Wine is an integral part of Cretan food culture and Cretan hospitality.
The most famous white wine varieties are Vilana, Vidiano, Laurel, Thrapsathiri, Malvazia, Muscat, and Plito. The range of red wines includes Kotsifali, Liatiko and Mandili.
Famous in Crete are the "Rakokazana", community based distilleries where families and the local community gather to celebrate the last process of the grape harvesting season, the distilling of Tsikoudia. In recent years, several Municipalities have started organizing these evenings for both the residents and visitors of Crete.
The most famous white wine varieties are Vilana, Vidiano, Laurel, Thrapsathiri, Malvazia, Muscat, and Plito. The range of red wines includes Kotsifali, Liatiko and Mandili.
Famous in Crete are the "Rakokazana", community based distilleries where families and the local community gather to celebrate the last process of the grape harvesting season, the distilling of Tsikoudia. In recent years, several Municipalities have started organizing these evenings for both the residents and visitors of Crete.
Tsikoudia: The favourite drink of the Cretans, Tsikoudia or raki, a product of Geographical Indication (PGI), appears in all aspects of the social life of the Cretans and has been associated with the hospitality and kindness of the Cretan people. Our personal favourite is strawberry flavoured Tsikoudia. During the warm months, Tsikoudia is served cool, while during the winter it is served warm and mixed with pure honey. This is what the Cretans call ‘Rakomelo’.
Wine Related products
Cookies, syrup and cream
- In addition to wine, it is worth trying "moustokouloura" - grape must cookies, ie soft cookies made using the ‘must’ of the wine making process. Traditionally, they are produced from the end of August to the beginning of December.
- "Petimezi" is a thick syrup made from the must of the grapes. It has an intense colour and the particularly aromatic taste of grapes. It is usually used in traditional pies instead of honey.
- Finally, "moustalevria", a must cream is also produced from the residue of the wine making process. It has a jelly texture in its thickest form and an intense sweet taste of grapes.
Wineries
For lovers of good wine and more!
Make an excursion with a difference and visit a local winery where you can taste the produce. Take a closer look at the art of wine making and sample the local varieties.
Some of the wineries to visit are:
Make an excursion with a difference and visit a local winery where you can taste the produce. Take a closer look at the art of wine making and sample the local varieties.
Some of the wineries to visit are:
- Manousakis Winery
- Dourakis Winery
- Karavitakis Winery
- Anoskeli Winery Olive Mill
- Pneumatikakis Winery
- Monastery of Agia Triada Tzagarolon
Read more
Wine and raki
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Dairy products
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Wild greens, endemic herbs
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Fish or meat
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Olives, olive oil and bread
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Honey, fruit
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