Crete Wine Trip 2019

Crete: A Journey Through Wine, Culture, and Hidden Gems

April is one of the best times to visit Crete, Greece. The weather is warm and inviting, the island is bursting with spring colors, and yet it’s just before the official start of the tourist season—meaning fewer crowds and a more authentic experience. Our recent trip was centered around exploring the wine culture of Crete, starting right from the moment we landed at Chania Airport.

Accompanied by our dear friend and sommelier, Yro Koliakoudaki, we set out to discover the rich winemaking traditions of the island. Crete is home to some of Greece’s most unique indigenous grape varieties, alongside beautifully crafted international wines, making it a true paradise for wine lovers.

Our first stop was the Monastery of Agia Triada, a serene and historic site that also produces wine. Here, we had the privilege of meeting Nico Manessis, a distinguished wine journalist and passionate advocate of Cretan landscapes and wines. His stories already set the tone for the unforgettable journey ahead.

The day continued with visits to three remarkable wineries:

• Dourakis Estate – Known for blending tradition with innovation from organically grown grapes.
• Karavitakis Winery – A family-owned estate with a strong focus on native varieties like Vidiano and international grapes.
• Manousakis Winery – Nestled in the foothills of the White Mountains, famous for its organic wines and hospitality.

Each winery showcased a unique philosophy, but all shared a common love for Cretan terroir and winemaking excellence.

The next morning, we set off from Chania towards Rethymno. Our first stop was the newly established Kourkoulou Winery, where we experienced something truly extraordinary—a wine breakfast. At first, the idea of pairing breakfast with wine seemed unusual, but the rich buffet featuring local cheeses, honey, breads, and fresh product paired perfectly with their wines. It was a delightful celebration of Cretan flavors.

Our cultural journey continued at an artisanal pottery workshop, where we explored traditional craftsmanship and ended with a special wine tasting. The setting was unforgettable—a folkloric Cretan house filled with heritage, traditional décor, and even an extensive library above the clay workshop.

But the most magical experience came later, high in the mountains of Rethymno, at a charming Venetian manor house. Passing through the wooden door, we entered a lush garden reminiscent of a miniature Alhambra. We were welcomed by Dimitris Katakouzinos, co-founder of the Axis rock band, backing band for Demis Roussos from the legendary band Aphrodite’s Child, and his elegant spouse Nelly Vavassi.

What followed was an enchanting private performance – Nelly sang jazz classics, including the challenging “All That Jazz” with incredible passion and skill. Holding a glass of white wine in that intimate setting, we felt pure ecstasy.

After the music, we gathered around a large wooden table for a traditional Cretan lunch paired with wines. Stories flowed as easily as the wine, with tales of Demis Roussos’ early years and extraordinary banquets. To end the visit, Dimitris poured us his own Syrah, which was nothing short of excellent. Reluctantly, we departed for Heraklion, carrying the memory of this once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Our final day took us deeper into Crete’s wine country, visiting three more exceptional wineries:

• Diamantakis Wines – High in the mountains, where altitude brings freshness and character to their wines.
• Lyrarakis Winery – Pioneers in reviving forgotten indigenous grape varieties such as Plyto and Dafni, a must-visit for wine explorers.
• Domaine Paterianakis – One of Crete’s leading organic wineries, with a strong commitment to sustainable viticulture.

Each winery had its own story, vision, and style, but what united them all was their warm Cretan hospitality.

After three days of wine, culture, and unforgettable encounters, we left Crete with one thought in mind: we must return. The island is full of hidden winery gems, artisanal traditions, and authentic experiences waiting to be discovered.