Lyrarakis

Lyrarakis Winery is a pioneering family estate in Crete, Greece’s largest island, renowned for its dedication to indigenous grape varieties and authentic expressions of terroir. Established in 1966, the estate has become a leading voice in the revival of ancient Cretan grapes, crafting wines that are both deeply traditional and elegantly modern.

History of Lyrarakis Winery

Founded by the Lyrarakis family in the foothills of Mount Psiloritis in Alagni, Heraklion, the estate began as a modest local operation. In the 1990s, the second generation of the family embarked on a mission to rescue and promote forgotten native varieties such as Dafni, Plyto, Melissaki, and Vidiano—some of which had nearly vanished from viticultural maps.

Over time, Lyrarakis developed a reputation not only as a quality wine producer but also as a cultural custodian, preserving Cretan vinous heritage. Their commitment to authenticity and sustainable viticulture has brought them national and international acclaim, with numerous awards and growing global distribution.

The estate remains family-run, with a focus on transparency, low-intervention winemaking, and showcasing the diversity of Crete’s microclimates and soils.

Region and Vineyards

Lyrarakis is based in Alagni, in the Peza appellation of Central Crete, one of the island’s most prestigious wine zones. The vineyards span altitudes from 400 to over 600 meters, benefiting from Mediterranean sunshine, mountainous cooling influences, and a mosaic of limestone, clay, and sandy soils.

The estate owns and manages several distinct vineyards, including:

• Plakoura (for Mandilari): dry-farmed, high-altitude site yielding structured, age-worthy reds.
• Ippodromos (for Vidiano): southeast-facing, producing expressive and mineral whites.
• Armi (for Thrapsathiri): calcareous and fossil-rich, ideal for aromatic, textured whites.
• Psarades and Karnari: key sources for rare native varieties and oxidative-style reds.

Viticulture follows sustainable and minimal intervention principles, with many parcels unirrigated and yields kept low to maximize concentration and typicity.

Wine Range of Lyrarakis Winery

Lyrarakis offers a broad portfolio that showcases both monovarietal wines and blends, focused on native grapes, including:

• Vidiano – Textured, mineral, and age-worthy.
• Dafni – Aromatic, with notes of bay leaf and citrus.
• Plyto – Bright, delicate, and floral.
• Thrapsathiri – Rich and structured with oak-aging potential.
• Kotsifali & Mandilari – Traditional reds, sometimes made in oxidative or long-aged styles.
• Symbolo – Grand Cuvée blending local and international grapes in a bold, ageable red.

These wines reflect Crete’s ancient winemaking traditions, interpreted with modern finesse and global appeal.

Did you know?

Lyrarakis was the first producer in Greece to bottle monovarietal wines from the Dafni and Plyto grapes—both of which they helped rescue from near extinction. The winery is often cited as the driving force behind Crete’s wine renaissance.