Manousakis Winery is a family-run winery near Vatolakkos, about 20 minutes from Chania. Its organic vineyards grow Rhône grapes such as Syrah and Grenache alongside the Cretan white variety Vidiano. You can tour the production areas and cellar, then taste wines on the terrace among olive trees and orange groves. Food includes traditional Greek dishes, and the winery also makes olive oil, smoked sea salt and tsikoudia. For a more hands-on visit, ring-making activities pair the craft with a glass of wine.
A family winery near Vatolakkos
Manousakis Winery is near Vatolakkos, in the municipality of Platanias, around 20 minutes from Chania. The family business began growing vines in the hills around the village in the 1980s. Ted Manousakis planted Rhône grape varieties after studying the local climate and soil, and the winery was established in 1994.
The vineyards sit in the foothills of the White Mountains, at elevations between 320 and 600 metres. They grow Syrah, Grenache, Mourvèdre and Roussanne, varieties associated with the Rhône, as well as Vidiano, an old white grape native to Crete. The winery uses organic farming practices and produces red, rosé and white wines.
From the production areas to the cellar
A winery tour introduces the process of making the wines, from the grapes through production and into the cellar. Guides explain how the red and white wines are made, and the visit can include a walk around the estate and a look at the barrel room. The tour provides context for the wines you taste afterward, including the different grape varieties grown here.
The visit is designed to be interactive, with explanations about the winery and its methods rather than a formal tasting alone. Tour arrangements can vary, so book ahead if you have a particular visit or activity in mind.
Tastings, food and other products
Wine tastings take place on a terrace, with olive trees and orange groves around the seating area. The selection includes wines such as FUMM, an unoaked white with a label designed by the owner, as well as wines made from grapes including Syrah and Grenache. The staff can explain the wines and their flavour profiles as you taste.
The kitchen serves traditional Greek food to accompany the wine. Dishes mentioned include souzukakia, broad beans, stewed beef with rice and goat’s cheese, and Greek salad. The winery also makes olive oil, sea salt and tsikoudia, a Cretan spirit distilled from grapes. Ring-making is another activity available at the winery; arrange it in advance rather than assuming it can be added on arrival.
Perguntas frequentes
Where is Manousakis Winery?
It is near Vatolakkos in the municipality of Platanias, about 20 minutes from Chania.
Can you tour the winery?
Yes. Tours explain the wine-making process and can include the production areas and cellar. Book ahead to arrange your visit.
What wines can you taste?
The winery grows Syrah, Grenache, Mourvèdre, Roussanne and the Cretan white grape Vidiano. FUMM is one of its wines.
Is food served at Manousakis Winery?
Yes. The winery serves traditional Greek food, including dishes such as souzukakia and Greek salad.
