Two tastings, one afternoon, and real local bites. This Northern Greece tour mixes a family bakery breakfast with a proper visit and tasting at Chateau Nico Lazaridi, with distilled drinks like tsipouro (and raki) brought into the mix from the first stop.

What I like most is the food-first approach. At O Fournos of Menelaos, you try distinctly regional bites like kokoretsi, kanourma, and cured meats, then move into a winery experience that’s built around tasting and context, not just standing around with a glass.

One thing to keep in mind: pickup timing can matter on this kind of route, and some people report a slow ride. If you’re on a tight schedule, build in a little patience and confirm where you’ll meet your driver.

Key highlights you’ll actually feel

• Stone-oven breakfast at O Fournos of Menelaos with regional mezede-style bites
• Tsipouro and raki pairings that start the day tasting, not just sipping
• Full tour at Chateau Nico Lazaridi before the tasting portion
• Charcuterie board included to anchor the wine tasting
• Private transportation with return to the start point so you’re not figuring out logistics
• Runs Mon–Thu 10:30 AM–3:00 PM during the operating season

A 4.5-hour Kavala wine day that stays real

Kavala is one of those Greek cities where it’s easy to spend a day just wandering the harbor and old streets. This tour gives you something different: a food-and-wine afternoon that gets you out of town for a winery visit, without turning into a full-day bus trip.

The timing is built around a 4 hours 30 minutes block, and the schedule runs Monday through Thursday within set daily hours. Since it’s often booked about 42 days in advance, I’d treat it like a “pick a plan and lock it in” kind of activity, especially if you’re traveling in high season.

You’re also not doing this in a crowd. It’s described as private, meaning it’s only your group, and pickup is offered depending on seasonal availability. That matters because wine tastings go smoother when your day isn’t being squeezed around a dozen other stops.

O Fournos of Menelaos: stone-oven breakfast and mezede tasting

Your day starts near the center of Kavala, at Sinopis 10, 654 04. From there, the first stop is O Fournos of Menelaos, described as a traditional family bakery and mezedopineirladiko-style spot—meaning food comes first, and it’s meant to be shared.

This is where you eat. The included meal is a full breakfast with a stone oven, and you’ll also taste specific items tied to this part of Greece: kokoretsi, kanourma, and cured meats. Even if you’re not a big “tasting everything” person, this stop is a smart warm-up because you’re learning the local flavors with food in front of you.

What makes this stop special (and practical)

First, the bakery portion is included, so you don’t need to hunt for a good meal before wine. Second, the tasting format is straightforward: you get bites, then you move to distilled drinks that match the food.

The drink part is also important. Here, you’re paired with tsipouro and raki, which gives you a Greek start to the day before the winery portion. If you’ve ever tried to “game” a tasting with only water and hope, this is the opposite approach—and it helps you enjoy the wines later instead of feeling flat.

Possible drawback

Your first stop is food-heavy, and it’s designed for tasting. If you don’t eat much in the morning, you may want to pace yourself. The upside is that it’s all included, so it’s not like you’re gambling on whether you’ll like the breakfast.

Distilled drinks: tsipouro and raki with your first bites

This tour doesn’t treat spirits as an afterthought. At the bakery stop, the plan explicitly pairs the food with tsipouro and raki—and that pairing is part of how you understand the region’s drinking culture.

Why I think this works for real travelers: it gives you a baseline before you start evaluating wines. You’ll notice flavors and intensity right away, and by the time you reach the winery, you’re less likely to feel overwhelmed.

One small practical note: distilled drinks are strong by nature. The tour is only about four and a half hours, so you’re tasting multiple items in one stretch. If you prefer lighter sips, go slow and use the food to steady yourself.

Also, lunch is not included. If you’re someone who likes to keep momentum, consider asking about additional food options at your own pace rather than trying to “catch up” later. (On this kind of day, taking care of your stomach helps you take care of your enjoyment.)

Chateau Nico Lazaridi: the winery tour plus a tasting board

The second stop is at Chateau Nico Lazaridi Winery. You’ll get a full tour of the chateau, then you’ll do a wine tasting paired with a charcuterie board.

I like this structure because it’s not just a tasting room experience. Seeing the winery process and setting first makes the tasting feel more grounded. It also gives you a reason to ask questions, and the tour format is built for that—learn, taste, then compare what you like.

What to expect during the tasting

The tasting is paired with food, so you’re tasting in context rather than drinking solo. That charcuterie board helps you pick out what you like in a wine when it’s matched against salty, savory bites.

