About Dourakis Winery
In the sun-drenched foothills of Crete's White Mountains, where ancient olive groves meet rows of carefully tended vines, Dourakis Winery has been crafting stories,in bottles and in memories, for over three decades.
This isn't your polished, corporate winery experience. This is authentic Cretan viticulture: family-owned since 1988, deeply rooted in sustainable practices, and infused with the kind of generational passion that transforms wine from mere beverage into cultural expression.
The Dourakis story begins in 1988, when the founding family planted their first vines in Alikampos, a tranquil mountain village equidistant from Chania (30 minutes) and Rethymno (20 minutes). While other Cretan producers were chasing tourist dollars with imported grape varieties and mass production, the Dourakis family committed to something more authentic: organic farming, traditional winemaking methods, and patient cultivation of both native Cretan and carefully selected international grape varieties that thrive in this unique microclimate.
Three decades later, that commitment has evolved into a Travelers' Choice award-winning boutique winery (2024, 2025) with a passionate following among wine enthusiasts, couples, and anyone who recognizes the difference between manufactured experience and genuine hospitality.
Photo Gallery
Venue Spaces
Cave Cellar
Capacity: 50 guests
Historic stone cellar carved into mountainside with natural temperature control, wine barrels lining stone walls, dim romantic lighting, and exceptional acoustics for ceremonies. Perfect for dramatic portrait sessions and wine barrel tastings during cocktail hour.
Natural temperature controlWine barrel atmosphereExceptional acousticsDim romantic lightingUnderground settingSensory-rich environment
Outdoor Vineyard Courtyard
Capacity: 100 guests
Rustic courtyard surrounded by active vineyards with views of White Mountains and valley landscapes. Open-air setting with string lighting for evening ambiance and flexible layout for ceremony and reception.
Mountain viewsVineyard backdropString lightingRustic wooden elementsSeasonal vineyard changesFlexible layout
The Restaurant
Capacity: 100 guests
Rustic-elegant dining hall with exposed wooden beams, stone walls, and large windows offering vineyard and mountain views. Features full commercial kitchen with farm-to-table capabilities, fireplace for cooler months, and weather-protected backup.
Indoor/outdoor flowVineyard viewsFull kitchenWine cellar accessFireplaceWeather protectionCretan character
Botanical Herb Garden
Capacity: 60 guests
Organized garden of Cretan native herbs and medicinal plants with gravel pathways, aromatic varieties creating natural aromatherapy, and informational placards about biodiversity. Source for fresh herbs in cuisine and arrangements.
Aromatic plantsEducational signageGravel pathwaysSensory experienceBiodiversity preservationPhoto opportunities
Winemaking Facilities & Museum
Capacity: 30 guests
Working winery with folklore museum elements, active wine production equipment, and traditional winemaking tools. Perfect for pre-wedding tours or guest activities offering behind-the-scenes access.
Active productionEducational displaysFolklore museumGuest toursCultural programming
Amenities
Historic cave cellar for ceremonies and tastings
Outdoor vineyard courtyard (100 guests)
Full-service restaurant with Cretan cuisine
Botanical herb garden with Cretan native plants
Wine barrel storage and aging facilities
Winemaking facilities with folklore museum
Multiple portrait locations throughout vineyard
String lighting and ambient evening illumination
Ample parking for 80+ vehicles
Restroom facilities
Indoor spaces with weather protection
Fireplace for cooler season events
Wine cellar tours and education
Organic vineyard spanning multiple acres
Mountain and valley views
Access to working winery operations
On-site sommelier for wine pairing
Kitchen garden supplying restaurant
Outdoor terraces with vineyard views
Year-round operation
Services Offered
Exclusive venue rental for private events
Event coordination and planning support
Flexible setup for ceremony and reception
Tables, chairs, and rustic décor elements
Farm-to-table Cretan cuisine using local ingredients
Customized wedding menus based on season
Traditional Cretan dishes with modern presentation
Vegetarian and dietary accommodation
Multi-course meals with wine pairing
Organic wine portfolio from estate-grown grapes
Sommelier-guided wine tastings
Cave cellar tours during cocktail hour
Barrel tastings of aging vintages
Art exhibitions and cultural programming access
Cooking classes teaching Cretan cuisine
Botanical garden tours
Family-owned hospitality and personal service
Photography guidance and location recommendations
Coordination with local vendors
Good to Know
From port:35 km, 45 minutes
Frequently Asked Questions
Dourakis Winery accommodates up to 100 guests for weddings. The restaurant can seat 100 for dinner, the outdoor vineyard courtyard holds 100 for ceremonies or receptions, and the historic cave cellar fits 50 for ceremonies or 80 for standing cocktail receptions. This intimate scale keeps celebrations personal and manageable while providing flexibility in space configuration.
Venue rental includes exclusive use of the winery grounds (cave cellar, vineyard courtyard, restaurant, botanical gardens), tables and chairs, basic rustic décor elements, parking, restroom facilities, and venue staff support. The farm-to-table Cretan cuisine and full wine selection from the Dourakis portfolio are included through catering packages. Setup and breakdown services are provided, and you have access to all vineyard spaces for portraits and guest exploration.
Absolutely—wine experiences are central to the Dourakis wedding. Most couples include a sommelier-guided tasting during cocktail hour, often conducted in the cave cellar among aging barrels. Guests sample multiple vintages while learning about organic winemaking and the estate's philosophy. Multi-course dinner receptions typically include wine pairing, with different Dourakis vintages matched to each course.
