Excursion Wines of crete tour at Heraklion

On Crete there are few families who are not involved in wine making. For the inhabitants of the island wine has been, and will remain, the most valuable among the products that the Cretan soil offers. Discover Crete's over 4000 years long history on wine production in Europe and visit two local family wineries, Lyrarakis Estate and Domaine Paterianakis, on this half-day wine tasting excursion.

Lyrarakis Estate, Guided Tour, Wine Tasting

Depart the pier for approximately 40-minute drive to the Lyrarakis Estate, 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. The guided tour starts with a walk in the vineyards where the rescued varieties Plyto and Dafni are planted and the winery's open-air vine museum. During the outdoor visit you will have the chance to learn about the indigenous varieties of Crete, observe their differences up close and get informed about the history of Lyrarakis winery. The tour then continues indoors, in the winery's cellar where wine ages in oak barrels, with more information given regarding the vinification methods and practices. Afterwards, dive even further into Cretan wine by exploring the Cretan wealth of aromas and flavors in a wineglass, by enjoying a guided tasting of four different wines made with some of the fore-mentioned varieties.

Domaine Paterianakis, Guided Tour, Wine Tasting & Snacks

Continue to Domaine Paterianakis where you will experience a 100% organic wine with strong personality. Paterianakis is a third-generation family company, the first in the island of Crete who introduce the organic grape cultivation and one of the few wineries in Greece with a vertical organization of its production process. They cultivate six unique indigenous and five first class international varieties using the latest organic techniques, and they believe they can inspire through a series of products with strong personality. The guiding tour at the winery and cellar will be combined with a wine tasting of five different wines and light snacks.

The tour concludes with a return drive back to the pier.

Points of interests

Points of interest seen on this excursion may include: Lyrarakis Estate, Domaine Paterianakis, Wine Tasting

Note

Please note: This tour involves a minimal amount of walking and is suitable for guests with limited mobility, but it is not wheelchair accessible. Guests are suggested to wear comfortable clothing, sunglasses, sunhat and sunscreen, and comfortable walking shoes. Guests must be at least 18 years old to participate in tastings of alcoholic beverages. The tour sequence may vary.