Lyrarakis Wines pairs indigenous Cretan grapes with estate bottling and Micro Batch experiments in Alagni.
The producer
Lyrarakis Wines is a family winery based in Alagni in Heraklion’s Peza appellation. The winery works with indigenous Cretan varieties, including grapes that were almost lost, and its Micro Batch range covers experimental vinifications from local grapes and promising sites across Crete. Organic viticulture, no ploughing and fertilizer made from kitchen, winery and nearby olive mill waste shape the farming. Lyrarakis also works with more than 100 independent small growers and has converted approximately 15 hectares of its own vineyards to organic farming.
Known for
Indigenous Cretan grape revival
Notable facts
Brothers Manolis and Sotiris Lyrarakis established the winery on Crete in 1966.
Viticulturist and ampelographer Nikos Somarakis joined Lyrarakis in 2007.
Lyrarakis works with more than 100 independent small growers.
Approximately 15 hectares of the winery’s own vineyards have been converted to organic farming.
All Lyrarakis wines are Vegan Certified.
The story
Melissaki Finds A Vineyard
In 2010, Lyrarakis planted Melissaki at the Gero Deti vineyard. The indigenous grape was almost lost and completely forgotten. Dafni and Plyto had been first planted in the Psarades family vineyard in 1992. The portfolio contains more than 11 indigenous varieties, with three saved from extinction. These plantings put three named Cretan grapes into family vineyards, Dafni and Plyto at Psarades, and Melissaki at Gero Deti. Lyrarakis identifies Melissaki as its latest rescue.
Melissaki Finds A Vineyard
In 2010, Lyrarakis planted Melissaki at the Gero Deti vineyard. The indigenous grape was almost lost and completely forgotten. Dafni and Plyto had been first planted in the Psarades family vineyard in 1992. The portfolio contains more than 11 indigenous varieties, with three saved from extinction. These plantings put three named Cretan grapes into family vineyards, Dafni and Plyto at Psarades, and Melissaki at Gero Deti. Lyrarakis identifies Melissaki as its latest rescue.
From the atlas
Lyrarakis Wines
Lyrarakis Wines works from Alagni in Crete’s Peza appellation, pairing indigenous Cretan grapes with organic farming and experimental Micro Batch wines.
At A Glance
Base
Alagni, Heraklion, within the Peza appellation
Core grapes
Indigenous Cretan varieties
Range
Estate bottled wines and Micro Batch experiments
Defining feature
Work with indigenous varieties, including grapes saved from extinction
The Producer
Two brothers, Manolis and Sotiris Lyrarakis, established the winery on Crete in 1966. It is now run by second generation winemakers, supported by an extended family of skilled professionals. The winery began estate bottling under the Lyrarakis name in 1992.
The portfolio contains indigenous Cretan varieties, including grapes saved from extinction. Viticulturist and ampelographer Nikos Somarakis joined Lyrarakis in 2007. Winemaker Myriam Ambuzer previously worked with Spanish winemaker Pepe Mendoza.
Lyrarakis transitioned to organic viticulture in 2020, and cooperating growers also converted. The winery stopped ploughing and uses fertilizer made from kitchen, winery and nearby olive mill waste.
Place
The winery facilities are located in Alagni, Heraklion, within the Peza appellation, at 480 metres above sea level. The visitor setting is surrounded by the Psarades vineyard and the Lassithi Mountains. The winery presents local wines and rare indigenous grapes from this Cretan setting.
Wines
Lyrarakis makes estate bottled wines alongside a Micro Batch range. Micro Batch contains experimental vinifications from nearly extinct local grape varieties and promising terroirs across Crete.
008 Vidiano Anemomilia is the range’s number 008, a dry white made from the local Vidiano variety. The 2024 wine comes from vineyards undergoing conversion to organic farming. It has a pale yellow straw colour, with mountain flowers, green herbs, citrus, white fleshed fruit and petrol notes. The palate is balanced and full flavoured, finishing with a light mineral character.
Final Word
Lyrarakis Wines puts indigenous Cretan grapes into estate bottled and experimental wines. All Lyrarakis wines are Vegan Certified.