Zante is famous for its beautiful beaches and landscapes – but it has plenty of other riches, too. Its sweets, cheeses, wines and vegetables are among the finest in Greece. The fun kicks off at the heart and soul of any Greek town – the market. Wander among stalls overflowing with fresh, local vegetables, where you can load up on whatever takes your fancy. Expert guide Nikolaos, adds, “locals shop by colour and aroma, not by recipe, so whatever smells the best becomes that night's dinner.”
Then it's on to a traditional mandolato factory. This local variety of nougat – made from almonds, honey, sugar and egg whites – is one of the definitive tastes of Zante. From sweet to savoury, next you'll head to a small cheese factory in one of Zante's oldest villages, Loucha. Here, you'll meet third-generation cheesemakers, see how they make prentza, a creamy goat's cheese and ladotyri, Zante's signature oil cheese, and of course, enjoy a tasting.
As lunchtime approaches, you'll head to a restaurant in the mountain village of Agios Leontas for an authentic Greek meal. It comes complete with pitta, tzatziki and frigania – a local, creamy, layered dessert that'll satisfy your sweet tooth. Your final stop is Grampsas Estate Winery, set on the green slopes at the foot of Mount Vrachionas. Nikolaos explains, “Zante has wines you won't taste anywhere else – our grapes have grown on these slopes for centuries. You can expect to taste varieties like fresh, aromatic Goustolidi whites and fruity, spicy Avgoustiatis reds.”
