Heraklion: Half-Day Small Group Wine Tour with Wine Tastings & Traditional Lunch

Peza Valley Wine Tour Showcases Crete’s Indigenous Grapes and Culinary Traditions

A half-day wine experience in Crete’s Peza Valley is offering visitors an intimate look into the island’s winemaking heritage, combining vineyard exploration with curated tastings and traditional cuisine. Departing from Heraklion, the tour highlights family-run estates and centuries-old agricultural practices that continue to define the region’s identity.

The first stop at Lyrarakis Winery introduces guests to one of Crete’s most respected producers of indigenous grape varieties. Visitors explore vineyards and cellars while learning about rare cultivars such as Plyto, Dafni, and Melissaki, followed by a guided tasting of five wines paired with local Cretan delicacies that reflect the region’s culinary character.

The journey continues to Titakis Winery, where traditional production techniques are presented alongside modern winemaking practices. Guests tour the facilities and underground cellars before sampling an additional selection of five wines crafted from native grapes, offering a comparative experience of style, aroma, and regional expression.

The tour concludes in the village of Archanes with a traditional Cretan lunch featuring seasonal dishes such as lamb with artichokes, stuffed vine leaves, handmade pies, and local desserts served alongside wine and raki. With its small-group format and emphasis on authenticity, the experience provides a well-rounded introduction to Crete’s rich wine culture and hospitality.