Join us and discover the secrets behind Avli's delicious Cretan-inspired dishes, made with the finest local ingredients. This is your chance to step into the Avli kitchen and take part in a hands-on cooking masterclass. Using extraordinary produce from some of Crete's finest artisan producers, including mountain cheesemakers and small-scale farmers, you will learn to cook like a local. Celebrate nature's harvest with us, and learn age-old and new techniques for creating your own gourmet Cretan dishes.
Here at Avli, we are passionate about sharing our love of premium ingredients, creative cooking and exciting flavours. Sharing is at the heart of what we do.
Since 1997, we have been introducing visitors to Cretan culture and local life. Thanks to the expertise of our chefs, our cooking classes have become renowned across the island. Join us at the market, in our kitchen, and around our table to cook, eat, and celebrate Crete's natural bounty. You can join our executive chef for an interactive masterclass in the art of cooking, followed by a five-course dinner accompanied by an unforgettable tasting experience of wines and olive oils.
The experience
Our cookery classes begin in the courtyard. First, we introduce Cretan culture, history and gastronomy. As we sample a favourite Cretan wine, we share our customs and the many words used in Crete to describe food.
Next, we reveal the secrets to creating the perfect Cretan-inspired starter that is simple, clear and abundant. Then it’s time to roll up your sleeves and start preparing your own main course or dessert.
The chef will talk you through making a selection of classic Cretan dishes, including traditional recipes that have been passed down through the generations, as well as modern variations. You'll be amazed at how many different dishes you can create with the same ingredients. Once your creations are ready, you can sit down together, share stories and get to know each other as you enjoy your culinary masterpieces over a five-course candlelit dinner.
No typical Cretan meal would be complete without a shot of raki to conclude the evening and celebrate your newfound skills. You will have discovered a whole new approach to cooking and dining that could change your life, just as it has for the Cretans!
With one of the largest restaurant wine cellars in Greece, Avli’s tasting sessions are not to be missed and an opportunity to savour Greece and Crete’s most exceptional wines. With expert knowledge on hand to help you explore the varieties on offer, and the techniques used to produce the wines, a tasting session offers a unique opportunity to find out more about Hellenic viniculture.
Each participant receives a glass and we accompany our wine tastings with rusks, cheese, olives, local delicacies and sparkling water. We also provide the participants with notes regarding the wine-activity of our country, the wines and the wineries. Additionally, we can present a horizontal wine tasting (the presentation of variety per regions) or present a vertical wine-tasting (the development of wine in time), if is wish so.
Pairing wine and food is is one of our favourite things to do. Don't miss the chance to match the uniquely cooking class with the expert wine tatsing! Our Enoteca (traditional wine cellar) provides the perfect spot to savour Avli’s delicious dishes with well-curated wines from Crete, Greece and beyond.
Discover the secrets of olive oil - the most important element of the Cretan diet. In this workshop we explore the art of selecting, tasting and appreciating the Greek liquid gold known as extra virgin olive oil. Join us to learn its history, how to distinguish the very best extra virgin olive oil, how to identify different varieties of olive and how this precious elixir of well-being is produced.
We are delighted to invite you to explore our vibrant Greek vineyard. Our carefully curated selection is designed to captivate and inspire, offering a glimpse into Greece's rich winemaking heritage with every sip. Each wine has been selected to complement your meal beautifully, enhancing your tasting experience and showcasing the unique characteristics of Greek winemaking.
Led by the talented and award-winning chef Vassilis Leonidou, our extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) tasting seminars offer a wonderful opportunity to discover the rich flavours and subtle nuances of this prized ingredient. Designed to enhance your appreciation of olive oil, the seminars celebrate the local culinary traditions and craftsmanship involved in producing this liquid gold. Contact us for more information and to reserve your place.
Join us for a private cooking class in Cretan cuisine and embark on a delightful journey into the heart of Cretan flavours. Under the guidance of our passionate chefs, you will learn to prepare traditional dishes and hear the stories behind them. These hands-on classes allow attendees to immerse themselves in the art of Cretan cooking and uncover the cultural narratives embedded within each dish. It's a memorable and delicious adventure celebrating the rich civilization and culinary heritage of Crete, and may transform the way you think about food, so secure your spot today!