The Wines of Crete organisation has become a principal force in promoting Cretan wines and Cretan wine tourism over the past two decades. Originally started as a network of Heraklion wine-makers in the decade of 2000, it has extended into an island-wide network covering all the four prefectures of Heraklion, Chania, Rethymnon and Lasithi.

A highlight of its activities is the OiNotika Wine Fair, held annually in the spring – an assembly of winemakers from all over the island who present their latest products with opportunities for tasting and comparison. Following a two-year hiatus during the Covid pandemic, for the past three years the event has been held at the Avra Imperial Hotel in Kolymbari, a choice much appreciated by local wine lovers. This year, however, the 18th OiNotika Wine Fair is being held in the more central location of the KAM, in the Megalo Arsenali on the Old Harbour in Chania.

Organised in conjunction with the Region of Crete, under the title “Wines of Crete – A sense of place”, OiNotika 2026 is an event of special significance as it marks the 20th anniversary of the founding of Wines of Crete.

The event will be held on Wednesday 11th and Thursday 12th March, and will be open from midday to 8.00 pm on both days. Ticket prices, which include a commemorative wine glass and a notebook, are €8.00 if prebooked or €10.00 at the door, and apply to professional visitors and the public alike. Student entry is €6.00 upon production of a student ID. Tickets can be prebooked online at www.more.com.

There will also be a sales counter where selected wines from those on display can be purchased at a nominal price, with the profits going to Stin Agalia tis Annas (“In the Arms of Anna”), a Heraklion-based philanthropic organisation which is dedicated to the support of people with special needs.

Participating wineries

More information on Wines of Crete and Cretan wines generally can be found at www.winesofcrete.gr.