📍 Chania

Chania is the western part of the island of Crete in Greece, with the town of the same name on the north coast and the White Mountains (Lefka Ori), whose peaks are covered in snow in winter. Olive groves and citrus orchards grow beside the vineyards. The climate is Mediterranean, with hot dry summers and mild winters; sea winds soften the heat, and altitude in the mountains brings cool nights.

The vineyards of Chania are not as extensive as those of central Crete, but local grapes are grown here. The best known is Romeiko, a red grape that has long grown in the western part of the island. Its wines are soft, with scents of dried fruit, and suit local cooking. Vilana, the main white grape of Crete, is also grown, along with others.

Within Chania there is the Kissamos zone in the north-west by the sea, and a few other small districts. The regional designation Crete covers the whole island. The wines go mostly to the local market and to resort restaurants.

For comparison with its neighbours: to the east lie Rethymno and Heraklion, where more wine is made, and to the north, across the Sea of Crete, the Cycladic islands.