PLOIGOS

PLOIGOS AND ITER VITIS

Educational Development Company Ploigos & ITER VITIS

Crete Through Its Vineyards and Wines Since 2023, the Educational Development Company Ploigos has been part of the ITER VITIS Cultural Route of the Council of Europe — a journey that celebrates the deep-rooted traditions of wine and vine cultivation across Europe. Through this involvement, local production, gastronomy, tourism, and culture are brought together, shaping a unified narrative of quality, sustainability, and authentic identity.

Crete, with one of the oldest vineyards in Europe — tracing back to 7300 BC — carries a legacy where vine cultivation has flourished since the Minoan civilization, as evidenced by plant remains found in Knossos dating to 4900 BC. From antiquity to the present day, wine has been woven into the fabric of daily life, celebrations, and hospitality. Today, native grape varieties and centuries-old techniques meet modern winemaking innovations and global influences, creating a dynamic and distinctive wine culture.

Through educational and cultural initiatives, collaborations, and the exchange of good practices, Ploigos is committed to documenting and showcasing this unique oenological heritage, drawing from both local knowledge and international expertise. As part of this effort, Ploigos has signed a Cooperation Agreement with the Association of the Most Beautiful Villages of Tuscany, and participates actively in initiatives such as the International Social Tourism Organization (ISTO), the Mediterranean Agri-Food Competence Center, and the Council of Europe's Cultural Route of Ceramics. It has also established a cooperation protocol with the Saboris Antigus network, uniting nine municipalities in Sardinia, among other valued partnerships.

Through its participation in ITER VITIS, Ploigos aspires to nurture a living wine culture in Crete — one that honors tradition, embraces innovation, and speaks to the evolving desires of today’s travelers and wine lovers.