The Best Crete Wineries to visit when on holiday
Crete, the largest island in Greece, is known for its rich wine culture and has several wineries scattered across the island. Here are some notable wineries in Crete per area.
Heraklion Area
Boutari Winery
Located in the village of Skalani, Boutari Winery is one of the oldest and most renowned wineries in Greece. They offer guided tours and tastings, allowing visitors to learn about their winemaking process and sample a variety of wines.
Boutari Winery has a rich history that dates back to 1879 when it was founded by Yiannis Boutari. Over the years, the winery has established itself as one of Greece’s leading wine producers, focusing on quality and innovation.
The winery owns vineyards in various locations across Greece, including Crete. The vineyards are carefully selected based on their terroir, ensuring the cultivation of high-quality grapes that reflect the unique characteristics of the region.
Boutari Winery combines traditional winemaking techniques with modern technology to produce a wide range of wines. They focus on both indigenous and international grape varieties, showcasing the diversity of Greek wines.
Boutari Winery offers guided tours and tastings, providing visitors with the opportunity to learn about the winemaking process and sample their wines. During the tour, you can explore the vineyards, the cellar, and the production facilities while gaining insights into the winemaking techniques used by Boutari.
At the winery, there is a wine shop where you can purchase a variety of wines produced by Boutari, including limited-edition and reserve wines. The knowledgeable staff can assist you in choosing the perfect bottles to take home as souvenirs or gifts.
Boutari Winery is known for its commitment to quality, sustainability, and promoting Greek wine culture. A visit to Boutari Winery in Crete offers an opportunity to immerse yourself in the world of Greek wine, learn about their winemaking philosophy, and indulge in tasting their exceptional wines.
Lyrarakis Winery
Situated in the Alagni area, Lyrarakis Winery is known for its dedication to indigenous Cretan grape varieties. They produce a range of wines, including whites, reds, and dessert wines. Visitors can enjoy tours and tastings at their modern winery facility.
Lyrarakis Winery has a long history that dates back to the 1960s when the Lyrarakis family started producing wine from their own vineyards. They are passionate about reviving and preserving indigenous Cretan grape varieties.
The winery has vineyards spread across different parts of Crete, including high-altitude mountainous areas. They focus on cultivating indigenous grape varieties such as Vilana, Dafni, Plyto, and Melissaki, as well as some international varieties.
Lyrarakis Winery combines traditional winemaking methods with modern techniques to produce high-quality wines. They strive to showcase the unique terroir and character of each grape variety they work with. The winery is known for its skillful use of indigenous Cretan varieties.
Lyrarakis Winery produces a diverse range of wines, including white, rosé, and red wines. They also produce dessert wines and unique blends that showcase the distinct flavors and aromas of Cretan grapes. Each wine is crafted with care to highlight the best qualities of the grape varieties.
Lyrarakis Winery has a strong commitment to sustainable viticulture and winemaking practices. They focus on organic cultivation, minimal intervention in the winemaking process, and a hands-on approach to ensure the highest quality in their wines.
The winery welcomes visitors for guided tours and tastings, offering a chance to explore the vineyards, cellar, and winemaking facilities. During the tour, you can learn about their winemaking techniques and taste a selection of their wines.
Lyrarakis Winery is renowned for its dedication to showcasing the unique flavors and characteristics of Cretan grape varieties. Their wines capture the essence of the island’s terroir and heritage. A visit to Lyrarakis Winery provides an opportunity to discover and appreciate the distinctive wines of Crete.
Silva Daskalaki Winery
Located in the Kounavoi region, Silva Daskalaki Winery is known for its organic and biodynamic vineyards. They produce a variety of wines, including whites, reds, and rosés. Visitors can explore their vineyards, learn about their sustainable practices, and taste their wines.
Paterianakis Winery
Situated in the Peza region, Paterianakis Winery is a family-owned winery that focuses on organic farming and traditional winemaking methods. They offer guided tours and tastings, providing insights into their winemaking philosophy and showcasing their range of wines.
Douloufakis Winery
Located in the Dafnes region, Douloufakis Winery is a family-run winery with a long winemaking tradition. They produce wines from both native and international grape varieties. Visitors can enjoy tours of their vineyards and cellar, followed by tastings of their wines.
