if advise, don’t dig into the first two or three dishes too much or you won’t make it to the end. You were able to select for the winery any pairing you liked from there products and they made sure you had plenty of wine to complete your ample meal. Topped everything off with a shot of the winery’s liqueur. A little time to pick up a bottle or so if you favorite wine or some really cute souvenirs. Finally, a transfer and drop off back to your original meeting place or in town for sone shopping. This tour is a great value and well orchestrated. Seamless. Highly recommended if food, cooking and wine fit your interests.