Severe Hailstorm Devastates Dafnes Vineyards; Harvest in Jeopardy

Saturday, 23 May 2026/Source: CretaOne/1 min read

A severe hailstorm struck the Dafnes area of Heraklion prefecture, causing significant damage to local vineyards. The storm brought intense rainfall and heavy hail within a short period, flattening grape crops and leaving producers in a state of despair over their losses. Dafnes is a well-known wine-producing village located roughly 15 kilometers south of Heraklion city, recognized for its Kotsifali and Mandilaria grape varieties. The damage affects this year's harvest and may reduce availability of local Cretan wines from this region. For visitors planning wine tourism or vineyard visits in the Heraklion hinterland, it is worth contacting estates directly before traveling to confirm they are open and operational. Roads in the area may also have experienced temporary disruption following the storm. No impacts on Heraklion city or coastal tourist areas have been reported.