The vineyards of Crete are planted on the northern part of the island, protected from the warm African winds by the mountains that crisscross the island from east to west. The unique Cretan ecosystem provides the ideal environment for the production of wine. The most popular grapes are Vilana, Kotsifali, Mandelaria and Liatico as well as Chardonnay, Syrah and the hard to find Plyto, Dafni and Thrapsathiri varieties.