2024 Paterianakis Vidiano, Crete, P.G.I., Greece

Vidiano is one of the great undiscovered white grapes of the Mediterranean — an indigenous Cretan variety with a history stretching back to antiquity, nearly lost to obscurity before a new generation of passionate Greek winemakers began reviving it. At the forefront of that revival is Domaine Paterianakis, a family estate in the Peza region of central Crete founded in 1988 and now led by third-generation sisters Emmanouela and Niki Paterianaki. Emmanouela serves as chief oenologist and director, having studied oenology and beverage technology before returning home to guide the estate’s organic winemaking program. Niki, a chemical engineer, manages laboratory operations and hospitality. Together, they have transformed Domaine Paterianakis into one of Crete’s pioneering organic wineries — dedicated to reviving indigenous Cretan varieties, farming with integrity, and producing wines that express what Crete’s volcanic soils, Mediterranean climate, and ancient vine heritage can genuinely offer.

The 2024 Vidiano is the expression of that dedication in its purest form: bright straw yellow with green highlights, expressive aromas of apricot, peach, honeycomb, and chamomile layered with subtle citrus and herbal notes. The palate is creamy yet vibrant — ripe stone fruit balanced by refreshing acidity and gentle mineral tension. Textured, elegant, long, and smooth, finishing with lingering orchard fruit and delicate Mediterranean herbal tones. A Spring and Summer Club selection and one of the most compelling and genuinely surprising white wines in the entire collection at $22.

Wine Details & Tasting Notes

Tasting Notes: Bright straw yellow with green highlights. Expressive aromas of apricot, peach, honeycomb, and chamomile with subtle citrus and herbal notes. Creamy yet vibrant on the palate — ripe stone fruit balanced by refreshing acidity and gentle mineral tension. Long, smooth finish with lingering orchard fruit and delicate Mediterranean herbal tones.

• Origin – Peza region, Crete, P.G.I., Greece (central Crete; Mediterranean climate; family estate est. 1988)
• Producer – Domaine Paterianakis; third-generation family estate; Emmanouela Paterianaki (chief oenologist & director) and Niki Paterianaki (chemical engineer; laboratory & hospitality); pioneering organic winery; dedicated to reviving indigenous Cretan grape varieties
• Varietal – Vidiano (100%; indigenous Cretan white grape)
• Farming – Organic
• Style – Dry white wine (organic; creamy; mineral-driven; aromatic)
• ABV – 12.8%

About Vidiano

Vidiano is an ancient indigenous white grape variety native to Crete — documented in historical records dating back centuries but nearly extinct by the late 20th century as international varieties displaced traditional Cretan viticulture. Over the past two decades, a dedicated group of Cretan winemakers has worked to revive and showcase Vidiano, and the results have been extraordinary: a grape capable of producing wines of remarkable aromatic complexity, stone fruit richness, creamy texture, and Mediterranean herbal character that simply cannot be replicated anywhere else in the world. If you’ve never tried Vidiano, this $22 bottle from Domaine Paterianakis is the perfect introduction.

Food Pairing

The apricot, peach, honeycomb, chamomile, and mineral-driven freshness of this Cretan Vidiano make it a natural and beautiful companion for Mediterranean and seafood-forward cuisine. Pairs beautifully with grilled octopus, fresh shrimp, and pan-seared sea bass — the stone fruit richness and acidity mirror the flavors of the Aegean sea exquisitely. The creamy texture and herbal notes make it a wonderful companion for spanakopita, roasted chicken with lemon and herbs, and risotto with spring vegetables. Also excellent alongside soft goat cheeses, aged graviera, and a well-curated mezze board. A natural for summer BBQs, picnics, warm-weather entertaining, and any dinner table where the conversation turns to “wait, what is this grape?” Serve at 46–50°F.

Occasion

This is your go-to Cretan white — the bottle for Shades of Vino Club selections, summer entertaining, adventurous gifting, and sharing with the wine enthusiast who has already explored France, Italy, and Spain and is ready to discover what Greece’s oldest wine island has been quietly perfecting for centuries. A third-generation family estate, organic farming, and a grape variety that nearly disappeared — all in one $22 bottle that earns every penny.

Wine Producer / Historical Notes

Domaine Paterianakis was founded in 1988 by the Paterianaki family in the Peza region of central Crete — one of the island’s most important wine-producing zones. Now in its third generation, the estate is led by sisters Emmanouela and Niki Paterianaki. Emmanouela, the estate’s chief oenologist and director, studied oenology and beverage technology before returning home to Crete to guide the winery’s organic program and lead its commitment to indigenous variety revival. Niki, a chemical engineer, manages laboratory operations and hospitality. Together they have built Domaine Paterianakis into one of Crete’s most respected and pioneering organic estates — a winery that looks forward by looking back, farming with integrity and producing wines that honor the ancient viticultural heritage of the Mediterranean’s oldest wine island.

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