House Wine, Raki, and Local Drinks: What to Expect in Taverns

Drinks in Cretan taverns are simple, local, and closely tied to how meals are shared.

This guide explains house wine, raki, and other common drinks so you know what to expect before ordering.

House Wine in Taverns

House wine is the default drink in many Cretan taverns. It is usually local, served by the carafe, and meant to accompany food rather than impress.

Most taverns offer simple red and white house wine. Quality varies, but it is generally drinkable and affordable.

Raki is a strong grape spirit traditionally offered after a meal. It is not a shot culture drink but a symbol of hospitality.

In many taverns, raki appears at the end of the meal without being ordered. Accepting it is polite, but drinking is optional.

Beer, soft drinks, and bottled wine are widely available, but locals usually stick to house wine with food.

Ordering is informal. You can ask for wine “by the kilo” or request bottled options if preferred.

Alcohol limits are strict. If driving, consider sharing minimal amounts or skipping alcohol entirely.

Resource	Why it matters
Traditional Taverns in Rethymno	Cluster hub explaining tavern culture and local dining rhythm
What “Traditional Taverna” Means in Crete	Explains cultural context behind simple drinks
Meze Culture in Crete: How Ordering Works	Drinks are closely tied to shared-plate dining
Cretan Dishes to Try in Rethymno Taverns	Shows how drinks pair with traditional dishes
Common Taverna Mistakes Tourists Make	Avoids common drink-related errors

Zurab Peikrishvili, travel writer and photographer based in Crete.