At Nostos Manousakis Winery in Chania, Crete, fine wine is first produced in the vineyard, then manifested in the winery through artisan and handcraft winemaking methods. Under the guidance of chief winemaker Kostis Galanis, the commitment to quality guides every decision — from a gentle, minimalist approach in the cellar to ongoing experimentation with oak fermenters that has yielded very positive results for the red wines. Red wines age in oak barrels for ten months; the Roussanne variety is fermented and aged in small oak barrels.
The tour begins in the gardens of the traditional family home, a serene setting introducing guests to the estate’s winemaking heritage. Visitors then step into the production premises to learn how premium wines are crafted, continue into the wine cellars where the finest vintages mature, and visit the state-of-the-art bottling facilities.
The experience culminates in the tasting area, where guests savour a guided tasting of five wines, carefully chosen based on availability. Each wine is paired with local delicacies — traditional paximadi drizzled with olive oil and a hint of sea salt — creating a symphony of authentic Cretan tastes.
Winery Tour and Wine Tasting
- Winery Philosophy Tour: Explore Nostos Manousakis Winery near Chania and understand the minimalist, artisan winemaking philosophy that Kostis Galanis has built here — where every decision begins in the vineyard.
- Cretan Viticulture: Learn about the estate’s approach to cultivating Cretan indigenous varieties alongside international ones, and how the specific conditions of the Chania hinterland in western Crete shape each harvest.
- Wine Tasting: Taste the Nostos range — five exquisite wines paired with Cretan meze — and experience the elegant, precise winemaking that is building an international reputation for this passionate estate.
For a complete gastronomic experience, visit the in-house restaurant and indulge in an à la carte menu featuring Cretan meze crafted with the freshest local ingredients.
