Chania Manousakis Winery in Vatolakkos

Location: Vatolakkos

Manousakis Winery is a wine-making and tasting establishment, located in the village of Vatolakkos in Chania. It offers tours of its vineyards, as well as wine-tasting, a tavern with local delicacies and jewelry-making workshops!

Manousakis Winery was started by Ted Manousakis, a Crete native who moved to the US at a young age and gained knowledge, fame and success. However, Manousakis wanted to return to his home in Chania and provide for his birthplace. In 1993, the first vineyards were planted in Lefka Ori (White Mountains) and his winery became a reality in his home village. Some years later, his daughter, Alexandra, became part of the company, propelling it into newfound success!

The establishment provides a remarkable tour of its facilities and vineyards for all of those who want to learn more about the process of wine-making and the history of Manousakis Winery. After each tour, visitors are invited to participate in wine-tasting sessions on its outdoor terrace paired with traditional treats from the winery's tavern. Manousakis Winery also provides a shuttle service from the center of Chania that will take you to either the winery, the vineyard, or the nearby Lefka Ori mountaintop, where you can enjoy a breathtaking view of the neighboring shore! Lastly, visitors can also participate in a unique jewelry-making course that showcases ancient Minoan art, thought to have been forgotten, paired with the premium wines and local flavors of Manousakis Winery. The workshop teaches guests the art of sand-casting, where they can encase their jewelry in silver or gold. After the course, you can also keep the jewelry that you made!