Discovering Greece’s Wine Regions – CRETE

As one of the most significant wine making regions and with numerous local grape varieties, Crete has always been a very important wine region to Greek winemaking. Here, they systematically cultivate the vine for approximately 4000 years and the oldest wine-press (3500 years old) was found in the region of Vathipetro. Apart from the wine-press, impressive amphorae, vast underground wine storage facilities and relevant drawings in all Minoan Palaces provide evidence not only of wine’s central role in the life of the island, but also of the sophistication of the Minoans’ know-how.

Since then, winegrowing has continued steadily on the island where archaeological excavations have unearthed the wine press and vessels bearing traces of wine.

Most of the vineyards of Crete are located in the eastern section of the island, particularly its northern side which benefits from the northerly and northeasterly sea winds. The combination of climate, topography, water availability and soil makes Crete an excellent region for viticulture.

The viticultural industry is experiencing brisk growth, making the island one of the significant and dynamic terroirs of Greece as it is home to approximately 15% of the nation's vineyards with 7 quality appellations (PDO).

New varieties are being tested, and new aromas and flavors are emerging, presenting the consumer with fine wines, which can satisfy all tastes and needs. Making good use of traditional vine varieties and age-old experience, modern wine producers in Crete have managed to elevate Cretan wine to its rightful position.

Some local varieties are the whites : Vilana, Vidiano, Muscat of Spinas, Thrapsathiri, Malvasia di Candia and more rare Plyto and Dafni and reds :Kotsifali, Mandilari, Liatiko, Romeiko

Crete hosts one of the largest vineyards in Greece, in terms of both size and production. The Cretan vineyard has the longest history and continuous presence in Europe, if not in the whole world. Archaeological findings and historical sources have proven that the Cretan vineyard has never ceased to produce wine from the Minoan times to the present day.

Wineries to visit

Douloufakis Winery, Dourakis Winery, Karavitakis Winery, Manousakis Winery, Lyrarakis Estate, Idaia Winery these are just a few wineries of the island.

Sources & Photos: Wines of Greece 2018, Konstantinos Lazarakis MW, wineofgreece.org, www.winesofcrete.gr