Crete

Wineries and Wine Shops

Crete's viticultural landscape is defined by indigenous grape varieties like Vidiano, Vilana, and the rare Dafni. This selection features prominent estates in the Chania and Heraklion regions, including family-run operations like Douloufakis and Lyrarakis, which focus on reviving local traditions. Visitors can explore stone-built cellars, participate in guided tours of modern production facilities, and sample organic wines in settings ranging from mountain foothills to renovated historical buildings.

Karavitakis Winery

Family-run estate in Pontikiana producing wines from 80 acres of private vineyards. It specializes in blending indigenous Cretan varieties with international grapes like Syrah and Grenache.

Stilianou Winery

A boutique, organic winery in the village of Kounavoi. It focuses on small-batch production using traditional methods and native Cretan grapes including Vidiano, Vilana, and Kotsifali.

Douloufakis Winery

A great local winery offering a tour of the process of making wine and their cellars.

Dourakis Winery

Housed in a beautiful natural setting. Here, you can take a tour around the winery or head straight for the tasting room or the shop.

Manusakis Vinodelna

Located in Vatolakkos, this winery specializes in Rhone-style blends under the Nostos label. The facility includes a traditional tasting room and a garden area for sampling organic Roussanne and Syrah.

Lyrarakis Winery

Established in 1966 in the village of Alagni, this estate is recognized for reviving the nearly extinct Cretan varieties Plyto and Dafni. It offers structured tastings and vineyard tours.