Pet Nat Bily from Garakis Winery is the definition of “thinking outside the box.” While everyone else is crafting deeply tannic reds or gastronomic rosés in an effort to tame the firm tannins of Mandilaria, the winery team decided to transform the variety into a playful, fruit‑packed red sparkling wine that needs nothing beside it—other than your good mood.

The family‑run Garakis Winery is located within the PDO Peza zone of Crete, where they cultivate traditional Greek varieties of the Cretan vineyard, as well as Syrah, which now feels almost a local. The family’s involvement with viticulture began with the grandfather of the current generation, and 25 years ago Manolis Garakis founded the family distillery. In 2022, the new generation—Giorgos and Drakos—decided to bottle their own wines, giving fresh energy to the family business.

For Pet Nat Bily Garakis Winery, the grapes come from a vineyard at 600 meters altitude. In the winery, they begin with a classic red‑wine vinification: fermentation starts in stainless steel tanks, with gentle extraction for six days, just enough to capture the deep color of the variety while avoiding harsh tannins. Once the desired result is achieved, the wine is bottled so that fermentation can finish inside the bottle. After fermentation, it rests on its lees for five months before disgorgement and the final closure with its signature crown cap.

Dedicated to Vasilis (Bily), the winery’s beloved cat‑mascot, Pet Nat Bily Garakis Winery is the most fun and enjoyable Mandilaria we’ve tasted lately—and it easily earns a spot on the list of wines we’ll be drinking obsessively all summer long.

Once you try it, we’re certain it will be on your list too.