How many wines will I taste during the session?

You’ll sample five carefully selected Greek wines, each poured in 40 ml servings to provide a broad overview.

Is food included with the tasting?

Yes, each wine is paired with a platter featuring premium Greek delicacies, mostly from Avli Malia’s organic farm.

Can I purchase the wines after the tasting?

Absolutely. All wines featured are available to buy with a discount after the session.

Is the tasting suitable for beginners?

Yes, the session is designed to be welcoming for both novices and seasoned wine enthusiasts.

Do I need to make a reservation?

Reservations are required due to limited group sizes and to ensure personal service.

Is transportation provided to the restaurant?

Transportation is not included, so guests should arrange their own travel to Avli Malia.

Greek Wine Tasting at Avli Malia Restaurant

Set in the coastal town of Malia on the island of Crete, Avli Malia restaurant offers more than just traditional Greek cuisine—it invites visitors into an intimate wine journey that honors Greece’s millennia-old viticultural heritage. Their signature wine tasting experience presents a carefully curated selection of five indigenous Greek wines: Roditis, Moschofilero, Malagouzia, Xinomavro, and Agiorgitiko. Each variety is a living link to 3,500 years of Greek winemaking tradition and delivers distinct regional flavors that embody the essence of the Mediterranean landscape.

This tasting is hosted by a certified sommelier, whose expertise elevates the experience beyond sampling—unfolding stories of small-scale producers and the unique terroirs that shape each grape. The venue itself, located on Agiou Ioannou Street, offers a warm, focused environment where the complexity of Greek wines pairs perfectly with premium Greek delicacies crafted from ingredients sourced largely from Avli Malia’s own organic farm. This combination of rich flavors—from crisp whites to bold reds—provides a holistic representation of Greek taste and culture.

Malia’s position on Crete gives this experience a special resonance. The island’s geology, from limestone hills to fertile valleys, shapes the character of its vineyards, reflecting the diverse microclimates seen nowhere else. Visitors get to taste wines that are rare outside Greece, including Xinomavro, a grape often compared to Nebbiolo for its striking acidity and tannins.

Avli Malia stands out in this region due to its dedication to showcasing authentic varietals alongside handcrafted food, making it a must-visit for wine lovers and food adventurers traveling through Crete. Whether you’re a seasoned oenophile or simply curious about Greek wine culture, this intimate, educational tasting is a remarkable way to connect with Greece’s ancient yet vibrant wine heritage.

About Avli Malia restaurant

Avli Malia restaurant in Malia, Greece specializes in contemporary Greek and Cretan cuisine paired with curated wine experiences. The restaurant offers a range of guided tastings and menu degustations that highlight local ingredients and regional winemaking traditions.

Culinary offerings include five-course tasting menus paired by a knowledgeable sommelier, with dedicated gluten-free degustation options and menus focused specifically on Cretan vineyards. Guests can choose from wine tastings that showcase Cretan and wider Greek varietals — options include flights of five or eight wines featuring grapes such as Malvasia, Liatiko, Thrapsathiri, Vidiano, Assyrtiko, Xinomavro, Roditis, Moschofilero, Malagouzia, and Agiorgitiko. Tasting formats vary from focused vineyard flights to full food-and-wine pairings that combine contemporary dishes like feta kataifi and orange pie with carefully matched local wines.

Avli Malia emphasizes transparency and local sourcing by working with small producers and spotlighting Crete’s long winemaking heritage. Sommelier-guided presentations explain grape profiles and pairing rationale, helping guests learn while tasting. The restaurant provides both standard and gluten-free degustations to accommodate dietary needs.

As a culinary destination in Malia, Avli Malia is designed for food and wine enthusiasts seeking an immersive, educational dining experience that reflects regional flavors and artisan wine production. The combination of curated pairings, experienced sommeliers, and a selection of specialty tasting formats makes Avli Malia a reliable choice for visitors exploring Cretan and Greek gastronomy. Bookings and availability are typically managed per seating; advance reservation is recommended for degustations and specialized wine flights during high season. Menus may change seasonally to highlight local produce.