Things to do in Heraklion Prefecture, Crete: The Best Wineries & Vineyards

The Lyrarakis Estate is a family winery which has been producing high quality wines since 1966 with a strong focus on rare local varieties and producing single variety wines. Surrounded by the idyllic setting of the vineyards and the Lassithi mountains we offer you the opportunity to enjoy nature and discover local varieties abd wines distinguished by the uniqueness of their origin and heritage.

Boutique family winery. Organic wines and olive oil. Tour and tasting. Very very nice view. Visiting times. April-October 11.00-19.00 every day

The winery is open to visitors all year round (after appointment). The visitors' wine experience starts even before arriving at the winery, as the route and the surrounded landscape is filled with images that emphasize the viticulturist character of the region. The tour starts from the production areas of the winery, continues at the cellar and ends at the tasting room where the guest then has the opportunity to taste our wines. Please contact earlier to inform us about your visit for wine tasting (via booking form/phone/email). There is a tasting fee of 8-12€ per person. Opening hours: Monday-Friday, 10:00-15:30, after appointment.

1st of November to 1st of April all tastings are by appointment only. The Domaine Paterianakis is located in a semi-mountainous area of an approximate altitude 650 m, near to the "Melesses" village of the Municipality of Nikos Kazantzakis of Heraklion Prefecture on Crete Island. The wider region of "Peza", where the Domaine belongs, is reputed since ancient times for the excellent quality and the exceptional taste of the wines that were produced there. The vineyards of the Domaine belong to a biologically sensitive area appellation of origin Peza of high quality. Domaine Paterianakis is a pioneer in wine production from organic farming grapes on Crete.

This is a relatively small, new organic winery located on a beautiful hilltop overlooking Houdetsi and the surrounding countryside. The winemaker, a husband and wife, were both trained in Bordeaux. The wines are varied (white, rose and red) and as interesting as one can find in this region.

DIAMANTAKIS winery was founded in 2007 by the family members of Nicholaos G. Diamantakis: Ioannis, Michalis and Zacharias. The first two ones are third-generation vine-growers who have extensive experience in viticulture and are in charge of the winery’s vineyards; whereas Zacharias, having studied oenology, is involved in the process of winemaking and promoting the wine. Winery is a new, modern producer of quality wines in Crete. It is located southwest of the city of Heraklion in the heart of the province Malevizi, outside the village of Kato Asites and the historic Monastery of St. George Gorgolaini, in the eastern foothills of Psiloritis at an altitude of 450 meters, a region with a long history in vine cultivation and the production of wines and spirits.

The tradition of winemaking in the Gavalas family dates back to 1906, when the first vineyards were planted in the village Vorias. As the years went by, the vineyards were gradually growing and in 2001, Nikos Gavalas, added all the vineyards as part of the organic cultivation system. He did so because he strongly believed that organic farming practices help to preserve the environment, prevent soil fertility and pest problems and mainly because organic products are more beneficial to people. In 2004 a modern winery was set up, where every stage of the vinification process from the production to the bottling is done. Today the main goal of Gavalas winery is to maintain the quality of its organic farming wines and also to invest more and more on indigenous varieties, in order to give prominence to the unique Cretan terroir.

Idaia winery is located in the heart of the malevizi district. The passion for quality is what drives the oenologists Laderos Vasilis and Volitaki Kalliopi to make great wine. The winery has earned significant prizes in international competitions such as Berlin wine trophy amd Decanter wine awards.