If you are staying in a holiday villa in Crete, you may want to see how wine is produced in the country. Cretan wine is excellent, so while you are enjoying your Crete villa holiday, you should make the time to visit a wine press. Bnbstay offers Crete villas with pools in the Heraklion area, and from here, you can visit the Archanes wine region. It is 15 km (9.3 miles) south of the capital of Crete, Heraklion, located at the foot of Mount Giouchtas, which is 811 metres (2669 feet) high.
Archanes is a leading Cretan wine region primarily known and highly regarded for its PDO (Protected Designation of Origin) Archanes aromatic pale red wines made from Kotsifali and Mandilaria grapes. The Archanes region is just one of a couple of appellations that use the Kotsifali grape. The other is neighbouring, Peza. The Kotsifali grape has very little colour or body, so it needs to have 25% of Mandilaria grapes added. The latter adds tannins and structure to the wine.
Of course, Archanes isn't the only place in Crete that produces wine. If you are staying in either the Chania or Rethymno area, you will find that there are wineries to visit there as well. Read our Chania vs Rethymno guide for more information.
The History of the Archanes Wine Region, Crete
The history of the Archanes region dates back 4000 years to the Minoan civilisation. Archaeological excavations have revealed ancient sites, including the remains of a grand palace in Archanes. The town's museum showcases many artefacts from the sites. Now it is a town of colourful houses, beautiful flowers, and well-preserved architecture. It has won awards for the second-best restored village in Europe and the first place in long-term development projects.
The town of Archanes has a long history of wine and olive oil production and is surrounded by vineyards and olive groves. You can visit wineries and olive oil production facilities to learn how wine and olive oil were produced in ancient times and how they are made today.
Wineries and Olive Presses to Visit in the Archanes Region
Stilianou Winery
The Stilianou Winery in Archanes has been family-run since 1922. It produces natural and organic wines and is certified by Bio Hellas. It also produces organic extra virgin olive oil.
The winery's traditional blend red wine is made from Kotsifali and Mandilaria grapes and aged in French oak barrels. The bio natural red is made from Mandilaria grapes without maceration, but with a soft press, and aged in stainless steel tanks.
Stilianou Winery in Archanes also produces a medium dry rose with notes of pomegranate, red fruits, and delicate flowers. Their white wine is made from Vidiano, Vilana, and Thrapsathiri grapes and has a nice acidity, with stone fruit and floral notes. The rose and white wines pair well with light starters and cheese, while the reds pair with meat dishes. Stilianou Winery offers both wine and olive oil tastings.
Book online and expect to be at the winery for 1 - 2 hours. Wine tastings cost between 10 and 18 euros. In addition, you can order a cheese platter to go with your tasting at 18 euros for 2 or local pies for 13 euros. An olive oil tasting costs 4 euros each.
Boutari Winery
Boutari Winery in Crete is a premier establishment situated on a 7-hectare estate in Skalani near Archanes. As well as offering wine tastings and tours of the production area and cellars, you can book Cretan cooking classes.
Boutari is a major Greek wine producer, established in 1879, and grows red varieties such as Kotsifili, Mantilaria, and Syrah, plus whites including Malvasia, Chardonnay, Aromatica, and Moschato Spinas. The Boutari estate is known as "Fantaxomatocho", which means 'haunted domain', so called to protect it from pirates.
Boutari produces Staircase red wine which matures for 12 months in oak barrels. The white Fantaxo Shareholder matures for 3 months in oak barrels, while the Liatiko sweet wine ripens for 3 years in oak barrels.
Phone for an appointment. A standard tasting is 30 euros with a vineyard and cellars tour. This lasts for around one and a half hours. You can also combine a tasting with Cretan dishes for 72 - 90 euros and a private tour for 130 - 150 euros.
Lyrarakis Winery
Lyrarakis Winery, in the Archanes wine region, was established in 1966 by two brothers, and it is still family-run. It has revived rare Cretan grape varieties and features over 10 indigenous varieties, saving three from extinction. In 2020, it started producing organic wines, including Dafni, Plyto, and Melissaki.
