Idaia Winery is a family-owned estate located in Venerato, Crete, within the PDO Dafnes zone. Founded by oenologists Vassilis Laderos and Kalliopi Volitaki, the winery focuses on expressing Crete’s indigenous grape varieties through careful viticulture and precise, terroir-driven winemaking.

Idaia Winery was established by oenologists Vassilis Laderos and Kalliopi Volitaki, combining scientific training with a strong connection to Cretan wine heritage. From its early stages, the winery focused on local grape varieties and the diversity of Crete’s vineyard sites, working closely with growers to secure fruit from well-suited parcels.

Over time, Idaia developed into an internationally recognised producer, known for wines that balance clarity, freshness, and regional identity, while maintaining deep ties to local viticulture.

The winery is based in Venerato, in central Crete, within the historic PDO Dafnes zone. The region features a Mediterranean climate with warm summers and cooling influences from elevation and surrounding terrain, supporting steady ripening and the retention of natural acidity.

Idaia works with a mix of estate and grower-managed vineyards, selecting sites that highlight the strengths of each indigenous variety and deliver consistent quality year after year.

  • Vidiano
  • Liatiko
  • Kotsifali
  • Mandilaria
  • Other indigenous Cretan varieties

Idaia Winery is a family-owned estate located in Venerato, Crete, within the PDO Dafnes zone. Founded by oenologists Vassilis Laderos and Kalliopi Volitaki, the winery focuses on expressing Crete’s indigenous grape varieties through careful viticulture and precise, terroir-driven winemaking.