Chania wine tasting is definitely one of the top things you should do during your holidays in Crete! Make sure that you will live one of the strongest experiences in life as the island is one of the places that will offer you new thrills to your palate. From the North to the South, from cosmopolitan areas to the most remote ones, Crete is so full of contrasts on all levels. More specific, taste heady, oxidative reds with traditional flavor or more cosmopolitan wines with savvy aftertaste. The variations are inevitably many. In this article, you will find out the best wineries in Crete which most of them are rewarded for their fine wine.
The History of Wine in Crete
To begin with, the island’s life has always included wine as s product linked to locals’ daily life. The people in Crete drink wine in every event of their life while wine festival is part of old tradition. Travelling back to the past, the Minoans imported Egyptian winemaking techniques in the Neolithic period. Important palaces, such as Knossos had its own vineyards. During the 2nd century CE, Crete was known for its sweet wine which was exported to Italy. Along the years and after many wars and dictatorships, Crete recovered and has seen a major revival in the wine industry.
More specific, it has at least 11 indigenous grape varieties, more than 60 wineries and several world class producers. Crete is nowadays the second largest wine producing region in Greece. New varieties, new flavors and aromas are emerging, satisfying all tastes and needs. Modern wine producers in Crete have achieved the elevation of Cretan wine using new techniques but keeping the age-old experience. Joining a wine tour in Chania you will be able to taste the high-quality local labels from carefully selected areas. Besides, Crete’s soil features and climate conditions help grow outstanding grape varieties that stand out.
Picture by: Vindemia Winery
Discover the best wine tasting tours in Chania
The Varieties of Crete Wines
There is wine for everyone! Find your favorite one into a huge selection on wines. To be more specific there are 7 white and 4 red wines on the island. Most people prefer the white wine Vidiano. Local white varieties include also the beloved Vilana, which is one of the island’s top white wine grapes, Dafni, Malvazia di Candia, Muscat of Spina, Thrapsathiri and Plyto. The wines match perfectly with Cretan cuisine, as well as they are ideal to enjoy by themselves.
In addition, red varieties include Kotsifali, Mantilari, Tsardana, Liatiko and the legendary Romeiko. Although the varieties are few, they cover all the tastes. Furthermore, rose wines from Crete are excellent, too. They match perfectly during the hot summer days, because of the freshness and their aromas. However, if you are still feeling that you haven’t found the perfect one, you can try a blend. The wineries of the island will help you taste the authentic flavors of the grapes and also learn about the procedure. Below, you will find the top wineries of Chania that you should definitely visit!
Manousakis Winery
A beautiful estate situated 15 minutes away from Chania, at the hillsides of Vatolakos Village, with a long history and many award-winning organic wines. Manousakis Winery offers modern production facilities in a natural setting surrounded by gardens and groves. Their philosophy is based on the organic farming as they use earth friendly practices for the development of their vineyards. A tour at Manousakis Winery will be a memorable experience during your holidays. Combining your tasting with lunch or dinner at the restaurant among the beautiful trees and the orange groves will make you fall in love with the place. Take the chance to enjoy selected Cretan specialties made by traditional methods and allow yourself to be seduced by the intoxicating aromas.
Pictures by: Manousakis Winery
Dourakis Winery
A stone winery with its own unique identity at the mountainous village of Alicambos, at Sfakia. Dourakis Winery is basically a family business which develops through the years. Visiting it, you will have the chance to admire the gallery exhibition as well as the wine tasting cellar in which wine lovers from all over the world taste the aromatic wines. Undoubtably, the family will make your visit a delightful and an educational experience as they will guide you through the cellars and tell you some of the winemaking secrets. Book a wine tour and enjoy the most popular or even limited-edition wines in the rustic garden. Moreover, learn new culinary skills during a cooking class and discover the traditional Cretan flavors.
Picture by: Dourakis Winery
Karavitakis Winery
Set in the mountainous village of Pontikiana, Karavitakis Winery has an 80-year experience in winemaking. A boutique winery that will offer you the chance to explore the ultimate wine experience in Chania. Take a Chania wine tasting tour into a state of 150 acres of vineyards and enjoy the beautiful winery as well as the small church between the vineyards and olive groves. The professional sommeliers will guide you and offer you some of the finest Cretan flavors. Moreover, you will see a small distillery for raki production, the Cretan authentic spirit in the most traditional way.
Pictures by: Karavitakis Winery
Pnevmatikakis Winery
Pnevmatikakis Winery is located in the fertile area of Kissamos. Focused mostly on local varieties, the winemaking is a family affair with many years of experience. In addition, the winery consists of the latest technology that in combination with the experienced personnel guarantee the creation of high-quality products. During the wine tasting tour, you will be guided at the modern facilities of the winery and the museum as well as you will taste the delicious wines and discover their features.
Picture by: Pnevmatikakis Winery
Conclusion
In conclusion, Crete has a long history in winemaking. The wine is part of our lives and culture of the island. Chania offers an exceptional wine-tasting experience, with a wide variety of local wineries producing high-quality wines. Get to witness the significance of the Cretan terrain, the varieties of wine and the process in winemaking. Moreover, you will indulge in tasting sessions and while enjoying the picturesque surroundings of the vineyards. Additionally, the local wineries offer a unique opportunity to experience the rich cultural heritage of Crete and its long-standing tradition of winemaking. If you need more information about the wine tours in Chania, do not hesitate to contact us. Our company guarantees safe and comfort transfer to your desired destination.