Lyrarakis offers wine tastings and tours. Tastings include a tour of the vineyards, cellar, and vine museum. It costs between 22 and 30 euros and you can book online. Prepare to be there for an hour and a half, longer if you have a meal with your wine. There is a good menu with dishes ranging from 4 - 22 euros.
Douloufakis Winery
Douloufakis Winery focuses on organic certification and blends traditional Cretan methods with modern winemaking. To make their wines, they use Cretan grape varieties such as Vidlano, Liatika, Vilana, and Malvasia, as well as international grapes like Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Syrah, and Sangiovese. Key wine labels include Dafnios, Aspros Lagos, Enotria, and Femina.
Booking is online and tastings last between 1 and ½ - 2 hours. Some tastings include a tour of the vineyards or of the winery. There are also olive oil tastings which cost 20 euros for a half an hour tour.
Why is the Archanes Wine Region Suitable for Viticulture?
The area has a Mediterranean climate with long, hot summers and short, but often wet winters. The hills surrounding the Archanes region on the south and west sides act as protection from the North African winds. The vineyards face the north and east and have cooler winds coming from the Aegean. These winds temper the hot sunshine in the summer and allow the grapes to develop acidity and flavour slowly.
The soils of the Archanes region are made of clay and limestone, and they retain water, so they store precipitation from the winter rains. This means that the vines remain hydrated throughout the summer, rarely needing extra irrigation.
Key Highlights and Experiences in the Archanes Wine Region
While you are enjoying your Crete villa holiday in the Heraklion region, there are other things to enjoy, as well as wine tasting and exploring the town of Archanes.
The Vathipetro temple and wine press are worth visiting, as it is the oldest wine press in the country. It dates to 1580 B.C. and can be found just outside the town of Archanes.
Hike the Mountain Giouchtas
There are breathtaking views from the summit over the Archanes vineyards.
The Archanes wine region is not only famous for wine, but also for olive oil, so make sure that you visit an olive oil factory to see how it is produced and to taste this liquid gold. You will find that the majority of olive oil produced is extra virgin. The Cretans use it to cook everything, on salads, and simply to dip bread in. Purchase some to take back to your holiday villa in Crete to use on your dishes, whether you are cooking or you have a private chef.
Head to the centre of Archanes town to taste the delicious traditional dishes in the tavernas in the main square. Try rabbit stifado, moussaka, spinach and cheese pies, and a multitude of dishes cooked using local olive oil and herbs, served with local wine from the Archanes wine region.
Minoan Sites
Close to Archanes, you will find Minoan ruins such as at the archaeological site of Anemospilia. On the edge of the village is Phourni, a Minoan cemetery.
Where to Stay
Bnbstay has several Crete villas with a pool to rent in the Heraklion area, so you won't be too far from the Archanes wine region. The villas have all the modern amenities you could wish for, such as a fully equipped kitchen, an infinity pool, modern technology, and laundry facilities. You will also have the privacy and freedom you don't get at a hotel. Learn more about villa holidays in Crete and what the island has to offer.
FAQ
Is it easy to get to the Archanes Wine Region?
Yes. It takes about half an hour to drive from Heraklion. If you don't have a car, a bus runs every hour from 8.15 a.m. to the town. Buses are reliable in Crete and cheap.
When is the best time to visit a vineyard in Crete?
The best time to visit is late summer during the harvest. You will then be able to see the wine being produced. Read our best time to visit Crete guide for more seasonal tips.
Do you need a reservation for a wine tasting?
Usually, you do. It is always best to check on the winery's website. Generally, you can book online.
How long does it take to get to the Archanes Wine region from Chania?
It is approximately a two-hour drive from Chania to Archanes.
Plan your Archanes wine holiday with us. There are top wineries to visit in the region and our Heraklion villas are only around 15 minutes drive away. The villas have private pools for optimum relaxation, as well as fully equipped kitchens. You even have the option of having a private chef to cook traditional Cretan dishes. Browse our villas and check their availability for the time you would like to visit.
