Toplou Monastery Winery
Intro
Toplou Monastery is today not only a religious and cultural monument but also a unique wine tourism destination.
Estate
Toplou Monastery dates back to the 15th century and is located in eastern Crete, near Sitia and Vai Beach. In the 1990s, Abbot Philotheos revived the monastery's winemaking activities.
Vineyards
The vineyards are cultivated using organic practices, without the use of chemicals. White varieties: Thrapsathiri, Vilana. Red varieties: Liatiko, Mandilari. International varieties: Syrah, Merlot–Syrah blends. Production includes white, red, rosé, sweet wines from sun-dried grapes, tsikoudia, olive oil, and honey.
Tourism
The tasting room is housed in a renovated old olive mill. Sampling of organic wines, tsikoudia, olive oil. Accompanied by traditional meze. Tasting prices: from €2.50 to €20. Opening hours: daily 10:00–18:00. The monastery has a museum with a collection of Byzantine icons and historical relics, as well as a shop with local products.
Summary
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