The Idaia winery was founded in 1998 by the oenologists Calliope Volitaki and Vasilis Laderos: at this moment it consists of some 5 acres of vineyard. Its name derives from the ancient name of Crete (Idaia).

The winery is located at the village of Venerato (18 km from Heraklion), set at an altitude of 305 m, in the heart of the wine region of OPAP Dafnes. Venerato (as is the case for the whole region of Malevizi in which it lies) was famous for its sweet wines, exported throughout the Mediterranean during the times of the Venetian and Ottoman rule.

The calcareous soil, its topography and its particular microclimate have together gifted Malevizi with a special wine-related ‘something’ since Minoan times. The company offers five wine labels: white Idaia Ge (100% Vilana), the red Idaia Ge (60% Kotsifali - 40% Mandilari), the rosé Idaia Ge (Grenache rouge), a red Cabernet sauvignon and a wine named OPAP Dafnes (from sundried Liatiko).

Idaia’s wines have won numerous awards at international contests with Idaia Ge "Vilana" (Dry White Wine) ahead with the most acclamations.