Messaras valley in Central Crete is not only a home to some of the best Cretan wines but a cradle for the world-famous myths – a myth of about abduction of Europe and a myth of the Minotaur and Labyrinth. 

Whirlwind mountain road takes us down to ancient Gortyn – where according to the legend  Zeus abducted princess Europa in a form of white bull and  their union took place. Gortyn - the former Crete’s Roman capital, an archeological site nowadays, alongside number of ancient temples, is also known for its oldest Christian church on Crete and its unique code of law. 

Exotic-sounding vilana, kostifali, vidiano are only some of the Cretan indigenous grape varieties. Wine making in Crete can be traced down to antiquity and quite few Cretan winemakers have managed to produce excellent, award-winning wines. On of them – the renowned family-owned winery where we will enjoy the winetasting and learning the wine production and lunch in a truly authentic small family-owned village tavern. 

​Later we will see the Labyrinth where the legend says is the very same labyrinth of the Minotaur – half man, half bull. Minoan King Minos asked Deadalus to build a prison for the beast, to be hidden. So, he made a Labyrinth. Nowadays, the visitors can have a glimpse of the cave and well imagine the maze of labyrinth through the guide’s story.