Wineries in Heraklion That You Will Love to Visit

One of the most unique Heraklion wineries is Agelakis Estate. Surrounded by vineyards and olive groves, this family vineyard stands on the edge of Thrapsano village, a village known for its pottery since antiquity. What makes this winery unique is the revival of an ancient tradition to use authentic clay vessels in the winemaking process. 

🍷 Try their White Materia with aromas of sweet apple and apricot, this dry wine with a fruity aftertaste, perfect for summer.

Stilianou makes sone of my favorite wines in Crete. This family business cultivates its vineyards on mountainous terrain, always according to organic standards which respect nature and tradition. You shouldn’t miss the chance to visit this boutique winery, and if you’re not in the area, do get a bottle of their wine!

🍷 The Theon Dora Dry White is the best white I’ve tried this summer. This is an organic dry white wine from the local Vilana, Vidiano, and Thrapsatiri grapes.

Overlooking Heraklion from an altitude of 450 meters, the winery of the Diamantakis family makes for a great and swift escape from the hustle of the city. The province, named Malevizi, has a long history in vine cultivation and production of various spirits. All thanks to its rich soils and ideal microclimate. Finding your way up here, you will be delighted to taste different wines.

🍷 Make sure to try the Diamantakis Vidiano. Its rich taste comes from the aromas of orange peel, chamomile, honey, and other white flesh fruits.

Domaine Paterianakis is a boutique family winery, in the heart of the Heraklion wine region, that aspires to amaze you with its organic and natural wines from indigenous grapes. Here, locals here have turned winemaking into living art, bringing with them traditions and secrets that go back thousands of years.  

🍷 Their Moschato Spinas, a white wine that is also sold abroad, has a delicious and fresh taste brings memories of elderflower and jasmine, next to fruits like melon, apple, and pear. Next to the taste, you will love its fruity aroma, which makes it ideal even for solo drinking.

A winery with a mission, Fragospito aspires to create a winemaking trend that puts the environment above anything else. Visionary Nikos Gavalas added all the vineyards in the village of Vorias as part of an organic cultivation system in 2001. His goal is to enhance soil fertility and prevent pest problems. 

Prioritizing quality over quantity, the winery is home to some of the most exquisite Heraklion wines. Here is an article about my visit to the winery!

🍷 Efivos is a red wine label that puts together three elegant Cretan grape varieties! Mandilari, Kotsifali, and Syrah. It is all you ever wished for. Juicy, plummy… silky smooth!

Only 15 kilometers south of Heraklion, in the small Kerasia village houses the delightful Efrosini Winery. Since 1999, Efrosini Winery has been cultivating both local and international wine varieties.

🍷 One of its specialties is the Natural Sweet Wine Aureo. A wine that comes from grapes that remain in oak barrels for 12 months after 10 days of sun drying. If you haven’t heard of Liasta Wine, it is time to taste it and learn about sweet Greek wines. 

Only one kilometer north of the ancient site of Gortyna (check it here), Domaine Zacharioudakis is a traditional winery just outside the village of Plouti. Upon your visit here, you cannot but admire the magnificent views over the Valley of Messara, the Libyan Sea, and the Asterousia mountains. The Cretan landscape at its best… and if you pair it with some thrilling wine tasting, you’ll be having the perfect Heraklion experience! Domaine Zacharioudakis is the ideal stopover on your way south.

🍷 Taste the delicious semi-dry rose wine with the label Victoria, with aromas of wild strawberries, peaches, and citrus flowers.

One of the largest wineries on the island, Alexakis Estate produces wines, many of which have obtained global recognition and brought awards to Greece. It only takes 15 minutes to get from the center of Heraklion to the winery. 

The only thing to worry about is that you won’t know which wine to taste first.

🍷 If you can’t decide fast enough, remember to try the dry white wine of Mare di Candia, with distinct lemon hints. Or choose Artis, a label featuring a blend of two indigenous grape varieties with aromas of citrus and tropical fruits.

Located in the heart of the Malevizi district, Idaia Winery is a multi-awarded winery with global recognition.

Sweet wine has been the specialty of the region since the Venetian rule. And it goes even further back in time, with Minoan and Roman winepresses still present in the area.