The winery has a history dating back to the late 19th century and is known for producing high-quality wines that showcase the unique characteristics of the local grape varieties. Douloufakis Winery combines traditional winemaking techniques with modern technology to create wines that capture the essence of the Cretan terroir. Some of the grape varieties cultivated by the winery include the indigenous Vidiano and Liatiko, as well as international varieties such as Syrah and Chardonnay. Visitors to Douloufakis Winery can take part in guided tours of the vineyards and the cellar, where they can learn about the winemaking process and taste a variety of wines. The winery also has a charming wine tasting room and a shop where visitors can purchase their favorite bottles to take home.
Stilianou Winery
Situated in the village of Choudetsi, Stilianou Winery is known for its organic and minimal intervention winemaking approach. They produce unique and expressive wines. Visitors can take part in tastings and learn about their natural winemaking practices.
Stilianou Winery is known for its organic and biodynamic approach to winemaking, focusing on indigenous grape varieties such as Vidiano, Vilana, and Mandilari. The winery combines traditional winemaking techniques with modern practices to craft high-quality and expressive wines that showcase the unique terroir of Crete. Visitors to Stilianou Winery can enjoy guided tours, wine tastings, and learn about the winemaking process while surrounded by the beautiful Cretan landscape.
These are just a few examples of the wineries you can visit in the Heraklion region. Each winery offers a distinct experience, allowing you to explore Cretan wine culture, learn about local grape varieties, and taste a variety of wines. It’s advisable to check the winery’s website or contact them in advance to confirm their visiting hours and any specific requirements for tours and tastings.
Chania
Manousakis Winery
Situated in the village of Vatolakkos, Manousakis Winery is a family-owned winery that combines traditional winemaking practices with modern techniques. They focus on producing wines from local grape varieties like Vidiano and Syrah. Visitors can enjoy tours of the vineyards and winery, followed by tastings of their wines.
It was founded by Theodore Manousakis, who comes from a long line of winemakers. The winery is situated in the village of Vatolakkos, surrounded by picturesque vineyards and olive groves.
Manousakis Winery is known for producing high-quality wines that reflect the unique characteristics of the local terroir. They focus on both indigenous and international grape varieties, including the native varieties of Vidiano, Vilana, and Kotsifali, as well as international varieties like Syrah and Mourvèdre. The winery follows sustainable farming practices and emphasizes hand-harvesting and gentle winemaking techniques to preserve the integrity of the grapes.
Visitors to Manousakis Winery can enjoy guided tours of the vineyards and winemaking facilities, as well as wine tastings where they can sample a variety of wines produced by the estate. The winery also has a beautiful terrace overlooking the vineyards, where guests can relax and savor the wines while taking in the stunning views.
In addition to wine, Manousakis Winery also produces high-quality extra virgin olive oil, using olives from their own olive groves. This allows visitors to explore and appreciate the diverse flavors of both wine and olive oil in one location.
Overall, Manousakis Winery offers a wonderful opportunity to experience the rich winemaking tradition of Crete and enjoy the flavors of this unique island.
Karavitakis Winery
Located in the village of Pontikiana, Karavitakis Winery is known for its organic vineyards and artisanal winemaking approach. They produce a range of wines, including whites, reds, and dessert wines. Visitors can explore their vineyards, cellar, and tasting room, and learn about their winemaking philosophy.
Karavitakis Winery is a renowned family-owned winery located in the region of Chania in Crete, Greece. It was established by Manolis Karavitakis in 1998, and it has since become one of the leading wineries in the area.
Situated in the village of Pontikiana, Karavitakis Winery is surrounded by vineyards that benefit from the favorable climate and unique terroir of Crete. The winery combines traditional winemaking practices with modern techniques to craft exceptional wines that showcase the characteristics of the local grape varieties.
Karavitakis Winery specializes in indigenous Cretan grape varieties, such as Vidiano, Thrapsathiri, and Kotsifali. These varieties thrive in the fertile soil and Mediterranean climate of the region, resulting in wines with distinct flavors and aromas. The winery also cultivates international grape varieties like Syrah and Grenache to create a diverse portfolio of wines.
