Is prior wine knowledge necessary to enjoy the tasting?

No, the tasting is designed for all levels and is guided by a certified sommelier who explains each wine clearly.

Are food pairings included?

Yes, each wine is served with a carefully curated platter featuring premium Greek delicacies from the restaurant’s organic farm.

Is transportation provided to and from the tasting?

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

Can I purchase wines after the tasting?

Yes, wines sampled during the event are available for purchase at a discounted rate.

Is the venue wheelchair accessible?

Unfortunately, the tasting areas are not wheelchair accessible, but service animals are welcome.

Are group or private tastings available?

Tailor-made wine tasting events for larger groups can be arranged upon request by contacting Avli Malia.

Cretan Wine Tasting at Avli Malia Restaurant

Set in the vibrant village of Malia on the northern coast of Crete, Avli Malia restaurant offers more than just exceptional dining—it presents an immersive entry into one of the oldest winemaking traditions in Europe. With vineyards rooted roughly 3500 years deep into the island’s soil, this wine tasting experience offers travelers a hands-on journey through Crete’s rich viticultural heritage. Guests sample five distinct wines showcasing key indigenous grape varieties, including Thrapsathiri and Vidiano—two whites celebrated for their crisp, aromatic profiles—and rounded reds like Liatiko and Kotsifali. To close the tasting, a luscious dessert wine made from the Romeiko grape delivers a sweet finish steeped in history.

What sets Avli Malia apart is the pairing of these wines with thoughtfully prepared platters featuring premium Greek delicacies, many sourced from the restaurant’s own organic farm. This blend of local agriculture and culinary craftsmanship creates a seamless sensory experience that deepens appreciation for Crete’s terroir. Conducted by a certified sommelier, the tasting is both educational and approachable, perfect for novices and seasoned oenophiles alike.

Located in a region famed for stunning beaches and archaeological sites, this wine tasting complements Crete’s outdoor exploration offerings with a grounded local flavor. As you sip, you’ll connect with centuries of tradition—reminders of the island’s enduring relationship to the earth and its bounty. The intimate setting and personalized service make Avli Malia a standout destination for anyone seeking a genuine encounter with Cretan culture beyond the usual tourist path.

Whether you’re winding down after a day hiking the nearby Asterousia Mountains or planning a culinary detour from the busy sands of Malia Beach, this experience enriches any visit with a refined perspective on the island’s agricultural roots and the complex character of its native wines.

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.