Douloufakis winery was established in 1930. Now, Nikos Douloufakis, representing the third generation in wine making, has taken over the winery, after finishing his Oenology studies at Alba’s Oenological School in Piedmont. Nikos continued the reformation of the privately owned vineyards, that his father had started. He developed single-varietal vineyards from indigenous Cretan varieties, such as Liatiko, but also planted international varieties of Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Sauv. and Chardonnay. He introduced modern cultivation techniques by modifying some of the traditional ones, like in pruning and altering the harvesting dates.
They received international acclaim in 2013, after being awarded several times from known international wine competitions (SAKURA, Decanter, Wine Enthusiast).
Their privately owned vineyards, 20 hectares, are situated in the heart of wine-growing zone of Crete, Greece, in Dafnes of Heraklion, on hill slopes at an altitude of 350 – 450 meters. The terroir of the Dafnes region is characterized of limestone soil and the prevailing microclimate is considered ideal for producing high quality grapes. Thus, it is no coincidence that Dafnes region has a long viticulture history, according to written records, since the Venetian rule in Crete.
They cultivate several varieties: Vilana, Vidiano, Muscat White (of Spina), Assyrtiko, Malvasia di Candia Aromatica, Mandilari, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Liatiko, Kotsifali, Cabernet Sauvignon, Sangiovese and Syrah.
Douloufakis winery is a family that got bigger as friends kept joining us to work together. A strong team with a common goal: to fill your cellar and your glass with the best Cretan wine and, why not, to wish “Yamas!” when we are together.
