21 Cretan wineries open doors for World Wine Tourism Day on November 8
Twenty-one wineries across Crete will open their doors to the public on Sunday, November 8, 2026, between 12:00 and 17:00, as part of global celebrations marking World Wine Tourism Day, organizers said. The participating producers are all members of the Wines of Crete network.
A global celebration of wine tourism
World Wine Tourism Day was established in 2009 as a European Wine Tourism Day and has been celebrated worldwide since 2019, always on the second Sunday of November. This year’s edition brings together regional wine producer associations from across Greece, including the Wines of Crete network, which organizers say aims to showcase Greek vineyards and support the growth of wine tourism.
On the day, visitors will be able to tour vineyard areas, see how wine is produced, walk through winery facilities, and taste wines that reflect the character of each region, according to the organizers.
Wineries across the island take part
The 21 participating wineries span Chania, Rethymno, Heraklion and Lasithi, giving wine enthusiasts the chance to explore Crete’s vineyards and learn about the island’s long winemaking tradition, organizers said. Some wineries are also planning additional activities alongside the tastings, combining wine with art, creative workshops, music and family entertainment for visitors of all ages.
The event is held under the “Crete: European Region of Gastronomy 2026” initiative, according to the announcement.
Other wine events on the island
The November 8 open day adds to a busy autumn calendar of wine-related events in Crete. In Heraklion, a grill house and winery recently held a joint tasting event, while a wine competition at Malevizi Monastery is scheduled for November 1. Readers looking for more things to do on the island can check the full calendar of events in Crete or browse other food and wine-related experiences in Crete.