🍷 Hestia Mandilari will steal your heart with its long aftertaste and clean finish. This dry red wine brings aromas of ripe red fruits and vanilla. Your only dilemma will be whether you should buy another suitcase to take some bottles home with you.

Heraklion wineries never cease to surprise you. This time, Silva Daskalaki Winery is a small family business that specializes in organic and biodynamic wines. Situated in the picturesque village of Siva, it is an ideal stop if you are heading to Matala. Apart from the wines, you will love the vibe of this rural area with its many plantations and olive groves.

The moment you step foot into Silva Daskalaki Winery, you will experience Cretan hospitality at its best. With more than 100-year history, the winery is now run by a woman who has added to its success.

🍷 You must try Vorinos White with its citrus and grapefruit aromas. It is one of the best Vidiano wines on the market… I mean, seriously, this wine is superb!

The Lyrarakis Estate is one of the most prominent wineries in Crete. Sitting at an altitude of 550 meters, Lyrarakis Winery specializes in local near-extinct wine varieties. And the surroundings are as good as their wine. You will love the views over the mountains and the nearby villages. You can read about my visit to this winery here.

Make sure to try more than a few varieties, and ask the sommelier to advise on the order you taste them.

🍷 If you are a fan of white wine, Dafni Psarades, Plyto Psarades, and Melissaki Gerodeti are all dry white wine labels that you have to try.

If you are looking for a different Heraklion wine-tasting experience, Douloufakis Winery is your best choice. By the moment you reach the winery in the village of Dafnes, you cannot help but notice the viticulturist character of the region.

And then, it is time to take a private tour and dive deeper into the history and winemaking process at Douloufakis Estate.

🍷 For a change of taste, remember to try the unique Douloufakis Sparkling Wine. Apples, apricots, and honey give this white wine a delicate aroma with a long aftertaste.

Just 20 minutes from Heraklion, The Miliaraki Vineyard House lies at the peak of a small hill in the ancient village of Saba, which has a history that goes back more than 2400 years. Now, Miliaraki Estates welcomes nature and history lovers to a journey through Cretan wine history while tasting local varieties.

🍷 Their smoked white wine Vilana Fume is one of the most prestigious and unique Heraklion wines. It has apricot and peach fragrances that come in perfect harmony with the various nut and vanilla notes. After you taste it, you might want to take some home. And who wouldn’t?

Paraskeva is one more Heraklion winery that has risen as a prominent player in the Cretan wine industry. Situated in Sarchos village, Malevizi, it is only 30 kilometers from the center of Heraklion.

Whether you want to taste signature products or seek to find a venue for an upcoming event, Paraskeva Winery is the place to go.

🍷Above all, taste their rose dry wine 4 Roses. A blend of four varieties, this unique wine has much to do with the scents of strawberry, rose, and red fruit.

The epitome of a modern and top technological winery, Michalakis Estate is a precious gem of Cretan winery. Situated in the heart of Crete and yet only 32 kilometers from Heraklion, this contemporary winery carries a history of more than 60 years. The success of this family business lies in the high-quality wines it has always produced.

🍷 Among the many choices, Moschato Spinas is a sparkling dry white wine by Michalakis Estate. Pear, red apple, and fine bubbles combine to create an elegant balance between minerality and acidity.

On the outskirts of the Kounavi village, another surprise awaits. Titakis Wines has a kind of unique twisted philosophy and a creative approach to winemaking. As you taste their many varieties, you will have a panoramic view of the surrounding hills with vineyards and olives. At the same time, you will browse old vintage equipment exhibits and learn the history of winemaking in Crete.

🍷 The unique white Impetus, a remarkable wine with hints of citrus and grapefruit.

💡You will get to know the success of this family business, now run by a very smart woman who is doing a fantastic job promoting excellence within Cretan wines.

Built outside the village of Skalani, Boutari Estate is one of the most recognized wineries around the country. Boutari Winery has been in the wine market since the 1990s but only opened the first estate in Crete in 2004. You can notice that the moment you enter the vineyard. The novelty and vibe of the place are outstanding. And you can even spend the night at the romantic Scalani Hills Boutari Winery & Residences, an experience you should not miss for anything in the world!

🍷 The sweet red Iouliatiko has a deep red color and rich aroma of cocoa and coffee that will impress even the hardcore fans of white wine.