The Wine as a core element of the first European civilization, the Minoan Civilization. History of wine in Crete and its bonds with the island have deeper roots, dating even further back than the Homeric epics.

The vine has known around 4000 years of systematic cultivation in Crete! No wonder that the oldest wine-press (3500 years old) was found in the region of Vathipetro.

Vine-growing and winemaking continued unabated throughout the ages. The Law Code of Gortyn, the oldest legal text in Europe, includes the first set of rules on vine-growing.

Crete hosts one of the largest vineyards in Greece, in terms of both size and production. The Cretan vineyard has the longest history and continuous presence in Europe, if not in the whole world.

Archaeological findings and historical sources have proven that the Cretan vineyard has never ceased to produce wine from the Minoan times to the present day.

The Cretan Wineries are landmarks for the developments of Cretan wine-making. In numerous estates, all over the island of Crete, you will have the opportunity to taste prestigious wines in the best wineries in selected territories and to discover the nature and the wonderful surrounding areas.

Our wine tours are designed to be a relax and educational experience. This is a great way to be introduced to the Cretan wines and an original way to tour the Crete’s countryside.