The Nikos Kazantzakis Museum, marking 80 years since the publication of the iconic novel “Zorba the Greek” (“The Life and Times of Alexis Zorbas”), has announced the creation of a collector’s wine, as part of the initiative “Crete, European Region of Gastronomy 2026.” This effort, supported by the Region of Crete, blends culture, gastronomy, and creativity while honoring both Nikos Kazantzakis and the global symbol of vitality, freedom, and authenticity—Zorbas.
During a related press conference at the Region of Crete, participants included:
Andreas Metaxas, President of the Museum’s Board of Directors
Marilena Milathianaki, Director of the Museum
Irini Choudetsanaki, President of the Region of Crete’s Agri-Food Partnership
Stelios Roussochatzakis, the Museum’s coordinator for the competition
The goal, as highlighted, is not simply to produce a good wine, but to engage in a creative process that captures Zorbas’ restless spirit—his multifaceted, unconventional, and vibrant character as portrayed by Kazantzakis. To this end, a research team at the Museum studied excerpts from the novel, identifying core traits of the hero, which participating wineries are now challenged to express through their wines.
The competition is open to wineries across Crete, with applications accepted from September 22 to October 10, 2025. Wine samples must be submitted between mid-December 2025 and mid-January 2026. A public blind tasting will follow, judged by a prestigious panel of international wine experts:
Konstantinos Lazarakis MW
Apostolos Plachouras DipWSET
Yro Koliakoudaki DipWSET
Mondher Bouzayen, French professor and wine collector
The official presentation of the commemorative wine will take place on February 7, 2026, during the Wine and Culture Festival. The label will be designed by an artist selected by the Museum. Director Milathianaki noted that “wine was among the simple and humble things Kazantzakis associated with happiness,” while the anniversary celebrations will culminate in the “ZORBAS” Festival, honoring the character who has come to symbolize optimism and resilience.
Agri-Food Partnership President Irini Choudetsanaki emphasized that this is an initiative that connects Crete’s vineyards with the island’s cultural heritage, strengthening the visibility of local products. Similarly, the Museum’s technical advisor Nikos Miliarakis stated that “wine is culture” and called on the winemaking community of Crete to embrace the initiative.
Finally, Apostolos Plachouras, a member of the jury, described the competition as a “fascinating yet demanding challenge,” expressing hope that the chosen wine will embody Zorbas, not just portray him.
The expression of interest period for receiving informational material runs from July 23 to September 19, 2025. Interested parties can contact info@kazantzaki.gr or call the Museum directly.
