Heraklion Wine Region Guide

Heraklion is the capital of Crete and produces some of the most notable wines in Greece. The wine region is regarded as a top wine region in Greece, producing great wines that must be sampled. The region is home to almost two-thirds of Crete's vineyards. The Heraklion wine area accounts for 80% of overall wine production in Crete. To discover this unique region, the territory is divided into four different PDOs and two major wine routes. The Minoan Megaron, one of the world's oldest wine presses, is located in the deserted village of Vathypetro near Peza. In the Heraklion wine region, you are never too far away from a local winery. 

Check out the best wine tastings and tours in Heraklion!

Where is the Heraklion wine region?

Heraklion is the largest city on the island of Crete, located in southeast Greece. The Aegean Sea surrounds the wine area from the north and south. Lassithi is located to the east, and Rethymnon is located to the west. To make it easier for visitors, the wineries are coordinated, and there are road signs along the wine route. The majority of the wineries are concentrated near Archanes, Peza, and Dafnoneno. Wine tourism is thriving in the Heraklion wine region, allowing visitors to interact with local wineries and get to know the region better. Some prominent sights along the wine routes are the Minoan Palace of Knossos, the Nikos Kazantzakis Museum at Myrtia, the Monastery of Agarathos, and Saint George Epanosifi.

History of the Heraklion wine region

Heraklion, the monumental city, was founded in the third millennium BC. During the Minoan period, the town was a well-known trading port. The history of Heraklion wines extends back more than 4000 years to the Minoan period when the region was perfect for viticulture. Even in wine storage and vessels, the sacred bull symbol is commonly used. The Minoan Megaron, located in the town of Peza, is an antique wine press dating back to 1500BC. The wines were sold to other regions of the Mediterranean, according to Egyptian murals depicting the movement of ships on the island.

The terroir and geography of the Heraklion wine region

The region experiences moderate winters and long, dry summers with lots of sunshine. The climate is less humid than that of Rethymno and Chania. The Heraklion wine region has a Mediterranean climate and is heavily influenced by it due to its proximity to the sea. The terrains of Heraklion include a mix of hills and valleys that are connected with the city's culture and tradition. A cool breeze from the Aegean Sea blows through the region at night, generating temperature changes and allowing grapes to develop a variety of aromas and perfumes. In recent days, the Heraklion wine region has attracted a large number of visitors, establishing the region as an emerging wine destination.

Popular grape varieties from the Heraklion wine region

Liatiko, Dafni, Muscat of Spina, Malvasia di Candia, Pluto, Romeiko, Vilana, Vidiano, Thrapsathiri, Athiri, Kotsifali, and Mandilaria are the most common grape types in the Heraklion wine area. Cabernet Sauvignon is another foreign grape variety grown in Heraklion. White wines are often dry, with rich scents of sweet apple and apricot, as well as a fruity aftertaste, and are ideally served as a summer wine.

Food to pair with Heraklion wine 

Lemon Chicken

Lemon Chicken is a well-known dish around the world. As the name implies, the major ingredients are lemon and chicken. Lemon chicken, also known as Ling moong gai in Chinese, is a traditional chicken dish. Typical components include chicken, soy sauce, lemon juice and zest, sesame oil, ginger, cornflour, scallions, and sugar. Cook the chicken on both sides in a wok before mixing it with the ginger and lemon juice. Reduce the heat to low once the liquid begins to boil and continue to cook until the chicken is cooked. This Asian dish complements the Heraklion wines well.

Chicken Tajine

As the name implies, the main ingredient in this traditional Moroccan cuisine is chicken, preferably bone-in chicken pieces such as legs, thighs, or drumsticks. Like most tajine meals, this chicken delicacy is prepared in a characteristic conical cooking kettle.

The chicken is carefully piled with vegetables like onions, carrots, tomatoes, or potatoes, and the dish is generally seasoned with cumin, saffron, parsley, or coriander. Popular garnishes include preserved lemons, olives, almonds, and apricots. Chicken tajine is usually served with bread on the side.

Gambas en Gabardina

Gambas en gabardina is a popular traditional Spanish tapa from the late 1950s. To begin, fresh shrimp are covered in a batter of flour, baking powder, beer, and salt, with a splash of saffron added for color. Then it's deep fried in hot olive oil. The dish is simple and is commonly served as a tapa or as an appetizer, preferably with alioli sauce. Alioli Sauce is a thick garlic sauce with a mayonnaise-like texture that is popular in Provençal and Catalan cuisines. This dish complements the Steigerwald wines.

Places to visit in the Heraklion wine region

Rocca a Mare (Castello a Mare)

Rocca a Mare, also known as Castello a Mare, is a historic fortress near the entrance to Heraklion's contemporary harbor. The Republic of Venice constructed the fortification in the early 16th century. The fortification has been carefully conserved to this day, with extensive renovations completed at the end of 2010. During the mid-17th century, the stronghold was armed with 18 cannons on the ground floor and 25 cannons on the roof. In 1669, the Ottomans conquered the fortress, and the Venetians abandoned the entire city. The stronghold is available to the public and periodically holds cultural events.

Heraklion Archaeological Museum

The Heraklion Archaeological Museum, one of Europe's largest and most important museums, is located in Heraklion, Crete. The museum, which was built in 1937 by architect Patroklos Karantinos, is the greatest of all museums in Greece. The museum is well-known for its Minoan art, as it houses the majority of the notable collections of Minoan artifacts. You can explore prehistory and history spanning over 5500 years, from the Neolithic to the Roman eras. The museum features genuine Minoan masterpieces. The museum assists in the acquisition, conservation, recording, study, publication, presentation, and promotion of Cretan artifacts. If you're in the area, you should stop by this unique museum.

Frequently asked questions about Heraklion