A few kilometres south of Knossos, and 15 km south of Heraklion, in the heart of the ancient Minoan vineyard at Kounavi village, Crete, Yannis Stylianos cultivates 3 hectares of privately owned organic vineyard, growing unique indigenous varieties: Vidiano, Thrapsathiri, Vilana, Kotsifali, and Mandilari.
In 2003, driven by a passionate belief that each place has its own unique flavours and a determination to resist the prevailing uniformity of taste, Yannis made the decisive move — transforming his passion into a profession at a boutique winery atop a small hill with magnificent views across the area. The result is approximately 20,000 numbered bottles per year of wines that truly speak of their specific Cretan terroir.
Winery Tour and Wine Tasting
- Boutique Organic Winery Tour: Visit Stilianou’s hilltop winery at Kounavi and learn how Yannis Stylianos expresses the unique character of each indigenous Cretan variety through organic viticulture and minimal intervention. Guests are guided through the winemaking facilities and cellar, and introduced to the aromas and flavours of Cretan wine.
- Indigenous Variety Focus: Understand why Yannis has made it his life’s work to champion varieties like Vidiano, Kotsifali, and Mandilari — and what makes each one distinctive in the soils around ancient Knossos.
- Wine Tasting: Taste the numbered Stilianou bottles and experience the honest, terroir-driven wines of one of Heraklion’s most passionate organic winemakers.
Book your guided winery tour and wine tasting experience at Stilianou Winery near Knossos, Crete.
