Melmar Winery

Wine from the south of the island

Melmar is hidden among the olive groves of Dafnes, a small village on the road to Pachia Ammos. It was founded in 2013 and released its first wine, called Saos, in 2014. A young oenologist from Crete runs the winemaking in a modern cellar at the top of a steep drive through the vines.

The wines

• Mistiko Monopati, "the hidden path": a Syrah that won gold at the Thessaloniki International Wine and Spirits Competition in 2018 and 2020, and a white from the Greek Malagousia grape.
• Adyton: a white Assyrtiko (also in a version aged twelve months in oak), a rosé from the Thracian Mavroudi grape and a red blend of Mavroudi and Syrah.

The wines are dry, around 12 to 14 percent. The island's young vineyards are still coming into full production, so part of the grapes come from elsewhere in Thrace. You will also find Melmar wines in tavernas and cafés around the island.

Visiting

From Kamariotissa take the road towards Pachia Ammos through Lakoma. As you leave Dafnes, watch for an unsigned turn on the right that drops through an olive grove to the gate. The winery is usually open 10:00 to 14:00 and 17:00 to 20:00; call ahead. Tastings have been free, and you can buy the wines you like at the end of the visit.