Why You Will Enjoy a Visit to Dourakis Winery in Chania

Dourakis Winery is one of the most prestigious wineries in Crete. Here is an in-depth review to help you decide whether a visit is worth it.

Dourakis Winery is one of the most prestigious wineries in Crete. Here is an in-depth review to help you decide whether a visit is worth it. Spoiler alert: it is. Keep reading to learn about the premises, services, and wine tasting in this Dourakis Winery review.

Why You Should Visit Dourakis Winery

Located in the picturesque village of Alikampos, Dourakis Winery is 35 minutes by car from either Chania or Rethymnon. Because it is a convenient getaway from the hustle of the two large Cretan cities, the winery can get quite busy, especially during rush hours or high season. 

As you approach the estate, you cannot but notice the spectacular landscape surrounding the village and the vineyard.

The mountains of Alikampos and the ideal microclimate in the region are the perfect additions to the breathtaking views. An advantage of the rocky terrain in Alikampos has to do with the natural cellars available to store and age the wines.

Dourakis, the founder and owner of this winery, chose Alikampos to build his vineyard for that exact reason, as well as the conducive microclimate.

Dourakis Winery consists of a botanical garden, an enormous vineyard, and a traditional winepress located in the main building.

Inside, the production, bottling, and aging facilities explain why Dourakis wine is internationally recognized, with exports as far as America.

Although the tour will take you to almost every corner of the winery, you will spend most of the time in the tasting room, specially designed to spotlight the deep taste of Dourakis wine.

Depending on your booking plan, you may also visit the restaurant on the premises. After all, there is no better way to enjoy good wine than having a meal in a traditional winery.

And if you have time, feel free to visit the folklore museum or the art gallery on the premises. Dourakis Winery will surprise you in many ways.

The level of professionalism comes in perfect harmony with their Cretan hospitality and friendly attitude. You only have to visit to experience that first hand.

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The Service

If you want to reserve a spot for a tour around Dourakis Winery, you have to book beforehand, either online on their website or through a travel agent.

Because the winery can get busy at times, it is not recommended to visit without a reservation. To double-check that, you can call them at +30 2825051761 and get the latest update on the availability.

Often, they are flexible enough to quickly accommodate demands, such as changing the agreed time or making a last-minute reservation. Yet, it is best not to get to that last resort. Better opt for the safer option of reserving a spot online. 

In addition, they appear to care about your feedback and take action to content you. After all, with about sixteen thousand guests per year, it is a certainty that some visitors will not be satisfied.

Even in those cases, the team accepts the client’s comment and makes up for it. If anything else, this shows a great determination to become better. 

Apart from visiting the winery as a guest on a private tour, you can also book an entire venue just for yourself.

This is a handy opportunity to organize any event you may aspire to. From a wedding celebration to a casual evening out with friends and family. And the list goes on. Art exhibitions, culinary events, concerts, and birthdays to name just a few.

The premises are also easily accessible to individuals with reduced mobility. They even organize kids’ activities to keep them entertained while you enjoy your glasses of fresh wine.

>> You can visit Dourakis Winery from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily, and take a tour in English, French, Greek, or even Spanish.

Exceptional Wine Tasting 

Although climate and service are important factors, nothing beats the significance of wine quality and taste.

Thankfully, Dourakis Winery pays a great deal of attention to creating some of the best grape varieties on the island. Seventeen, to be precise. And each of them has its own unique taste and flavor. 

There are many reasons why the final wine varieties in Dourakis are of top quality. A crucial factor is the traditional viticulture methods they use to cultivate the grapes. Above anything else, it is a sign that Dourakis Winery cares about nature and the environment. 

And it seems Mother Nature rewards them with unparalleled grape varieties, perfect for wine production. Hence, no matter your taste and preference for wine, Dourakis has you covered.

Red, Rose, White, Sparkling, or Dessert wine are all available for tasting and sale on the premises.

When it comes to wine tasting, there are three main activities you can take part in. The first is the Classic Wine Tasting, where you will taste four to six wine labels within one hour.

The tour also includes a guided walk in the production area and vineyard, where you will learn more about the Dourakis vine cultivation processes and phases of winemaking. The second activity is called Premium Wine Tasting and follows the schedule of the Classic course.

However, this time you will taste eight Dourakis premium wines accompanied by Cretan rusks and olives grown at the estate. Besides, the order you drink the wines is made in that way so that they all come in harmony. 

Finally, Wine and Cheese is the third activity in Dourakis Winery and lasts about ninety minutes. Here, you will explore the fascinating relationship between cheese and wine. You will drink every wine accompanied by a matured local cheese that will elevate the taste of wine even more.

All in all, Dourakis Winery brings together a beautiful landscape, considerate services, and an exceptional wine-tasting experience. If you happen to be in Chania or Rethymnon, a visit to this winery is more than worth it!

My son and I loved the visit! We enjoyed discovering ancient work tools inside the museum, tasting the wines paired with local bites, and -most of all- exploring the magnificent cellar right next to the foot of the mountain!

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Guide to Visiting Dourakis Winery in Crete

Gabi, the Crete Insider

Hi, I’m Gabi — your go-to local expert in Crete! I’ve been living in Chania, Crete since 2016, and I’ve turned my love for the island into a full-time passion — guiding travelers, writing for travel media, and curating local experiences.

I co-authored DK Eyewitness Top 10 Crete and other guides. I run the blogs The Tiny Book, Greece Planner, and My Cretan Recipe. Through this platform I help travelers design unforgettable trips to Crete.

👉 Read more about Crete Insider.