Discover An Unforgettable Wine & Dine Experience Inside a Cretan Gorge
Come with us
to one of the most unique culinary & wine experiences in Crete and escape to a secluded restaurant hanging from the side of Zourida Gorge in Rethymnon.
Live the experience
of Cretan hospitality, and learn about local winemaking and culinary traditions and connect with other travelers in Crete!
We want to take you away from the crowded places of quick Instagram snaps and touristy restaurants to one of Crete’s most untouched escapes.
Don't miss the chance
whether you are looking for a wine tasting, a romantic evening with your partner, a place to host a birthday or just a chill restaurant night with friends on vacation. All while being at one of the most beautiful sceneries in the island of Crete.
What Our Guests Say
I would recommend this wine tasting over any other on the island. The view was beyond stunning overlooking the gorge and the ocean while the sun was setting. Both Sifis and his father Misail did an incredible job making this the most spectacular wine tasting. Misail cooked so much wonderful Cretan food, gave us delicious wines, and made the night very special. Sifis talked to us about the wine, about the island, and gave us great recommendations of fun activities to do in Crete. At the end it felt like we were close friends to them. This is a must do activity if you come to Crete. We plan to come back with more family and friends. Sifis and Misail were hardworking, caring, and delightful to learn from and get to know. This was our favorite part of the trip - Thomas and Natalie
I can't recommend this experience enough. Both father and son hosting the wine and dinner made our night enjoyable with all of their knowledge about the food, wine, and Crete. The atmosphere, food, and wine could not be beat. It was definitely one of the top things we did in Crete and my friend and I both agreed that it was the best food we had the entire week. The landscape was nothing short of magical. Especially as the sun went down and the gorge lit up in a way that made you feel like you were in a dream. Sifis gave us recommendations for other places to visit and eat while we were visiting Crete, and all of the things he recommended also turned out to be great. Do not miss this while you are visiting Crete.
10/10 for this experience. This was my husband and I’s first trip to Crete and our hotel, The White Palace, strongly recommended the Secret Gorge wine tasting and authentic Greek food experience and we sure did get the authentic Greek experience. Sifis and his dad were very welcoming and the food just didn’t stop coming which was nothing compared to the wine! We got to tast 8 different bottles of wine, I don’t think that includes the champagne to start, and each a full glass with the encouragement to ask for more of any wine we wanted. It was incredible. The quality of the food was the best we had on the island! It was 90% organic which you could taste. We had the best grape leaves fresh from Sifis’s grandmother, a great cheese variety, deconstructed bruschetta (which was my favorite), great olive oil, the most tender lamb, escargot, and a honey drenched filled pita dessert. The ingredients were the highest quality but the recipes were simple with made the taste out of this world! Sifis and his dad made us feel like part of the family from the Raki shot to start to the gifts we received, we were sad when the event had to end, although we never felt rushed. Food, amazing. Wine, amaizing. Hospitality, amazing… now the view…breathtaking!! We got there a little late due to the cab not knowing where the Secret Gorge was but we still got a little bit of a sunset and it was beautiful. The pagoda overlooks a gorge and I can’t stop dreaming about it. I cannot recommend this experience enough! I say experience because Sifis and his dad have thought of every detail to make this a one of a kind eating experience!
Amazing experience. Fantastic food and great wine. It’s a truly unique experience with incredible hospitality. I would recommend as a must go for anyone staying in the area.
This was the most unexpected delight of our groups entire trip touring Greece. Sifis and his father are professionals through and through. Incredibly knowledgeable about wines and the area. The view was incredible! The food was plentiful, authentic and delicious. The wines were among the best we tasted in Greece. Such a special gem of an experience/locale. Highly recommend. Don’t walk… run to this event!!!!!
This is a can’t miss, authentic experience. The father-son duo created a beautiful food and wine pairing and you could feel the love they have for each other and their product. The setting is stunning at sunset and after, with the gorge illuminated. Would definitely come again!
Absolutely incredible food, service and view. A must do experience if you're in the area. Sifis and his father are truly wonderful! You won't regret spending an evening under their care!
