Lyrarakis Winery

Welcome to Lyrarakis Winery, a pioneering institution in the world of Cretan viticulture. Located on the Alagni plateau, approximately 500 meters above sea level in the heart of the Heraklion region, this winery has become a…

Our exploration begins in the vineyards that surround the winery. The Alagni plateau is a unique terroir, where the high altitude provides a natural acidity to the grapes, balancing the intense Cretan sun. …

One of the most remarkable stories at Lyrarakis is the revival of the Melisaki grape. For decades, this variety was thought to be lost to history, surviving only in scattered, forgotten vines in old vineyards across the island. …

Before the success of Melisaki, Lyrarakis made waves in the wine world with the revival of Dafni and Plyto in the early 1990s. Dafni, named after the laurel (bay) tree, is perhaps the most distinctive Cretan white variety. …

Leaving the bright Cretan sun behind, we descend into the winery's aging cellar. The temperature here is naturally cool and constant, providing the perfect environment for the slow maturation of the wines. …

The culmination of any visit to Lyrarakis is the tasting experience. Set in a beautiful area overlooking the vineyards and the Lasithi mountains, the tasting room is designed to engage all the senses. …

As we walk back toward the entrance, we reflect on the legacy of Manolis Lyrarakis, the visionary who, along with his brother, laid the foundation for this extraordinary winery. Manolis was more than a businessman; he was a…

Our visit to Lyrarakis Winery has come to an end, but the flavors and stories of the Alagni plateau will surely linger. We have walked through the vineyards that sustain these ancient and rare varieties, explored the cool cellars…