Visitors to Karavitakis Winery can enjoy guided tours of the vineyards and the state-of-the-art winemaking facilities. They have the opportunity to learn about the winemaking process, from grape cultivation to bottling, and gain insights into the family’s winemaking philosophy. The winery offers wine tastings, allowing guests to sample their range of wines and appreciate the craftsmanship and quality.
The winery’s location offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape, including the vineyards, olive groves, and the Cretan Sea. It provides a tranquil and picturesque setting for wine enthusiasts to immerse themselves in the beauty of Crete while savoring the wines produced by Karavitakis Winery.
With its commitment to producing high-quality wines that capture the essence of Crete, Karavitakis Winery is a must-visit destination for wine lovers looking to explore the rich winemaking heritage of the island.
Dourakis Winery
Dourakis Winery is a family-run winery with a commitment to sustainable viticulture. They offer a variety of wines made from both indigenous and international grape varieties. Visitors can take part in tours, tastings, and even blending sessions to create their own wine.
Dourakis Winery is a prominent winery located in the region of Chania in Crete, Greece. It is a family-owned winery that has been producing wines for over 70 years, combining traditional winemaking methods with modern techniques to craft exceptional wines.
Situated in the village of Alikambos, Dourakis Winery benefits from the favorable climate, rich soil, and diverse terroir of Crete. The winery cultivates a variety of grape varieties, both indigenous and international, to create a diverse range of wines that showcase the unique characteristics of the region.
Dourakis Winery is known for its dedication to organic farming practices and sustainability. They prioritize environmentally friendly viticulture and winemaking techniques, ensuring that their wines are not only of high quality but also reflect their commitment to preserving the natural resources of the land.
The winery offers visitors the opportunity to experience guided tours of their vineyards and winemaking facilities. Guests can learn about the winemaking process, from grape cultivation to bottling, and gain insights into the family’s winemaking philosophy. They also offer wine tastings, allowing visitors to sample their wines and appreciate the flavors and aromas that result from their meticulous craftsmanship.
The winery’s location offers picturesque views of the surrounding countryside, with rolling hills, olive groves, and vineyards stretching as far as the eye can see. Visitors can enjoy the serene ambiance while exploring the winery and savoring the wines produced by Dourakis Winery.
Dourakis Winery has received numerous accolades and awards for its wines, showcasing their commitment to producing wines of exceptional quality and distinction. Whether you are a wine enthusiast or simply looking to explore the beauty of the Cretan wine region, a visit to Dourakis Winery promises an enriching and enjoyable experience.
Anoskeli Winery
Anoskeli Winery is a renowned winery located in the region of Chania, on the island of Crete, Greece. It is situated in the village of Anoskeli and is known for producing high-quality wines that showcase the unique terroir of the area. They have a wide range of wines made from both local and international grape varieties. Visitors can enjoy tours of their vineyards, olive groves, and production facilities, followed by tastings of their wines and olive
The winery was established in 1983 and has since become a leading producer of Cretan wines. Anoskeli Winery combines traditional winemaking techniques with modern technology to create exceptional wines that reflect the character and flavors of the local grape varieties.
Anoskeli Winery cultivates its own vineyards, covering an area of about 70 hectares. The vineyards benefit from the ideal Mediterranean climate, with abundant sunshine and mild winters, as well as the fertile soils of the region. The winery grows both indigenous Cretan grape varieties, such as Kotsifali and Vidiano, as well as international varieties like Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon.
The winemaking process at Anoskeli Winery is carefully supervised by experienced oenologists and winemakers. After the grapes are hand-harvested, they are carefully sorted and processed using state-of-the-art equipment. The winery produces a wide range of wines, including red, white, and rosé wines, as well as sweet dessert wines.
In addition to winemaking, Anoskeli Winery also produces high-quality extra virgin olive oil. The winery owns and operates its olive groves, allowing them to control every step of the production process and ensure the superior quality of their olive oil.
Visitors to Anoskeli Winery can enjoy guided tours of the vineyards and winemaking facilities, where they can learn about the winemaking process and the history of the estate. Wine tastings are also available, allowing guests to sample a selection of the winery’s wines and experience the flavors and aromas that make them unique.
Anoskeli Winery is not only committed to producing exceptional wines but also to promoting sustainable and organic farming practices. They prioritize environmental responsibility and work to preserve the biodiversity and natural resources of the region.
