Experiences & Olive Oil Tourism
What does the olive oil tourism experience at Karepidis Estate include?
We invite you to a journey that awakens all your senses, bringing you closer to the world of premium Cretan olive oil. Our experience includes a guided tour of our modern facilities.
- Production Tour: You will get a first-hand look at our private olive groves, our state-of-the-art two-phase mill, and our bottling plant.
- Secrets of the Cellar: You will visit our 19 underground tanks and learn how we keep our olive oil structurally intact at a constant 18°C.
- Tasting Masterclass: The tour concludes with a professional tasting session, where you will learn how to identify the aromas and quality benchmarks of our high-phenolic Ploumi olive oil.
What are the tour schedules and how long does the experience last?
Our guided tours are meticulously structured to offer a relaxed and educational experience to every guest, without any rush.
- Days & Time Slots: Guided tours run from Monday to Saturday, strictly by appointment only every two hours, with available slots departing at 09:00, 11:00, and 13:00.
- Duration: The entire experience (guided tour followed by the tasting) lasts approximately 90 minutes.
- Booking & Payment: We require you to book your slot in advance directly through our website. Payment for the experience is processed on-site at our estate, at the end of the tour (we accept cash or card).
Can we purchase Ploumi olive oil directly during our visit?
Yes, absolutely. Inside our specially designed reception area at Karepidis Estate, you will find our showroom where you can purchase all our products.
- Direct Purchase: You can buy our premium high-phenolic Ploumi olive oil in all available packaging sizes, fresh and straight from our production line.
- International Shipping: If you are traveling with cabin luggage only and prefer not to carry extra weight, we can arrange secure shipping of your selected products directly to your doorstep anywhere in Europe.
- Payment Methods: For your convenience, we accept cash as well as all major credit and debit cards (Visa, Mastercard, Amex, Apple Pay).
Are the facilities at Karepidis Estate accessible and how do we get there?
Our facilities are located in Praitoria, Heraklion, right in the heart of the fertile Messara valley, and are built to welcome guests with utmost comfort.
- Accessibility: All main areas included in the tour, showroom, and tasting room are fully accessible to individuals with mobility difficulties or wheelchair users.
- Ample Parking: We provide a large, private, and free parking space inside the estate, accommodating rental cars as well as large tour buses.
- Directions: You can find us very easily by searching for Karepidis Estate directly on the Google Maps app, which will navigate you accurately right to our front entrance.
In which languages are the guided tours and tastings conducted?
We want every guest to feel welcome and fully understand every single detail of our production line. That is why our experiences are offered in multiple languages.
- Available Languages: Guided tours and professional tastings at Karepidis Estate are regularly conducted in Greek and English.
- Expert Guides: Our hosts possess deep knowledge of the olive oil industry and are ready to answer any of your questions with absolute clarity.
- Printed Material: Supplementary informative material is also available in additional languages during your visit, ensuring that everyone can easily follow along with the tasting masterclass.
Am I allowed to take photos and videos during the tour?
Yes, absolutely—in fact, we highly encourage it! We want you to capture your favorite moments at Karepidis Estate and share them with your loved ones.
- Free Capturing: You are more than welcome to take as many photos and videos as you like throughout the olive groves, the mill, the showroom, and the tasting room.
- Respect for Others: We kindly ask that you show discretion and ask our staff or fellow visitors for permission if their faces are going to be clearly featured in your footage.
- Social Media: If you share your beautiful experience on social media, feel free to tag our official profiles so we can enjoy the tour through your eyes!
Do you offer private or custom tours for closed groups and special events?
Yes, at Karepidis Estate, we can orchestrate tailored, custom experiences structured exclusively around your specific needs.
- Private Sessions: If you prefer an exclusive tour and tasting masterclass solely for your family, friends, or business partners, you can book a fully private time slot.
- Special Events: We regularly accommodate corporate events, executive groups, or VIP guests looking for a high-end, personalized gastronomic experience in Crete.
- Contact Us: For private bookings, unique requests, or larger group arrangements, please reach out to us directly via our contact form or email at least a few days in advance.
Can I show up for a tour without a reservation or at the very last minute?
If you visit us without a scheduled appointment, an expert host may not be available or the current group slot might be fully booked; in that instance, you will only be able to visit our showroom for product purchases.
Are pets allowed during the guided tour?
We are deeply pet-friendly; however, due to the strict international food safety and hygiene standards (IFS) we implement, specific rules apply.
- Outdoor Areas: Your pets are more than welcome on a leash throughout the outdoor areas of the estate and our olive groves.
- Production & Bottling Zones: For strict hygiene reasons, pets are not permitted inside the olive mill or the bottling plant.
- Showroom & Tasting Room: Only certified service dogs (e.g., guide dogs) are allowed indoors, provided they have the necessary documentation.
Is there parking available on-site and what types of vehicles can it accommodate?
Yes, access and parking at our estate are fully designed to offer maximum convenience to both independent travelers and tour operators.
- Free Parking: We provide a spacious, private, and entirely free parking area located right next to the entrance of our facilities.
- Vehicle Types: The lot easily accommodates standard rental cars, mini-vans, as well as full-sized tour buses, offering ample space for maneuvering.
- Safety: The parking lot is situated securely within the controlled grounds of Karepidis Estate, ensuring a safe environment for your vehicle during your 90-minute experience.
