Domaine Porto Carras enters a new era of development, aspiring to leave its own mark in enhancing wine tourism with sustainability practices.
Following the recent presentation of the investment program in Thessaloniki, Domaine Porto Carras organized a corresponding event in a well-known hotel in Athens, where distinguished wine journalists and professionals from the fields of trade, catering and hospitality were present.
The President and CEO, Sergei Smirnov, presented to the attendees the main actions of the ambitious investment program, amounting to 4 million euros, which focuses on the modernization of the facilities, the strengthening of wine tourism and sustainable development. The program is expected to be completed by the end of 2025.
Regarding the modernization of the winery, Mr. Smirnov referred to the purchase of new state-of-the-art equipment, such as grape picking and sorting machines, a new press, and further upgrading of the winery’s existing facilities.
To boost wine tourism, he focused on the upcoming upgrade of the “Melissanthi” tasting room and the guided tours program, with the creation of visiting points in the vineyards, thus enriching the experience of the visitors.
The main objective of the investment program is green growth and sustainability. As the President of the Domaine Porto Carras pointed out: “the investment in equipment and the upgrading of the facilities with a view to sustainability and environmental protection, will be carried out in the context of the commitment to adopt sustainable practices”, announcing the purchase of the first electric pick-up car registered in Greece.
In regards to the management of the vineyards in response to climate change, he quoted: “Recognizing the challenges of climate change, Domaine Porto Carras is currently conducting a study on the installation of precision irrigation systems, with the aim of sustainable management of water resources.” The study, in collaboration with consultants with international experience, examines solutions for water collection, with a zero environmental footprint. The group of consultants participating in the upgrade of the estate consists of the professor of the Viticulture Laboratory of the AUTH(Aristotle University of Thessaloniki), Stefanos Koundouras, for matters related to the vineyard and the professor of Oenology of the Agricultural University of Athens, Georgios Kotseridis, for matters concerning the winery.
Relating to the penetration of the historical estate into the markets, he underlined that he considers the reduction of labels imperative, noting that “the number of available labels has already decreased, focusing on the most historic and those that are particularly recognizable, while at the same time the annual production, through the expansion of the vineyard, it is expected to increase greatly”.
During the event, a special reference was made to Giannis Carras, founder of the estate, for his vision and passion to create a singular gastronomic destination. Moreover, the contribution of important collaborators that he selected from the very beginning of the creation of the estate in the early 1960s was recognized, such as Émile Peynaud, who is considered the father of modern oenology and the architect Walter Gropius, one of the creators of the Bauhaus school, who undertook the design of the winery.
After the presentation, there was a tasting of Domaine Porto Carras’ most iconic labels, presented by DipWSET wine journalist Stefanos Kogias, followed by dinner accompanied by the estate´s wines.
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