WINE TOURS IN CRETE

Wine tourism in Crete seems to become a dynamic travel trend, combining the delights of local gastronomic tradition with visits in magnificent hinterland. The wineries, among others, offer the visitors the possibility of organized guided tours and wine tastings combined with traditional flavors.

 

There are various wineries in Crete. Each winery has its own unique atmosphere, yet all of them are equally hospitable and offer valuable information about wine. The grape varieties of Crete PGO (Protected Geographical Origin) are the following:

 

Archanes – red wines Heraklion

The vineyard of the PDO Archanes zone lies between the vineyards of the PDO Peza zone and the PDO Dafnes zone, in the north-central part of the Heraklion area, in Crete. The boundaries of the wine growing PDO Archanes zone cover the areas of Ano and Kato Archanes, Agios Syllas, Vasilies, Kyparissi, Profitis Elias and Skalani. PDO Archanes wines are made from the co-vinification of Kotsifali and Mandilaria, two indigenous grape varieties that are harmonically combined in a blend where Kotsifali offers the nice aromatic profile and a full-bodied character, whereas Mandilaria contributes to the blend with the vivid purple colour, its crispy acidity and the powerful tannins.

 

Dafnes – red wines Heraklion

The vineyards of the PDO Dafnes zone lie on the western part of the Heraklion territory, on the eastern foothills of the Mt. Psiloritis (2.456m), in Crete. The grape variety participating in the PDO Dafnes wines is Liatiko, an indigenous, red grape variety that contributes to the production of dense, high alcoholic, dry wines, with great aromatic complexity, as well as noteworthy sweet PDO Dafnes wines, made from sundried grapes.

 

Peza white & red wines Heraklion

From the ancient times until today, the region of Peza is considered to be one of the most important wine-growing regions of Crete. The PDO Peza wine zone lies in the central-northern part of the regional unit of Heraklion, and encloses the communities of Peza, Agies Paraskies, Agios Vassilios, Alagni, Astrakies, Astritsi, Kalloni, Katalagari, Kounavi, Melesses, Myrtia, Houdetsi, Patsideros, Panorama and Sambas, both for the white and the red PDO Peza wines produced.

 

 

Sitia & Malvasia of Sitia white & red wines

The PDO Sitia zone lies in the district area of Lasithi, covering the slopes of the northeast coast of Crete, up to Sitia and the plateau of Ziros, and the surrounding mountains in the central and southern part of the eastern edge of Crete. Another PDO wine produced in the area of Sitia is PDO Malvazia Sitia, established in 2010. Vineyards for the PDO Malvasia Sitia cover the areas of the northeastern part of Crete, in the region of Sitia and Lefki.

 

Handakas – Candia & Malvasia white wines

The PDO Handakas – Candia, is the largest PDO zone of Heraclion, which covers all the district of Heraclion, with the exception of some areas in the southwest and southeast parts. The place name of Ηandakas – Candia are the historic names of the current Heraclion Perfecture.

The climate, the terrain and the soil composition, play important role to the prevalence of mediterranean micro-climate, characterised by mild winters and cool summers. Those climatic conditions contribute to the production of high-quality wines with distinctive aromas and refreshing acidities.