The vineyards of Peza

The vineyards of Peza stretch sinuously on hilly terrain of varying inclines and exposures around the plain of Peza, in Heraklion district, at altitudes of up to 2,300 feet. Here, the red varieties of Kotsifali and Mandilaria are cultivated in deep calcareous soil. The vineyards of Peza are best known, however, for the production of whites from the local Vilana variety. It is mainly cultivated in the plain around the village of Peza but the vvineyards at higher altitudes, where ripening is more slow and gentle, yield more aromatic wines. The area, with its modern, linear plantings, has the fastest pace of growth among Crete’s vine growing areas.