Wine Tasting at Diamantakis Winery: An Authentic Journey into the Heart of Cretan Wine

If you are looking for an authentic experience beyond Crete’s beautiful beaches, a visit to Diamantakis Winery wine tasting is one of the finest ways to discover the island’s rich wine culture.

Located in the picturesque village of Kato Asites, approximately 30 minutes from Heraklion, Diamantakis Winery combines family tradition, breathtaking scenery and exceptional wines in an unforgettable experience. Surrounded by vineyards, olive groves and the impressive foothills of Mount Psiloritis, the winery offers visitors the opportunity to explore the true character of the Cretan countryside.

A Family Passion for Wine

Diamantakis Winery is a modern, family-owned winery founded by three brothers who grew up among the vineyards of Crete. Inspired by generations of winemakers before them, they created a winery dedicated to producing high-quality wines while preserving the island’s unique indigenous grape varieties.

Respect for nature, sustainable cultivation and careful winemaking are at the heart of everything they do. Their philosophy combines traditional Cretan knowledge with modern technology, resulting in elegant wines that express the distinctive terroir of central Crete.

The Unique Terroir of Crete Diamantakis winery wine tasting

One of the secrets behind Diamantakis wines is the exceptional location of their vineyards.

The vineyards are planted between 240 and 700 metres above sea level, facing north towards the Cretan Sea. The cooling sea breeze, limestone soils and the mountainous landscape create ideal conditions for producing grapes with excellent balance, freshness and aromatic complexity.

These natural conditions allow native Cretan grape varieties to fully express their unique personality while maintaining remarkable elegance and freshness.

Discover Native Cretan Varieties

A wine tasting at Diamantakis Winery is an excellent opportunity to discover grape varieties that many visitors taste for the very first time.

Among the highlights are:

• Vidiano – Often described as the “rising star” of Greek white wines, offering aromas of stone fruits, herbs and citrus.
• Assyrtiko – Famous for its freshness, vibrant acidity and mineral character.
• Liatiko – One of Crete’s oldest red grape varieties, producing elegant wines with soft tannins and beautiful aromas.
• Mandilaria – A traditional Cretan variety known for structure and ageing potential.

The winery also produces carefully crafted blends that showcase the harmony between indigenous and international varieties, offering something for every wine lover.

More Than Just a Wine Tasting

Visiting Diamantakis Winery is much more than sampling excellent wines.

Guests enjoy a guided tour through the winery, learning about every stage of production—from the vineyards and grape harvest to fermentation, ageing and bottling. The experience offers fascinating insights into the craftsmanship behind every bottle.

The tasting itself takes place in the winery where the wines are produced, allowing visitors to appreciate each label in its authentic setting while enjoying spectacular panoramic views over vineyards, olive trees and the distant Cretan Sea.

Award-Winning Quality

Over the years, Diamantakis Winery has gained international recognition for the outstanding quality of its wines.

Its labels continue to receive awards in prestigious international competitions, highlighting the remarkable progress of Cretan winemaking. Recent distinctions include recognition in the UK’s Wine Merchant Top 100 and medals at the internationally renowned Decanter World Wine Awards, further confirming the winery’s commitment to excellence.

A Perfect Excursion from Sissi

For visitors staying in Sissi, a wine tasting at Diamantakis Winery is an ideal half-day experience.

The drive through the Cretan countryside offers stunning scenery, traditional villages and beautiful mountain landscapes before arriving at one of the island’s most respected family wineries.

Whether you are a wine enthusiast or simply curious about authentic local traditions, the experience combines history, culture, gastronomy and hospitality into one memorable visit.

Experience Authentic Crete

Wine has been part of Cretan culture for more than four thousand years. Visiting Diamantakis Winery allows you to become part of that living tradition while meeting the passionate people who continue to shape the future of Cretan wine.

If you would like to experience authentic Crete through its flavours, landscapes and warm hospitality, a guided wine tasting at Diamantakis Winery should definitely be on your itinerary.

Raise your glass, enjoy the breathtaking scenery, and discover why Cretan wine continues to captivate visitors from around the world.