Crete (Greece)

Discover Crete’s Rich Wine Heritage

Crete, Greece’s largest island, boasts a 4,000-year-old winemaking tradition. This sun-soaked Mediterranean paradise offers wine lovers a unique blend of ancient vineyards, indigenous grape varieties, and modern winemaking techniques.

Towns and Villages

Explore Crete’s charming wine-producing towns and villages:

  • Archanes: A picturesque village known for its excellent wines and traditional architecture
  • Peza: The heart of Crete’s wine country, home to numerous wineries and vineyards
  • Dafnes: Famous for its sweet Liatiko wines and stunning mountain views
  • Zakros: A remote eastern village producing unique wines from ancient varietals

Wine Producers

Visit these top Cretan wineries for unforgettable tasting experiences:

  • Lyrarakis Winery: Pioneers in reviving rare Cretan grape varieties
  • Douloufakis Winery: Family-run estate producing high-quality organic wines
  • Diamantakis Winery: Modern facility offering panoramic views of the Lassithi plateau
  • Manousakis Winery: Organic vineyard specializing in blends of indigenous and international grapes

Accommodations

Stay at these wine-themed accommodations for a truly immersive experience:

  • Scalani Hills Boutari Winery & Residences: Luxury suites on a working vineyard near Heraklion
  • Minos Beach Art Hotel: Beachfront property with an extensive wine cellar in Agios Nikolaos
  • Avli Lounge Apartments: Stylish rooms in a restored Venetian mansion, featuring a wine cellar and tasting room

Dining

Savor Cretan cuisine paired with local wines at these restaurants:

  • Peskesi: Traditional Cretan dishes and an extensive local wine list in Heraklion
  • 7 Thalasses: Seafood specialties and Cretan wines with stunning sea views in Rethymno
  • Ferryman Taverna: Family-run taverna in Elounda, offering fresh fish and house wines
  • Kritamon: Farm-to-table restaurant in Archanes, featuring organic produce and local wines

Wine Shops & Bars

Explore Crete’s wine scene at these local establishments:

  • Oinoscent: Wine bar in Heraklion offering a wide selection of Cretan and Greek wines
  • Vintage Wine Bar: Cozy spot in Chania featuring local and international wines
  • Cava Mετaxarakis: Well-stocked wine shop in Rethymno with knowledgeable staff
  • To Koutouki tou Mpampis: Traditional kafeneio in Archanes serving local wines and meze

Other Shops

Complement your wine experience with local products:

  • Botano: Herb and spice shop in Kouses, perfect for enhancing your wine pairings
  • Cretan Olive Oil Farm: Offering high-quality olive oil and other local delicacies in Chania
  • Takis Pottery: Handmade ceramics in Thrapsano, ideal for serving Cretan wines
  • Knossos Delicatessen: Gourmet shop in Heraklion featuring local cheeses and cured meats

Attractions

Discover Crete’s rich history and natural beauty between wine tastings:

  • Palace of Knossos: Ancient Minoan ruins near Heraklion, showcasing early winemaking artifacts
  • Samaria Gorge: Stunning national park for hiking and experiencing Crete’s diverse landscape
  • Spinalonga Island: Former leper colony with fascinating history and beautiful views
  • Elafonisi Beach: Pink sand beach perfect for relaxing after wine tours

Events

Plan your visit around these wine-centric events:

  • Rethymno Wine Festival: Annual celebration in July featuring local wines and traditional music
  • Cretan Diet Festival: August event in Rethymno showcasing wine, food, and cultural exhibitions
  • Harvest Celebrations: Various wineries host events in August and September during grape harvest
  • Open Cellar Days: Participating wineries offer tours and tastings on specific weekends throughout the year

Appellations

Understand Crete’s wine regions and their specialties:

  • Peza PDO: Largest appellation, known for red wines from Kotsifali and Mandilari grapes
  • Dafnes PDO: Renowned for sweet Liatiko wines and dry reds
  • Sitia PDO: Eastern Crete appellation producing unique whites from Vilana grapes
  • Malvazia Handakas PDO: Sweet wines made from sun-dried grapes in the Heraklion area

Grape Varieties

Crete’s wine scene features both indigenous and international grape varieties. Vidiano and Vilana are the island’s star white grapes.

  • Whites: Vidiano, Vilana, Thrapsathiri, Dafni, Plyto
  • Reds: Kotsifali, Mandilari, Liatiko, Romeiko
  • International: Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Chardonnay

Main Wine Styles

Cretan wines offer a diverse range of styles. Dry whites made from Vidiano are gaining international recognition.

  • Crisp whites: Vilana-based blends
  • Full-bodied reds: Kotsifali and Mandilari blends
  • Sweet wines: Liatiko-based dessert wines
  • Rosés: Made from various local grapes

Food Specialties

Cretan cuisine is renowned for its health benefits and delicious flavors. Dakos, a barley rusk topped with tomato and cheese, pairs well with local wines.

  • Kalitsounia: Cheese or herb pies
  • Gamopilafo: Traditional wedding rice
  • Staka: Creamy cheese dish
  • Apaki: Cured pork
  • Cretan cheeses: Graviera, Mizithra, Anthotyros

Drives & Walks

Explore Crete’s diverse landscapes through scenic drives and walks. The Samaria Gorge offers a challenging hike with breathtaking views.

  • Wine route: Heraklion to Archanes
  • Coastal drive: Chania to Elafonisi Beach
  • Mountain walk: Psychro Cave (Zeus’ birthplace)
  • Historical walk: Knossos Palace ruins

Itineraries

3-Day Wine Tour

Day 1: Explore Heraklion wineries, visit Knossos Palace
Day 2: Drive to Peza wine region, taste local varieties
Day 3: Visit Archanes, enjoy wine pairing dinner

7-Day Crete Experience

Days 1-2: Heraklion wineries and historical sites
Days 3-4: Chania old town and nearby beaches
Day 5: Samaria Gorge hike
Days 6-7: Eastern Crete wineries and Vai Palm Forest

Getting There & Around

Crete is accessible via two main airports: Heraklion International Airport and Chania International Airport. Ferries connect the island to mainland Greece and other Greek islands.

  • Car rental: Recommended for exploring wineries and remote villages
  • Public buses: Connect major towns and tourist areas
  • Taxis: Available in cities and larger towns

Best Time to Visit

The ideal time to visit Crete for wine tourism is during the shoulder seasons of spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October). These periods offer pleasant weather and fewer crowds.

  • Harvest season: Late August to early October
  • Wine festivals: Usually held in August and September
  • Beach weather: May to October

Sustainability Efforts

Crete’s wine industry is increasingly focusing on sustainable practices. Many wineries are adopting organic viticulture and water conservation techniques.

  • Organic wineries: Douloufakis, Lyrarakis, Domaine Paterianakis
  • Solar energy: Used by several wineries for power
  • Local grape varieties: Promoted to preserve biodiversity

Language Tips

While English is widely spoken in tourist areas, learning a few Greek phrases can enhance your experience. Key wine-related terms:

  • Κρασί (Krasi): Wine
  • Λευκό (Lefko): White
  • Κόκκινο (Kokkino): Red
  • Γεια μας (Yamas): Cheers

Further Resources

For more information on Cretan wines and travel, consult these resources: