Avli's philosophy is to share our passion for great ingredients, the creative process of our cooking, and inspiring tastes. Sharing is at the heart of what we do. Join us - in the market, in our kitchen and at our table - to create, to cook, to eat and to celebrate nature's harvest in Crete. As part of our offerings join us for a hands-on cooking masterclass with our executive chef, a five-course dinner, coupled with an unforgettable wine and olive oil tasting experience .
Join us to learn the secrets of cooking Avli's dishes inspired by the Cretan diet and using the finest local ingredients. This is your chance to take your place in the Avli kitchen in a hands-on cooking masterclass.
Using the extraordinary ingredients produced by some of Crete’s finest artisanal producers - from mountain cheesemakers to small farm producers - learn to cook the Cretan way. Join our celebration of nature’s harvest and master age-old techniques - and some new ones - to create your own gourmet Cretan dishes.
The experience
Our cookery classes start in the courtyard. Beginning with an introduction to Cretan culture, history, and gastronomy, it’s here we share our customs, and the many words we use to describe our food, all the while sipping on a favourite Cretan wine.
To begin, we start by sharing the secrets to making a perfect Cretan-inspired appetiser. Then it’s time to get in the kitchen, and with your sleeves rolled up, begin to prepare your own main dish or dessert creation.
Chef will talk you through making a selection of classic Cretan dishes - including ones our yiayias (grandmothers) passed down to us - as well as exciting modern interpretations of traditional recipes. Once the fruits of your labours are ready, it’s time to sit, share stories and get to know each other, as you sample your culinary masterpieces over a five-course dinner by candlelight. Of course, it wouldn’t be a typical Cretan meal without a shot of raki to conclude proceedings and toast your newly found skills.
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!