Biolea: Olive Oil Tasting & Sunset Dinner Experience in Kolymvari

In the picturesque village of Astrikas near Kolymvari, Chania, the Biolea Olive Oil Estate offers visitors the chance to explore the world of organic olive oil production. This family-run business specializes in traditional methods using stone mills and presses to craft high-quality, organic olive oil. All production and bottling take place on the estate itself, embodying Biolea’s philosophy of innovation through tradition.

The estate’s tours and tastings are designed to both educate and inspire, inviting guests to immerse themselves in a full sensory olive oil experience.

Guided Tours & Olive Oil Tastings

The classic tour provides insights into Biolea’s cultivation and harvesting practices, as well as a presentation of their different olive oil labels. Guests can explore two innovative production methods — a modernized stone mill and press system, and an experimental cold-extraction process.

The experience concludes with a guided tasting of four olive oils, featuring two local olive varieties and two aromatic citrus-infused oils.

📅 Availability: Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM (by appointment)
💰 Cost: €5
⏱️ Duration: 45-60 minutes
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family-friendly: Free for children under 15

Chef’s Table: Cretan Culinary Memories

A feast for the senses, this gastronomic experience combines authentic Cretan flavors with Biolea’s exceptional organic olive oil. The evening begins at sunset when the estate closes to the public, creating a tranquil ambiance with views of ancient Mount Rocca.

After a short tour of the mill and a guided olive oil tasting, guests are seated at private garden tables to enjoy an 8-course menu crafted by chef Michalis Papadakis. Each dish is paired with four distinct local wines sourced from some of Crete’s finest wineries.

📅 Availability: April to October, Tuesday to Friday
💰 Cost: €80
⏱️ Duration: 3 hours

Olive Oil Enthusiast Tour & Light Lunch

Perfect for those seeking a deeper understanding of olive oil production, this experience is led by estate owner and head producer Chloe Dimitriadis. Chloe shares the secrets of organic and sustainable farming, harvesting techniques for optimal quality, and offers a mini-seminar on how to identify high-quality olive oil.

After the tour, guests participate in a guided tasting of four olive oils, followed by a light lunch prepared with seasonal local ingredients and Biolea’s exceptional oils.

📅 Availability: April to September, Tuesday to Friday
💰 Cost: €50
⏱️ Duration: 70-90 minutes

🔔 Tip: Book at least one day in advance to guarantee your reservation.

Whether you’re an olive oil aficionado or simply looking to indulge in Crete’s culinary treasures, a visit to Biolea promises an unforgettable journey into the heart of Cretan tradition and flavor.