Also, this is where you may start thinking about bringing bottles home. In the tour feedback you provided, guide help with securing wine to be sent was specifically mentioned, so if you see a bottle you love, don’t be shy about asking what’s possible.

A note on timing and the ride

The drive can take time. One write-up you provided points out that the ride to and from the venue felt long and slow. That doesn’t mean it’s awful—it just means you should plan to sit back, enjoy the conversation, and not expect the day to feel like a quick hop between two nearby places.

If you’re the type who hates waiting, this is your “bring patience” moment. If you’re okay with a relaxed rhythm, it fits nicely into a half-day.

Transportation, pickup, and keeping your day on track

This tour includes private transportation. Pickup is offered based on seasonal availability, and the exact vineyard visit location may change, with communication sent beforehand if that happens.

That’s genuinely useful information. Vineyard visits can shift due to weather, scheduling, or seasonal logistics, and you want to know that the operator isn’t just winging it. Still, since pickup depends on availability, it pays to be ready at the meeting point without lingering.

There’s also mobile ticket use, and the tour is offered in English. The meeting point returns you to where you started, so you’re not stuck finding your way back after the tasting.

Who’s this transportation style best for?

This works well if you want a door-to-meeting-point day that avoids public transport juggling. It’s also described as near public transportation, so if pickup isn’t available for your date, you may still be able to reach the meeting point without a hassle.

And yes—this is described as “most travelers can participate,” with service animals allowed.

Price of $156.03: what you’re really paying for

At $156.03 per person for roughly 4 hours 30 minutes, this isn’t a budget wine outing. But it also isn’t just a “glass in hand” experience.

Here’s what your money is covering, based on what’s included:

• Private transportation
• Entrance fees to the vineyards
• Admission/tickets for both food and winery stops
• A full breakfast at a stone-oven bakery with tasting pairings
• Wine tasting paired with a charcuterie board at the winery

When you price it like that, the value becomes clearer. You’re paying for a guided day that includes both food stops and the vineyard access, plus the logistics of getting you back and forth.

If you were to recreate this yourself, you’d still pay for transportation, pay for tastings, and likely end up spending money on meals anyway. The difference is this tour compresses the planning into one afternoon.

Who should book this Kavala wine tasting tour

This is a great match if you want:

• A food-led introduction to the region, not just wine on autopilot
• A winery visit that includes a tour and tasting board
• A half-day plan that doesn’t eat your entire day

It’s especially good for travelers who like to compare experiences in one setting—bakery tasting first, then wine tasting with food. That sequence helps you notice differences in style and intensity instead of tasting randomly.

If you’re traveling with friends who all have different tastes, you can likely find something you like, because the day includes multiple foods and multiple drink pairings. And since it’s private, you’re not forced to move at the pace of a bigger group.

Should you book this Northern Greece wine tasting in Kavala?

I’d book it if your idea of a good day is local food plus a real winery visit, with everything handled for you. The included breakfast stop and the winery tour + tasting board make this feel like you’re eating and learning your way through the afternoon, which is exactly what I want from a wine tour.

I’d hesitate only if you hate any chance of pickup confusion or you’re extremely time-sensitive about arrival windows. The route depends on seasonal pickup availability, and the ride can feel long. If that’s you, double-check your meeting point details and give yourself a cushion.

If you want a calm, authentic Kavala wine day with food, distilled pairings, and a guided winery tour, this one is a strong pick.

FAQ

Where does the tour start?

The tour starts at Sinopis 10, Kavala 654 04, Greece, and it ends back at the same meeting point.

Is pickup available?

Pickup is offered depending on seasonal availability. The vineyard visit location might change, and you’ll be informed beforehand if it does.

How long is the experience?

It runs for about 4 hours 30 minutes.

What is included in the food and drink?

You get a full breakfast at a local stone-oven bakery paired with distilled tsipouro, plus food tastings and a winery tasting paired with a charcuterie board.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch can be organized at an extra cost.

Are entrance fees included?

Yes. Entrance fees to the vineyards are included, along with admission tickets for the stops.

What days and hours is it available?

The operating hours listed are Monday through Thursday from 10:30 AM to 3:00 PM, within the date range 04/14/2025 to 01/15/2027.

Is the tour private?

Yes. Only your group participates.

Can I get a full refund if I cancel?

Yes. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Canceling less than 24 hours before the start time is not refunded.