Crete is a land with rich culinary heritage, offering a unique and delightful experience that is often overlooked by the visitors. The island’s wine making history dates back over 4,000 years, with vineyards and wineries that provide the best opportunities to explore the Cretan deep connection with wine. Following our journey through the most captivating wine regions, you can taste the Cretan flavors and the traditions behind its celebrated wines. During Minoan ancient times we discovered the roots of Cretan winemaking, where they were the earliest wine producers in the Mediterranean. In the ancient remnants you can find evidence of wine presses and storage vessels that were found across the island. From these times, the wine has been evolved, produced by moder techniques and creating a large variety of wines that reflect their unique terroir.
Crete’s diverse landscape creates an ideal environment for the vineyards. The whole island is divided in wine regions and each one has its own grape variety and wine style. Through its 4 most significant regions; Heraklion, Chania, Lasithi and Rethymno, you can explore all the Cretan varieties. More specifically, the hilly terrain of Rethymno is ideal for a grape variety which is red such as Romeiko. In this region you can watch the traditional methods of wine producing that have passed through generations, the known fortified wines. The vineyards of Chania that benefit from the cold breezes that come from the White Mountains, produce aromatic white wines from the local Malvasia and Muscat grapes. As a visitor you can further explore the innovative and eco-friendly that the winemakers are experimenting for the organic-natural wine production. In the foothills of Dikti Mountains you can find Lasithi’s vineyards. Because of its high altitude, their wine has excellent acidity and freshness. The Liatiko grape can produce both dry and sweet red wines that are of high pricing. Heraklion with its fertile plains, is the largest wine city of the island, producing both indigenous and international wine varieties. When in the Cretan wineries, we encourage you to keep in mind some tips that will boost your experience and the levels of satisfaction. The most important advice is to savor wines’ flavor, taking your time to taste and appreciate all these unique aromas and flavors of each wine. This will help you notice the freshness and minerality of the wines’ variety. While visiting the vineyards, do not hesitate to ask about the history, the varieties and the techniques that each variety produces wine. The winemakers love to share their knowledge. Last but not least, as you are visiting an island well known for its unique Mediterranean cuisine, do not miss the chance to enjoy the wines with the company of the local cuisine. Local delicacies such as fresh seafood and lamb considered as delicacies when paired with wine. While vsiting the island’s wineries you are not only tasting wines but also connecting with the cultural heritage of winemakers that keep the traditions and history alive. In Lyrakakis Winery, located in Heraklion, you can explore a variety of indigenous Cretan wines, sampling wines made from rare grapes and guided through the vineyards and the wine making processes. Also in Heraklion, you can visit a family run estate that produces wine for at least 3 generations, called Douloufakis Winery. Their most popular varieties are Vidiano and Asyrtiko which are international acclaimed. After a tour on their vineyards and cellars you will be offered to taste their signature wines. Moving close to Chania city, there is Manousakis Winery a pioneer Cretan of organic wines. As a visitor to the facilities you can enjoy tours at the vineyards, tasting sessions and a meal served with dishes from locally sourced ingredients.
Cretan island can offer an immersive experience for its explorers that want to visit the vineyards and taste the Cretan wines, gaining a more detailed knowledge of the island’s cultural heritage.
