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
Be part of a memorable evening – and attend this event with partners or friends, accompanied by a 9-course feast and a 12-part wine and spirits tasting! All while being at one of the most beautiful sceneries in the island of Crete.
What Our Guests Say
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.
Fantastic evening! Good food, great wine and a stunning location! Highly recommended!!!
נוף משגע! אוכל בשפע ובכמויות עצומות. הבן סיפיס מסביר באהבה על הבישול של אבא שלו ( האבא השף) מספר,מחייך ומאיר פנים. המקום נראה כמו מתוך ציור
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!
Fantastic place! We were served by Sifis! Great at translating everything into English. All the food was great quality. We were later joined by his father. He sat down with us for a drink and gave us a tour of the wine cellar. His father is the chef and some dishes were prepared by Sifis’ grandmother! Highly recommended! Also catered for vegetarians!
Een super gezellige avond! Leukste avond van onze vakantie. Heerlijke wijnen, super mooi uitzicht en gezellige mensen. Ik kan het iedereen aanraden. :)
Super gezellige avond met heerlijk eten en geweldige wijnen. Ook het personeel was erg vriendelijk en leuk. Een top ervaring! Helaas is het niet mogelijk om sommige van de geproefde wijnen uit Kreta te bestellen in mijn thuisland, Jammer dat ze niet exporteren, zou heel graag sommige wijnen thuis willen hebben!
This was the most amazing experience. The food was fantastic. The wine tasting was incredible. We met some wonderful people. It was the experience of a lifetime. If you are visiting Crete it is a must do. The views were amazing.
Our dinner at the Secret Gorge was an unforgettable experience, highly recommended by our hotel. We were welcomed with warm hospitality by Sifis and his father, whose company and stories added a unique charm to the evening. The food was exceptional, a true taste of the local cuisine, and the wine flowed freely, enhancing the delightful atmosphere. The evening was filled with laughter and interesting conversations, making it an intimate dining treat not to be missed. A perfect 10/10 experience—thank you, Sifis and your father, for an amazing night!
What an experience! If you are looking for an authentic experience with LOTS of wine, look no more...Sifis was a great host, very charming, knowledgeable, respectful, and fun! His Dad's food was exceptionally delicious, and as a chief, he had the fatherly love of "eat your food"🤣🤣 We got lucky with a group of people that made the experience even more enjoyable. It's as if we knew each other for years ❤️ The view of the terrace added to the charm of this experience...if I'm ever back in Crete I'm definitely coming back!
Thank you Sifis and Micel for a wonderful evening. Spectacular views, outstanding food and perfectly paired with delicious wine. Our best experience in Crete, and would recommend to everyone!
This was an amazing experience! Thank you both for a wonderful meal, education on local food and really fun company!
The host (son) and chef (father) were amazing people who opened up their hearts to us with their amazing food and wisdom from their homeland. Highly recommend it to anybody who wants to experience the island of Crete through the food and wine. Very tasty, very amazing, and such rich history all explained and cooked by the father and son who are very warmhearted people. My wife and I were on our honeymoon and were treated with the most care and service. Can not explain enough how rich this experience was. Highly highly highly recommend 🙏🏼😊😊😊 Bravo!!!!
Very unique experience. Would recommend it to anyone.
A wonderful night trying local dishes and sampling 8 delicious wines. The location couldn't be better and the hospitality was great from Sifis and his dad. Highly recommend!
This place is magical, romantic, and picturesque perfect. Sifis, was an amazing host his knowledge of the wines amd the love that goes into the food is unmatched The views is breathtaking just a great experience
Selection of Our Varieties
Tsikoudia
Distilled for centuries in Crete from grape pomace, Tsikoudia delivers a clean, crisp spirit with delicate floral aromas and a smooth, warming character, perfect as a digestif or starter.
Rhoditis
Once widespread before phylloxera, Rhoditis offers crisp, fruity aromas of green apple and pear with a refreshing, lively palate.
Assyrtiko
Born in volcanic Santorini, Assyrtiko delivers piercing citrus and saline minerality on a crisp, high‑acid palate — a signature taste of the Aegean.
Vidiano
Rescued from near extinction in Crete, Vidiano delights with apricot, bergamot, and floral aromas, and a rich, citrus‑fresh palate.
Muscat Of Spinas
Grown near Chania for centuries, Muscat of Spinas bursts with floral and citrus aromas and a fine, pleasantly dry, elegant palate.
Merlot
Originating from France, Merlot offers soft black cherry and berry aromas, with medium body, gentle tannins, and a smooth, approachable palate.
Romeiko
Cultivated in Chania since ancient times, Romeiko produces light-colored reds, smooth high-alcohol wines, and the traditional dry ‘Marouvas’.
Kotsifali
Grown in Crete since the 14th century and named after the blackbird that loves its grapes, Kotsifali shows red summer fruit and spice aromas with a soft, medium-bodied palate.
Mavrodaphne
Traditional Greek red, Mavrodaphne produces dry or dessert wines with dark fruit, chocolate, and coffee aromas, aging beautifully with hints of ink and tar.
Cabernet Sauvignon
King of red varieties, Cabernet Sauvignon blends blackcurrant, pepper, and chocolate aromas with a medium-bodied palate of balanced acidity and tannins.
Muscat Of Samos
Originating in Samos in the 16th century, Muscat of Samos delights with orange blossom, apricot, and honeyed aromas, and a luscious, sweet palate.
Rakomelo
Traditionally enjoyed in Crete for generations, Rakomelo blends tsikoudia with honey and spices, offering warm, sweet-spiced aromas and a smooth, warming palate.
Meet Cretan Gastronomy
– Dakos
Hard Cretan rusk with grated organic cherry tomatoes and Mizithra cheese with a drizzle of basil-infused extra virgin olive oil.
– Apaki
Cured, smoked & marinated pork cuts seared in extra virgin olive oil and finished off with Petimezi (grape molasses). Topped with “Xinomizithra” cheese and rosemary.
– Dolmades
Tender vine leaf rolls stuffed with rice and Cretan herbs, simmered in a lemon broth & served with strained Greek yogurt sauce.
– Tsigariasto
Tender lamb cuts that are simmering in extra virgin olive oil & their own fat, for over 4 hours (as practised by the Minoans 3000 years ago). Topped with salt & fresh thyme.
Meet Cretan Gastronomy
– Dakos
Hard Cretan rusk with grated organic cherry tomatoes and Mizithra cheese with a drizzle of basil-infused extra virgin olive oil.
– Apaki
Cured, smoked & marinated pork cuts seared in extra virgin olive oil and finished off with Petimezi (grape molasses). Topped with “Xinomizithra” cheese and rosemary.
– Dolmades
Tender vine leaf rolls stuffed with rice and Cretan herbs, simmered in a lemon broth & served with strained Greek yogurt sauce.
– Tsigariasto
Tender lamb cuts that are simmering in extra virgin olive oil & their own fat, for over 4 hours (as practised by the Minoans 3000 years ago). Topped with salt & fresh thyme.