In northern Crete lies the monumental capital city, Heraklion. The largest city of the island, bustling since the third millennia BC, was a famous trading port in the Minoan Era. The grounds hold the rich history of the past, and the bright future for the present. Leading in wine production in Crete, Heraklion is home to 80% of Crete’s wineries. Staying true to its history, archaeologists have discovered the oldest wine press in the world excavated in Vathypetro, a small village in the Peza appellation of Heraklion. It is estimated to have been used in 1500 BC when the Minoan civilization was flourishing.

Heraklion, in comparison to Rethymno and Chania, has a drier climate and the vineyards are locatedon high elevation sites, mainly starting from an altitude of 300, and above. Most of the vineyards and wineries are situated in the Northern part of the prefecture. Here, the refreshing Aegean sea breeze and cool nightly temperatures create more complex flavours and aromas.