Douloufakis is a winery located in the village of Dafnes, close to Heraklion on the Greek island of Crete. The vineyards are organically farmed and run by the third generation of the Douloufakis family, with Nikos Douloufakis at the helm since 1993, following his wine studies in Alba, Piemonte.
Initially, Nikos planted several international grape varieties—a common trend among ambitious Greek winemakers at the time. However, a significant turning point came in 2000 when he committed to reviving the white grape variety Vidiano, which was on the brink of disappearance. Alongside this revival, he transitioned the estate’s 10 hectares of vines to organic farming, achieving certification in 2006. By 2012, the winery had begun its international export journey.
Notable Wines:
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Douloufakis Dafnios Vidiano 2025
12.5% alcohol. A vibrant wine featuring fresh citrus, with a lovely density and focus. Rating: 90/100. -
Douloufakis Tachtas 2024
14% alcohol. A recovering variety that offers concentrated flavors of pear and white peach, complemented by citrus brightness and a hint of mint. Rating: 92/100. -
Douloufakis Alargo Assyrtiko 2024
13.5% alcohol. Intense and lively, with a powerful profile that includes a salty twist balancing the concentrated citrus fruit. Rating: 93/100. -
Douloufakis Dafnios Liatiko 2022
This red wine uses the Dafnes PDO designation and is aged for 12 months in large oak. It’s elegant and textured with sweet red fruit flavors. Rating: 92/100. -
Douloufakis Dafnios Liatiko Grand Reserve 2020
14% alcohol. Crafted from 40-year-old vines, this wine is marked by its earthy notes, spice, and fruitiness, along with a nuanced spicy finish. Rating: 92/100. -
Douloufakis Helios Liatiko 2014
14% alcohol. Grapes undergo a sun-drying process and are then barrel-fermented, resulting in a complex wine rich in flavor and balance. Rating: 94/100.