13th Wine Competition in Moni, Malevizi – 2026

Author Discover Crete

Gastronomy

Envato


The Municipality of Malevizi, the Region of Crete and the Cultural Association of Moni invite the public to the 13th Wine Competition, taking place on Sunday, 1 November 2026, at 12:30 pm, in Moni, Malevizi.

The competition is dedicated to wines from this year's harvest, offering amateur winemakers the opportunity to showcase their work, share their passion for winemaking and celebrate the rich tradition of Cretan viticulture.

Competition Categories

Entries will compete in three categories:

  • White Wine
  • Rosé Wine
  • Red Wine

Sample Submission Deadline: Saturday, 31 October 2026, at 8:00 pm.

Quantity: Each entry must include two glass bottles.

Information and Registration: 6972012757.

Wine Tasting and Judging Panel

The wines will be evaluated by a panel of experts with experience in wine and gastronomy:

  • Stella Astyrakaki – Sommelier and Panel Coordinator
  • Katerina Maniadaki – Sommelier, with experience in wine sales and the food service industry
  • Anna Maria Gavala – Sommelier, Fragospito Bio Winery
  • Alexandros Charazas – Sommelier, with 23 years of experience in the food service industry
  • Vangelis Kakoudakis – Wine journalist with many years of experience

As part of the event, renowned oenologist Giannis Charkoutsis will give a talk entitled "Solutions to Problems in Traditional Winemaking", addressing challenges faced by producers and issues related to the winemaking process.

Cretan Flavours, Tradition and Live Music

Cretan hospitality and tradition will take centre stage, as the women of the village prepare traditional moustalevria, a grape must pudding that will be offered to everyone attending.

The event will also feature live traditional Cretan music performed by:

  • Stefanos Messaritakis – Lyra and vocals
  • Dimitris Apostolakis – Laouto and vocals
  • Antonis Apostolakis – Laouto
  • Giannis Gonianos – Mandolin

The 13th Wine Competition in Moni promises to be a celebration of wine, the people who produce it and Cretan tradition, bringing together gastronomy, winemaking knowledge, music and warm local hospitality.