A similar connection is also certified through the Aegean epigraphic testimonials of the 2nd millennium, where wine is frequently mentioned by the Mycenaeans with the Greek word woinos. But more often it appears with ideographical Cretan hieroglyphics, linear Α and linear Β, on signs and stamps than in Minoan earthenware vessels which obviously contained it. The production of wine is also proven by the stone wine-press of Vathypethro, a Minoan villa which is situated between the «Emmanuel Michalakis Estate» and Arxanes, dated around 1600 BC. Other than the wine press the archeological research brought to light vinifciation facilities and warehouses for the storing of wine where earthenware vessels were used for its storage.

The production of wine played an important role during the Minoan civilization and Crete was one of the main wine producing regions of the time. Amphorae with sweet drinking wine arrived with the Mionoan ships throughout the Mediterranean world. They were transferred from the Aegean islands and went as far as Egypt and Lebanon. The Cretan wine had experienced a considerable growth during the Roman times with the famous Cretan passum. At this time there were many pottery workshops in the island whose main work was the craft of clay pots (vessels) for the transfer of wine. Pieces of these vessels have been found in many cities on the Mediterranean coast proving Cretan exporting activities of the time.

The idea that Crete was in good financial condition during the early Christian period it is concluded by the Arab’s saying ,conqueror Abu-Hafs Omar who described Crete as the land where honey and milk flows. The residents continued to work in the areas of viniculture and vinification even through the Byzantine Era. During the first 8 months of the year 1271, only one notary, Pietro Scardon, recorded wine transactions of about 6800 mistata (95.200 lt), more than 68000 okades (87.040 lt). The price of Cretan wine on the other hand was much higher than the price of the wines of Rome in a proportion of 1:1,6 (Br. Imhaus).

A reader of travel stories in Crete is sometimes under the impression that the travelers who visited Crete, along with their desire to explore the island, get to know the people, visit the monuments, see the flora and fauna, had the burning desire to try the famous Cretan wine and especially the famous Cretan Malvazia in the land of its production. Felix Faber (1483), Jean Palerne (1585), Villamont (1600) and many more make extensive references concerning the value of Cretan wine. In 1590 the German Sommers writes: «the island is famous for its wine and honey trading. The Liatiko wine is bought 3 crowns per barrel and Malvouazias for 18. The Rethymnian is the best Muscat wine. But the best Malvouzias and the best Liatiko are cultivated in the Handakos region» (Handax being Heraklion and Malvesin being Malevizi, a province of the Heraklion prefecture).

Since then, the Cretans continue to take care of their vineyards and their wine with the same dedication. The climate and the soil of Crete has always been the ideal ally. The cool winds of the Aegean in the North, the mount Psiloritis in the South that holds the warm winds from Africa, the fertile land and the special varieties, have always given to the Cretan vineyards that unique personality that distinguishes Cretan wine.

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Dafni
Dafni is a white grape variety grown exclusively in Crete, since the 15th century.
Large to very large conical bunch, medium dense to fairly loose. Berry colour green to yellow green, medium to large with medium thick skin.

Kotsifali
Kotsifali is the best known red grape variety grown in Crete, cultivated as far back as the 13th century.
Bunch medium, conical to cylindrical-conical and dense. Red-violet to red-black berry colour, small to medium size and medium thin skin.

Mandilari
Mandilaria is one of the oldest red cultivars of Crete.
Medium to large, conical-cylindrical bunch, dense to very dense. Blue-black colour, medium thick skin with medium to large berries.

Moschato Spinas
Moschato Spinas is a clone of the ancient variety of Moschato and it is said to be transferred to Crete in the 6th century B.C.E.
Medium conical, very dense bunch. Gold-yellow colour, with small thin skinned round berries.

Plyto
Plyto is an old white grape variety cultivated exclusively in Crete, since the 14th century.
Large, cylindrical-conical bunch, dense to very dense. Berry colour yellow to yellow-gold, medium to large with almost thick skin.

Vidiano
Vidiano is a noble white grape variety grown exclusively in Crete, since 13th (or 14th) century.
Medium to large, cylindrical or conical-cylindrical bunch, dense to medium dense. Berry colour yellow-gold, small to medium berries with medium thin skin.

Vilana
Vilana is an old white grape variety cultivated exclusively in Crete probably since 14th century.
Medium to large, cylindrical-conical bunch, medium dense to dense. Yellow to yellow-white colour, almost thin skinned with small to medium sized berries.

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