Nature-positive economy: tasting day with Cretan PDO–PGI–GI products

Citizens from Heraklion in Crete will have the opportunity to take part in a free guided tour of the vineyards and winery of the Lyrarakis Estate, where they will discover how innovative practices in the wine sector can support economic development while also protecting the environment and the health of soils and plants.

During the visit, keynote speakers from the Directorate-General for Quality Assurance of Agricultural Products of ELGO-DIMITRA will explain the conditions under which products are classified as PDO, PGI or GI, and how these quality labels reflect the uniqueness and high standards of Cretan agricultural production. Participants will also gain insight into how such certification systems support both rural development and consumer awareness.

The programme includes a tasting of wines from the Lyrarakis Estate, paired with Cretan PDO, PGI and GI-certified products, offering participants an experience of local gastronomy in the rural landscape of Crete.

The event aims to connect urban residents of Heraklion with the rural areas located just a few kilometres from the city, strengthen awareness of certified local products, encourage informed consumer choices in favour of local production over imports, and demonstrate how innovation in agriculture can go hand in hand with environmental protection through sustainable vineyard management practices.