Crete is considered a blessed land with a long tradition of grape cultivation
dating back to the time of the Minoans, the first European civilization,
4,000 years ago. Dozens of carved wine presses found in various locations across the
island attest to the region’s long history of wine production.
Today, it is considered one of the world’s top destinations, and the main
reason is its combination of tradition, natural beauty, and gastronomy.
Crete had two key features that were the object of fervent desire for both
its people and its countless conquerors in the
past. First, it had an ideal geographical location, serving as the
crossroads of north, south, east, and west, which resulted in
trade in local products to flourish throughout the Mediterranean.
Second, it was an ideal place for growing grapes,
not only because of its soil or temperate climate but mainly
due to the island’s topography.
The ridgelines of the mountain ranges stretching along Crete
create a natural barrier that protects the vineyards from
the hot southern winds, allowing the northern winds to act
as a natural cooling system.
The Domaine Paterianakis is located in the village of Melesses, a semi-mountainous region dotted with vineyards, olive groves, and flower gardens within the Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) wine-growing region of Peza, south of the city of Heraklion, right in the center of Crete.
A short distance from the Paterianakis Estate—less than an hour’s drive—are some of Crete’s most important attractions, such as the Palace of Knossos, the Heraklion Archaeological Museum, the Palace of Phaistos, the Nikos Kazantzakis Museum, and the Thalassokosmos Creta Aquarium. The picturesque towns of Chania, Rethymno, and Agios Nikolaos are 2 hours, 1 hour and 20 minutes, and 1 hour away, respectively.
