IDAIA WINERY

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About Winery and Wines

Idaia Winery was founded by oenologists Vassilis Laderos and Kalliopi Volitaki, with a mission to showcase the unique Cretan autochthonous grape varieties and the diverse vineyards of the island. The family-owned winery is located in the heart of the Cretan vineyard in the Malevizio province, in the village of Venerato, south of Heraklion, within the PDO Dafnes viticultural zone.

Calliope grew up in Venerato, having direct contact with the vines as her father was a grape grower. She left Crete to study oenology in Athens where she met Vassilis Laderos who studied at the same faculty. They got married in 1998 and in 2000 they brought in their first child.

“In the year 2000, we embarked on our journey to establish a winery and produce bottled wines using the family vineyard in Venerato. Our first harvest involved the sun-drying of Liatikos grapes to create a sweet red wine, as the winery is situated within the PDO Dafnes viticultural zone. At the same time, we started our first experimental vinifications and in 2002 we bottled our first wine.

We started with very cautious steps but with a lot of enthusiasm! We didn’t have any capital, everything started from a warehouse. In the beginning we only had 3 small stainless tanks and 5 oak barrels. We purchased the land where the winery stands and started its construction. Every case of wine we sold was reinvested back into the winery, alongside our hard work and dedication.

We built solid relationships with local vinegrowers and gradually increased our production.

We overcame the difficulties we encountered because of our love for wine and Crete. Now our children, one of whom is studying oenology-viticulture, and the other economics, are actively involved in the winery, alongside their studies.

Today we produce around 130,000 bottles of wine, of which 35% are exported to more than 10 countries worldwide.

As a winery we focus  on Cretan indigenous grapes ande we produce 12 wine labels. We categorise our wines in 4 categories with different caracteristics, such as: 

IDAIA CLASSICS Our classic range, the signature wines, that have been impeccably produced since 2004.
Ideal for consumers seeking exceptional value and consistent quality. They beautifully complement any occasion.

SINGLE VARIETALS Exquisite single-varietal wines made from the finest indigenous grapes that beautifully
capture the enchanting island character of the Cretan terroir.

THE EXTROVERTED Outgoing, fresh, fruity, and easy-drinking wines
for your everyday enjoyment.

LATE RELEASED Rare and generous wines with a distinct ripe character, concentration, and complexity
that patiently mature in our cellar before being released to the market.

Cretan land has a lot of grape varieties to show and we work with most of them such as: 

WHITES: Vidiano,thrapsathiri,Vilana etc

REDS:Liatiko, Kotsifali, Mandilari