Wine is Crete’s hidden treasure. There is a wine making history that goes back 4.000 years and a great number of local grape varieties which thrive on the island. Why not follow awarded wineries’ routes which will guide you through the whole island? From East to West and from North to South, explore Crete’s amazing wine history through wine tasting but also great story telling from the winemakers themselves!
Starting from where you are, there is the famous monastery and winery of Toplou. The vineyards in the area go as far back as anyone can remember. There used to be an old domain in the palm grove, while there is a wine-press in the area dating back to 1709. Replanting started in 1975 and now there are more than 60 acres of organically cultivated grapes producing a great quantity of exquisite organic wine!
Driving towards Heraklion, follow the scenic route through the village of Vianos and get to an area full of small villages with a great wine history. Visit the beautiful Tamiolakis Winery which is on the outskirts of the village Choudetsi. Not far, you will find the Paterianakis Domaine where you can admire the hundreds of acres of vineyards spreading around you.