The Manousakis Winery has been producing its 100% organic wines under the brand name Nostos since 1997. 

The winery is situated just 15 minutes (driving) from the city of Chania in the village of Vatolakkos.

This serene, traditional village setting is a perfect backdrop to try these award-winning organic wines.

Over the years Manousakis Winery has been holding tours and tastings for travelers coming from all over the world.

The philosophy of this organic, boutique winery is cultivating carefully and organically vines in order to absorb this scent-filled terroir so the flavors of the grapes combine with the herbs for an incomparable taste. Each bottle of Nostos Wines captures the character of this verdant island and the slopes of the Lefka Ori.

Guests have a choice between three different tour options.

If you have ever wondered how wine is made, this is the tour for you! Get an inside look at the winemaking process, as well as the story of the winery. Walk through the fermentation room, check out the state-of-the-art equipment, and get intoxicated by the smell of wine in the barrel room... a unique wine experience!

In addition to these tour options, visitors can celebrate their weddings, anniversaries, birthdays, graduations, or even just the end of a perfect stay on Crete.

Scheduling

- From April 3rd to October 15th the winery will be open daily (Monday - Saturday) from 12.00 pm to 24.00 am (tours times 12.00 pm, 14.00 pm, and 18.00 pm)
- From October 16th until November 15th the winery will be open from Monday to Saturday from 12.00 pm to 17:00 pm (closed on Sundays). Tours times 12.00 pm, 14.00 pm, and 18.00 pm
- During the winter period from November 16th to March 31st all tours are Monday - Friday and by appointment only.
- Scheduled tours of Manousakis Winery facilities are offered where you can choose from any of the tours and tasting options outlined below.
- For private events and groups of 15 people or more, different rates and scheduling may apply depending on the type of event.
- The restaurant at the tasting area is open from April 4th to November 15th, during the tasting area hours, and offers an array of traditional Cretan dishes, a la carte. The restaurant is a farm-to-table restaurant; all vegetables are grown by Manousakis Winery.
 

1. Terroir Tasting / Tour

Prices: 14.00 €/person
Minors under 18 free of charge

This tour includes:

- A tour of the winery ( tours are available at 12.00 pm, 14.00 pm, and 18.00 pm )
- A presentation and explanation of the winemaking process
- A tasting of 5 different wines (the type of wine is dependent on availability and is subject to change) paired with local Cretan rusks, olive oil, and sea salt

PS. Please note that after your tour you could enjoy meals at Manousakis Restaurant.
 

2. Mezze Platter / Tour

Prices: 31.00 €/person
23.00 €/person for Minors 7-18 years old
( Minimum participation: 10 people)

This tour includes:

- A tour of the winery ( tours are available at 12.00 pm, 14.00 pm, and 18.00 pm )
- A presentation and explanation of the winemaking process
- A tasting of 5 different wines (the type of wine is dependent on availability and is subject to change) paired with local Cretan rusks, olive oil and sea salt
- A Mezze Platter consisting of Cretan specialties
- The Mezze Platter is accompanied by any two (2) glasses of wine of your choice from wines tasted.

PS. Please note that after your tour you could enjoy meals at Manousakis Restaurant.
 

3. Lunch/ Dinner Tour

Prices: 43.00 €/person
26.00 €/person for Minors 7-18 years old
( Minimum participation: 10 people)

This tour includes:

- A tour of the winery ( tours are available at 12.00 pm, 14.00 pm, and 18.00 pm )
- A presentation and explanation of the winemaking process
- A tasting of 5 different wines (the type of wine is dependent on availability and is subject to change) paired with local Cretan rusks, olive oil and sea salt
- A full meal consisting of Cretan specialties especially paired with Manousakis Wines
- A lunch consists of Cretan Salad + Cretan Kalitsounia (herb and cheese pie) + Dolmades (stuffed vine leaves) + Youvetsi (beef with orzo in the oven, in a tomato sauce) +Yogurt with honey or homemade preserves 
- As many additional glasses of wine as you want (unlimited) with your meal

PLEASE NOTE this menu changes depending on the season in order to ensure the highest quality and taste for all guests
 

4. Cooking Lesson

Prices: 90.00 €/person
40.00 € for Minors 7-18

What better way to get a full gastronomic experience than with a cooking seminar that focuses on Cretan cuisine and, of course, Cretan wine! The goal in presenting this seminar is to help people understand the Cretan diet and why it has such a large impact globally.

An example tour with this option includes:

- A tour of the winery
- A presentation and explanation of the winemaking process
- A tasting of 5 different wines (the type of wine is dependent on availability and is subject to change) paired with local Cretan rusks, olive oil, and sea salt
- A Manousakis winery apron
- Cooking Lesson focusing on a traditional Cretan diet including: 
   
Presentation on how to make the following dishes:
- Dakos: dried rusks topped with grated tomatoes and local Mizithra cheese
- Gemista/Dolmadakia: tomatoes, grapevines, and peppers stuffed with rice
- Youvetsi: beef and orzo stew in tomato sauce

The meal enjoyed by the guest is pre-cooked so as to keep the duration of this tour at 3-4 hours
(The menu is subject to change depending on the season. The minimum number of people required is 4; the maximum number of people allowed is 20)
 

Transportation

The Manousakis Winery does not provide transportation but offers a shuttle service. Please check here! The best way to get to the winery is by car, taxi, or bus (KTEL). The KTEL bus service offers hourly routes from Chania to Vatolakkos. Please have a look here. For more information please call the bus station or visit their website.
 

Meals-Restaurant

All meal options are cooked on-site and are available every day. The restaurant at the tasting area is open from April 3rd to November 15th, during tasting area hours. The restaurant can open for private parties off-season as well. It serves an array of traditional Cretan dishes, a la carte. The restaurant is a farm-to-table restaurant; all vegetables are grown by Manousakis Winery. The Manousakis Winery is able to accommodate any special meal requests (children’s meals, vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, etc.) as long as at least one (1) day's notice is given.
 

Serving Policy

The Manousakis Winery is prohibited by law from serving minors under 18 years old. They will not serve individuals who are intoxicated.
 

Staff

All tours and tastings are conducted by trained professionals. No groups may tour the winery unaccompanied by a Manousakis Winery team member.
 

Winery Shop

All guests are able to purchase all available wines as well as other goods at the wine shop, on the winery's premises.
 

Group Reservations

For groups of 10 people or more special pricing is available. Please contact us for more information.
 

Pricing and Payment Terms

Credit card details (Visa or Mastercard) are required to charge the deposit amount in order to confirm the reservation. No additional charges will be made to the credit card unless cancellation charges have to be applied. The balance amount is to be paid directly to Manousakis Winery upon completion of the tour. Visa, Master Card, and American Express are accepted by Manousakis Winery. For food tour options, minors under 18 years old are not charged the cost of the wines. Special pricing is available, please see below.

PS. Please clarify in your request, which one of the above tours you would prefer to join. Many thanks!