The future of viticulture and wine production in Crete, from safeguarding the island’s unique grapevine biodiversity to advancing cutting-edge technologies that ensure the quality and authenticity of its wines, took center stage at the conference titled “Universities of Excellence | Development of Innovation and Entrepreneurship Centers – Research and Technological Innovations in the Viticulture and Enology Sector.” The event was held on February 13, 2026, at Voutes Campus in Heraklion.

Organized by the University of Crete, the initiative underscored the strategic role of higher education institutions as catalysts for research excellence, technological advancement, and regional transformation. At its core was the presentation of the University’s Experimental and Visitor-Accessible Vineyard “Dafnes,” a pioneering infrastructure designed to function simultaneously as a research laboratory, an educational hub, and a living bridge between academia and the productive sector.

The Dafnes Vineyard has been designed and is being implemented within the framework of the “Universities of Excellence” project, a flagship funding program supported by Greece’s Recovery and Resilience Fund and carried out under the supervision of the Ministry of Education, Religious Affairs and Sports. The project reflects a forward-looking investment in knowledge ecosystems that integrate scientific rigor, innovation, and entrepreneurship, which make the key pillars for the sustainable future of agricultural production.

Developed on agricultural land bequeathed by M. Manasakis, the vineyard exemplifies how philanthropic legacy can be transformed into long-term value for education, research, and local development. By leveraging this significant donation, the University advances a model in which scientific inquiry and local production are not parallel paths but interconnected forces.

Through the preservation and systematic study of indigenous grape varieties, the application of precision viticulture technologies, and the development of tools that enhance traceability and authenticity, the initiative contributes directly to strengthening Crete’s wine identity in international markets. At the same time, it fosters meaningful collaboration with local producers, empowering them with research-driven insights and technological solutions that enhance competitiveness while safeguarding environmental sustainability.

By aligning academic research with entrepreneurial development and regional needs, the University of Crete positions the island at the forefront of sustainable viticulture and enology, shaping a resilient, knowledge-based future for research, innovation, and productive engagement in Crete.