Boutari Winery is built outside the village of Skalani in Fantaxometocho estate, only 8 km far from the center of the city of Heraklion and 4 km from the archaeological site of Knossos; it is the jewel of the wine-growing zone of Archanes.

Fantaxometocho estate, or “Haunted farm”, owes its name to the efforts of its former owner to save it from pirate raids by spreading rumors that the estate was inhabited by ghosts.

The planting of the vineyard began by Boutari Winery in 1990. Boutari Winery’s main goal for this specific vineyard was to lay the foundation for further recognition of the Cretan wine worldwide, through the production of high quality wines. In an area famous for its ecosystem but also for its tradition in viticulture, it has managed until now to make known the potential of the local varieties and – through important distinctions – to promote the Cretan vineyard to the general public.

The privately owned Boutari vineyard is located at an altitude which begins from 170 meters and reaches 215 meters, on an area of 66,000 sq. m. Thanks to the well-studied selection of the location on the northern side of the hill, the vineyard is protected from Livas, the hot southwest wind of the summer, whereas it receives the cool meltemi winds from the Cretan sea. The soil is clayey, calcareous and well drained.

The varietal composition of the vineyard contains local varieties such as Vidiano, Malvazia Aromatica, Assyrtiko, Athiri, Kotsifali and Moschato Spinas, as well as international varieties like Chardonnay and Syrah.*

The winery is open to the public and it offers guided tours as well as organized wine tasting sessions.

In the spring of 2015, Boutari winery concluded a partnership contract with Aria Hotels and created the Skalani Hills Boutari Winery and Residences, three luxurious residences surrounded by 70,000 sq. m. of vineyards and olive trees, accommodated in the old Metochi (farm), with great respect for the surrounding area of the estate.

(*) Reds: Kotsifali, Mandilaria, Liatiko, Romeiko, Ladikino, Syrah, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon. Whites: Chardonnay, Vilana, Malvazia Aromatica, Dafni, Plyto, Moschato Spinas, Sylvaner.