Nikos Douloufakis and his family are proud third-generation winemakers taking care of their vineyards located in the heart of Dafnes, a village just south of the city of Heraklion on the island of Crete, Greece.

Douloufakis is following in the footsteps of his father and grandfather by taking charge of the family business, but he’s adding a modern twist to the ancient practice: By using cutting-edge equipment and employing the latest vineyard management techniques, he’s able to produce wines of a higher quality than in the past.

The Douloufakis family vineyard is rooted on a plateau 350 meters above sea level. Warm winds from North Africa mix with moisture from the neighbouring Aegean Sea, creating the Mediterranean climate that protects and nourishes the grapes. This area has been hospitable to viticulture since Antiquity; traces of vineyards dating back to the Venetian conquest of the thirteenth century can be found in the area.

They have planted several varieties such as: Vilana, Vidiano, Muscat White (of Spina), Malvasia, Mandilari,Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Liatiko, Kotsifali, Cabernet Sauvignon, Sangiovese and Syrah. Apart from  privately owned vineyards, grapes are sourced from farmers who cultivate their own vineyards in the same area, that they work with.

Wine tastings of Douloufakis wines in Crete

The winery is open to visitors all year round (after appointment). The visitors’ wine experience starts even before arriving at the winery, as the route and the  surrounded landscape is filled with images that emphasise the viticultural character of the region.

In the tasting room you can taste their wines, learn their features and talk about the varieties of grapes and the Cretan vineyard.

Please contact earlier  to inform them  about your visit for cretan wine tasting at 00302810792017. There is a tasting fee of 5€ per person.

Opening hours: Monday-Friday, 10:00-15:30, after appointment.