Our favourite night in Crete. Perfect local dishes cooked by Micel, hosted by Sifis his son. They are super friendly with a great dynamic (Micel has no English and will occasionally delegate/scold Sifis in greek-very enjoyable 😂). We had the 5 courses with wine pairings over 3-4 hours and is very relaxed. Sifis is a wise head on young shoulders, and you'll leave feeling like you made a great friend.
Sifis and his father could not have been better hosts. Knowledgable and very hospitable, they made an everyday evening into something that will be remembered. Accidentally booking this night, it turned out to be the best on our 19 day trip. I consider myself a oenophile, a professional amateur in wine, and Sifis, a you man, put me to shame with his knowledge of wine, grape, cépage, and matching it to the delicious dishes his father prepared for us with pride. And the view! Watching the sun set into the Mediterranean Sea through a gorge … I don’t have the vocabulary to accurately describe the view, the setting, and the feelings. Thank you Sofis and your dad for a memorable evening! Helene & Garry Montreal, Canada
Wonderful experience! Absolutely stunning setting, and delicious food and wine presented and made by a father and son duo. Would love to come back another time.
My husband and I recently had an extraordinary dining experience at The Secret Gorge, where we indulged in a delightful local wine pairing. The evening was hosted by Sifis and his father, who not only cooked but also shared stories behind the traditional dishes. The food was exceptional—rich in flavor, authentic, and more than enough to satisfy everyone's appetite. Each dish was a revelation, offering a unique taste of the region's culinary heritage. The wines, expertly selected, perfectly complemented the flavors, enhancing the overall experience. Sifis’ knowledge and passion for the local wines made the evening even more special, providing us with fascinating insights into some of the best local varieties. Adding to the charm of the evening was the stunning terrace with its breathtaking sea view. Watching the sunset from our table was a magical experience that added to the evening's ambiance. The Secret Gorge is truly a hidden gem, offering a perfect blend of delicious food, excellent wine, and unforgettable scenery. We will definitely come back!
This experience made our last night in Crete truly unforgettable, thanks to an incredible wine tasting and dinner experience hosted by Sifis and his father. In an intimate setting, we enjoyed a variety of Greek wines, each more delightful than the last. The food was an absolute delight!! The entire evening was flawlessly organized and it was evident that is was prepared with a great deal of love and care! I highly recommend this experience to anyone visiting Crete. Thank you, Sifis and to your father, for a fantastic night!
Selection of Our Varieties
Romeiko
Fully-sparkling dry white wine made from Romeiko is characterised on the nose by aromas of lemon blossom laced with discrete whiffs of brioche and toast and by a delicate palate of detectable yet fruity flavours and vibrant acidity.
Malagousia
Characterising for the rather perfumed Malagousia variety are scents of lemon bloom and even rose petal, and flavours of white stone fruit such as pear, green apple and fresh apricot as well as grapefruit and pineapple.
Thrapsathiri
A varietal wine made from Thrapsathiri is typically fragrant of floral scents and fine citrus aromas such as lime and lemongrass.
Vidiano
Distinguishing Vidiano are aromas and flavours of rather tropical fruits such as apricot, quince, bergamot and citrus, possibly preceded by scents of botanics and faint floral aromas.
Assyrtiko of Santorini
When dry, Assyrtiko is usually pleasantly taut and its hallmark is an unmatched purity and minerality with a persistent elegant aftertaste.
Kotsifali
As a single varietal, Kotsifali is typically a suave and potentially intensely aromatic wine with aromas and flavours of red summer fruit like sour cherry, strawberry, plum and even dried figs,.
Xinomavro
When vinified as a dry red wine, Xinomavro tastes rich and complex with aromas of red and black fruits, accompanied by characteristic tomato and olive fragrances.
Moscato
The Muscat grape is typically vinified into sweet dessert wine that is very perfumed of rose petals and orange blossom.
Meet Cretan Gastronomy
Dakos
Cretan rusk with grated organic tomatoes and white soft whey cheese myzithra with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil.
Apaki
Cured pork smoked over an olive wood fire and slow roasted in olive oil with wine, thyme honey and wild herbs
Dolmades
Tender vine leave rolls stuffed with rice and Cretan herbs, accompanied by Greek yogurt sauce.
"Tsigariasto" lamb
Cooked in a clay pot with olive oil and herbs in a fire of olive wood (as practised by the Minoans 3000 years ago)