Greece's largest island, ancient wine-producing region. Revival of indigenous varieties: Vidiano (rich, textured white with tropical fruit and spice — the revelation of modern Greek winemaking), Kotsifali and Mandilaria (for reds). Tsikoudia/Raki (Cretan pomace spirit) is central to island identity — offered to guests as greeting, frames the meze table.
| Year | Rating | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 84 | Good warm vintage. Cretan reds (Kotsifali, Mandilari) showing well. Sustainable viticulture growing. |
| 2021 | 85 | Good. Classic Cretan white from indigenous varieties (Dafni, Vidiano) gaining international attention. |
| 2019 | 87 | Very good. Lyrarakis and Douloufakis producing exceptional Villana and Assyrtiko. Crete gaining recognition. |
| 2017 | 85 | Good Cretan vintage. Assyrtiko, Vilana, and Kotsifali performing well across western Crete. |