Heraklio covers a range of different winemaking styles and permitted grape varieties from the vineyards surrounding the Heraklion district of central and northern Crete. Red wines are often produced using the indigenous Kotsifali grape.
Located in the Heraklion district of Crete, Peza was officially recognised in 1971 for its red wines from the Mandilaria grape. Later on, in 1982, white wines made with Vilana were deemed of sufficient quality to carry Peza on the label.
Located in the district of Lasithi on the island of Crete, Sitia was created in 1971 as production zone for red wines, notably from the Liatiko grape. In 1998 white wines were permitted to be made under the appellation and today are made with a majority of Vilana and blended with Thrapsathiri. Production is unfortunately quite low and only a couple of wineries operate in the area.
