6 great wineries to visit near Chania
While Heraklion province accounts for most of the wine production in Crete, in the west a handful of stunning wineries produce some of the best wines on the island.
Anoskeli
Set amongst its own olive groves, vineyards and orchards, Anoskeli produces blended reds, whites and rose’s of local varieties Vidiano, Vilana and Asirtiko as well as classic French varieties of Syrah, Grenanch and Cabernet Sauvignon. Between March and October opening times for tours and tastings (7 euro per adult) are 10am to 6pm daily except Sundays. In winter visits are by appointment. https://anoskeli.gr/ Tel. 28240 83126
Dourakis
Dourakis, on the road that climbs out of Vrysses into the White Mountains, is a gem of a winery, specialising in the cultivation of white native Cretan grape varieties such as Vidiano, Vilana and Malvasia which thrive in the vineyards’ altitude of 450 meters above sea level. Comprising a museum and art gallery between November and April tastings are by appointment. https://dourakiswinery.gr/book-a-tour/ Tel. 28250 51761
Karavitakis
This boutique winery in the village of Pontikiana (a 30 minute drive from Chania) comprises 150 acres of vineyards with carefully selected terroirs including local and international grape varietals. The winery features modern equipment, tasting areas and a small church is nestled between vineyards and olive groves in the hills of the Kolimbari area. Visitors can pre-book a tour https://www.karavitakiswines.com/ or arrive without an appointment. https://www.karavitakiswines.com/ Tel. 28240 23381
Manousakis
Manousakis winery has been producing its own organic wine under the brand name Nostos since 1997. The winery is just a 15-minute drive from the city of Chania, in the village of Vatolakkos – a perfect backdrop to sample their award-winning and internationally acclaimed dry reds, whites and rose’s. Tastings should be pre-booked. https://www.manousakiswinery.com/ Tel.28210 78787. Open Monday to Saturday 11am -7pm.
Mavres
At the Mavres winery at Kerameia (4km south of Souda) in the foothills of the White Mountains, winemaker Sifis Mavredakis cultivates 25 acres of native and international grape varieties. Specialising in the Romeiko grape (the most common native variety grown in western Crete) Mavres is open daily from March to October. Outside these months it’s best to make an appointment on 6972475758. https://mavreswinery.gr/
Pnevmatikakis
Pnevmatikakis is located in the province of Kisamos – an area with a rich tradition of viniculture. The winery focuses on local varieties – Romeiko, Kotsifali, Mantilari and Liatiko for their reds, and white varieties such as Vilana and Vidiano. Cabernet, Syrah and Merlot are also grown. Between November and April the winery is open 8am to 5pm daily except Sunday. Visits, the guided tour and wine tasting are free. Tel. 28220 31740 http://cretanwinery.com/