The on-site restaurant specializes in authentic farm-to-table Cretan cuisine using ingredients grown at the winery or sourced from immediate local producers. Expect traditional dishes like dakos with tomatoes from the kitchen garden, antikristo lamb slow-cooked over coals, kalitsounia cheese pies, stuffed vine leaves with herbs from the botanical garden, fresh salads with estate olive oil, and seasonal desserts. Menus are customized based on what's ripe and available during your wedding date.
The winery operates year-round and hosts weddings from March through November, with peak season running May through October. Each season offers distinct aesthetics: spring brings wildflowers and fresh vines, summer offers full canopy and reliable weather, autumn features harvest activities and golden light. The winery is open daily 11 AM to 7 PM for tours and tastings; wedding events typically begin in late afternoon or early evening.
Yes, for specialized services. Dourakis provides the venue, catering, wine, and basic setup, but couples typically arrange their own vendors for photography, videography, music/DJ/band, floristry, advanced décor beyond the winery's rustic elements, wedding planning/coordination, and guest transportation from Chania or Rethymno. The winery staff can recommend vendors familiar with the property.
Dourakis Winery is located in Alikampos village, approximately 47 km (55 minutes) from Chania International Airport and 35 km (45 minutes) from Souda Port. From Chania's old town, it's about 30 minutes; from Rethymno, about 20 minutes. The drive is scenic, climbing into the White Mountains through olive groves and traditional villages. Most couples and guests stay in Chania or Rethymno and arrange transportation for the wedding day.
Extremely suitable. Dourakis regularly hosts destination weddings and offers multi-day programming for early-arriving guests (cooking classes, wine tastings, concerts, art exhibitions). The family offers warm hospitality and cultural insights, and the location between Chania and Rethymno gives guests access to beaches, historical sites, and authentic Cretan village life. For out-of-town guests, experiencing a working organic winery creates memorable immersion in Cretan agricultural heritage.
Dourakis offers genuine authenticity. This isn't a resort that added a wedding package—it's a family winery (since 1988) that welcomes celebrations as natural extensions of their agricultural and cultural mission. You're marrying at a working organic vineyard with Travelers' Choice recognition, three decades of winemaking expertise, and multigenerational commitment to quality and sustainability. The cave cellar ceremony option is unique, and the family-operated structure means personal investment in your celebration.
Absolutely. The culinary team works with you to design menus reflecting your preferences, dietary needs, and the season of your wedding. The chefs adapt while maintaining their farm-to-table, local-first philosophy. Wine selection is equally customizable—choose favorites from the Dourakis portfolio, create progression from whites to reds to dessert wines, or let the sommelier design pairings that complement your chosen menu. Pre-wedding tastings help you make informed decisions.
The restaurant provides excellent indoor backup for dinner receptions with vineyard views through large windows. For ceremonies, the outdoor vineyard courtyard is the primary space, but the cave cellar can accommodate intimate ceremonies (up to 50 guests) or the restaurant can be configured for ceremonies. Crete's climate during prime wedding season (May-October) is extraordinarily reliable—rainfall is rare, temperatures are warm, and you can plan outdoor celebrations with confidence.
Yes—and this is an advantage. Dourakis is a vibrant cultural center hosting art exhibitions, classical concerts, stargazing nights, cooking classes, and regular wine tastings throughout the year. This ongoing programming keeps the venue active, authentic, and connected to the local community. For destination wedding guests arriving days in advance, you can incorporate these activities into your wedding week programming, creating a fuller, more immersive experience.
Guest Reviews
Google Reviews
Despina gave us the best winery tour of their aged fermenting rooms, wine tasting, and oil tasting ever! We strongly recommend taking a leisurely afternoon at Dourakis Winery! Beyond any expectations ...
Fantastic tour, super informative. Gorgeous place, met some lovely people - especially Lana from Michigan! Wine was divine. Highly recommend. We were there a few hours. Jo and Eric ( from UK / Net...
Dourakis Winery Cooking Class
My brother and I had such a wonderful experience with Mrs. Olga! Her passion for cooking and teaching really shines through in everything she does. We are so glad we deci...
This was my first time in a winery on August. Nice place even not too big. The place was quite busy on time we went about 2pm and luckily we got a table a bit more far away from other quests which was...
We visited Dourakis Winery with high expectations, but unfortunately, the experience was extremely disappointing from start to finish. The place presents itself as elegant and prestigious, yet what we...
TripAdvisor Reviews
Non-memorable
The building is attractive and impressive looking. The outdoor area is attractive as well. Staff seemed harried and a bit disorganized. The wines were unremarkable. Overall, it was an impersonal, ...
Nice Wines
Nice wines, friendly service and beautiful location. Enjoyed our visit and the selection of wines. Recommend if you are in the area.
Superb Winery
Unforgettable Experience at Dourakis Winery
Having lived in Napa Valley for over a decade, I’ve had my fair share of world-class wine tasting experiences—but Dourakis Winery in Crete truly stands sho...
A true 5 star experience.
If I could give 10 I would.
Went there for my 70th birthday and had the 8 wine tasting option on the patio. No time pressures, very relaxed and at our pace.
Wine was excellent, staff couldn't have bee...
The highlight of our holiday!
We were fortunate enough to experience 'The Vino Sanctum: The Monastery Table Conversations' tasting experience at Dourakis, with our wonderful host, Despina. It was just myself and my husband at this...