Whether you are a wine enthusiast or simply appreciate the beauty of the Cretan countryside, a visit to Anoskeli Winery offers an opportunity to explore the rich winemaking traditions of Crete and taste the fruits of their labor.
Manousos Winery
Situated in the village of Vatolakkos, Manousos Winery is a small family-owned winery that produces limited quantities of high-quality wines. They focus on local grape varieties and use traditional winemaking methods. Visitors can visit their winery, taste their wines, and learn about their winemaking practices.
These are just a few examples of the wineries you can explore in the Chania region. Each winery offers a unique experience, allowing you to learn about Cretan winemaking traditions, taste local wines, and enjoy the beautiful surroundings. It’s recommended to check the winery’s website or contact them in advance to confirm their visiting hours and any specific requirements for tours and tastings.
Sitia
Toplou Monastery Winery
Situated near the historic Toplou Monastery, this winery is renowned for its organic and biodynamic winemaking practices. They specialize in indigenous grape varieties such as Liatiko and Thrapsathiri. Visitors can explore the monastery, learn about the winemaking process, and enjoy tastings of their wines.
Toplou Monastery Winery, also known as Toplou Estate, is located in the eastern part of Crete, near the town of Sitia. It is a renowned winery that combines the rich monastic tradition with the production of high-quality wines. Here are some key points about Toplou Monastery Winery:
The winery is part of the historic Toplou Monastery, which dates back to the 15th century. The monastery has a long-standing tradition of winemaking and is nestled in a picturesque setting surrounded by olive groves and vineyards.
The winery cultivates its vineyards using organic and sustainable practices. They have a diverse range of grape varieties, including local Cretan varieties such as Sitia, Vidiano, Assyrtiko, and Thrapsathiri, as well as international varieties like Syrah, Merlot, and Cabernet Sauvignon.
Toplou Monastery Winery focuses on producing wines that reflect the unique terroir of Crete. They combine traditional winemaking techniques with modern practices to create wines that showcase the region’s character and distinct flavors.
The winery offers a wide selection of wines, including white, rosé, and red wines. They produce both single-varietal wines and blends, each with its own expression and style. Some notable wines from Toplou Monastery Winery include their Sitia Dafni, Toplou Vidiano, and Toplou Thrapsathiri.
Visitors have the opportunity to explore the winery and taste their wines through guided tours and tastings. The tours typically include a visit to the vineyards, the winemaking facilities, and the cellar, where visitors can learn about the winemaking process and sample the wines.
In addition to its winemaking activities, Toplou Monastery has a significant cultural and historical importance. The monastery houses a museum that showcases religious artifacts, icons, and manuscripts, providing insight into the rich Byzantine and Venetian heritage of the region.
Toplou Monastery Winery offers a unique wine experience that combines exceptional wines, a historic setting, and cultural significance. It is a must-visit destination for wine enthusiasts and those interested in exploring the diverse wine culture of Crete.
Lyrarakis Winery
Located in the village of Alagni, Lyrarakis Winery is a family-owned winery with a focus on indigenous grape varieties. They combine modern winemaking techniques with respect for tradition to produce unique and high-quality wines. Visitors can tour their vineyards, winery, and cellar, and taste a range of their wines.
Lyrarakis Winery has a long history of winemaking that dates back to the 1960s. The Lyrarakis family has been dedicated to preserving and reviving indigenous Cretan grape varieties and producing exceptional wines that reflect the unique terroir of the island.
Vineyards and Grape Varieties: The winery owns and manages several vineyards across different parts of Crete, including areas in central and eastern Crete. They focus on cultivating indigenous grape varieties such as Assyrtiko, Vilana, Plyto, Dafni, and Vidiano, along with international varieties like Syrah, Merlot, and Cabernet Sauvignon.
Sustainable Farming: Lyrarakis Winery is committed to sustainable farming practices, including organic viticulture and the use of traditional winemaking methods. They work closely with nature, respecting the environment and preserving the biodiversity of the region.
Wine Offerings: Lyrarakis Winery offers a wide range of wines, showcasing the diverse character and flavors of Crete. Their portfolio includes white, rosé, and red wines, as well as dessert wines. Some notable wines from Lyrarakis Winery include their Assyrtiko, Dafni, and Kotsifali-Syrah blends.
Wine Philosophy: The winery’s philosophy revolves around expressing the unique qualities of Cretan grape varieties and terroir in their wines. They aim to produce wines that are both approachable and showcase the distinctiveness of the island’s viticulture.
Wine Tourism: Lyrarakis Winery welcomes visitors to explore their winery and enjoy wine tastings and tours. The winery’s facilities offer a warm and inviting atmosphere where guests can learn about the winemaking process, discover the history and heritage of the region, and sample their award-winning wines.
Lyrarakis Winery stands as a testament to the rich winemaking tradition of Crete and the dedication of the Lyrarakis family to producing exceptional wines. It is a must-visit destination for wine enthusiasts looking to experience the unique flavors and cultural heritage of Cretan wines.
Economou Winery
Situated in the Ziros Plateau, Economou Winery is known for its low-intervention winemaking approach. They cultivate local grape varieties such as Liatiko and Thrapsathiri and produce limited quantities of artisanal wines. Visitors can visit the winery, taste their wines, and learn about their winemaking philosophy.
Economou Winery is a family-owned and operated winery founded by Yiannis Economou. The winery has been producing wines since the 1990s and is known for its focus on traditional winemaking techniques and the use of indigenous grape varieties.
Terroir and Vineyards: The winery’s vineyards are located in the mountainous and rocky region of Sitia, which benefits from the Mediterranean climate and mineral-rich soils. The vineyards are planted with indigenous grape varieties such as Liatiko, Mandilaria, and Thrapsathiri.
Natural Winemaking: Economou Winery follows a natural winemaking approach, with minimal intervention in the cellar and a focus on expressing the unique characteristics of the grapes and terroir. They use traditional winemaking methods, including foot stomping and aging in large oak barrels.
Wine Offerings: Economou Winery produces a small range of high-quality wines, predominantly red wines. Their flagship wine is the “Liastos,” a sweet wine made from sun-dried Liatiko grapes. They also produce dry red wines such as “Sitia” and “Vóila,” which showcase the unique character of the region’s indigenous grape varieties.
Limited Production: The winery has a limited production, focusing on quality rather than quantity. The wines are often made in small batches, allowing for meticulous attention to detail and the expression of the unique characteristics of each vintage.
Wine Philosophy: Economou Winery’s philosophy is centered on respecting the traditional winemaking practices of the region and preserving the authenticity and identity of the indigenous grape varieties of Crete. They aim to produce wines that reflect the terroir, history, and cultural heritage of the area.
Visiting Economou Winery offers an opportunity to explore the unique wines of Sitia and experience the passion and dedication of the Economou family. Wine enthusiasts can enjoy tastings and learn about the traditional winemaking methods employed by the winery. It is a must-visit destination for those seeking to discover the hidden gems of Cretan wines.
Pneumatikaki Winery
Located in the village of Ziros, Pneumatikaki Winery is a small family-run winery that focuses on organic farming and minimal intervention winemaking. They produce wines from indigenous grape varieties and offer visitors the chance to taste their wines and learn about their sustainable practices.
They focus on organic and biodynamic practices to ensure the best expression of the terroir in their wines.
Pneumatikaki Winery offers a range of wines, including both red and white varietals. Some of the popular grape varieties they work with include Vidiano, Vilana, Assyrtiko, and Kotsifali. Their wines are known for their distinct flavors, aromas, and the unique character of the Cretan terroir.
The winery is open for visitors, and you can enjoy tours and tastings to experience their wines firsthand. The friendly and knowledgeable staff will guide you through the winemaking process and share the story behind their wines. It’s a great opportunity to explore the local winemaking traditions and taste some exceptional Cretan wines.
Please note that it’s always a good idea to check the winery’s official website or contact them directly for the most up-to-date information on visiting hours, tours, and tastings.
Zacharioudakis Winery
Situated in the village of Katsidoni, Zacharioudakis Winery is known for its dedication to organic and biodynamic winemaking. They produce a variety of wines, including whites, reds, and rosés, from local grape varieties. Visitors can tour their vineyards, winery, and cellar, and taste their wines.
These are just a few examples of the wineries you can explore in the Sitia region. Each winery offers a unique experience, allowing you to discover the flavors and character of the local wines.
