Greek wineries from 1980 onwards inaugurated a new production era of high quality wines, while emphasizing special wine-tourism experiences.
Greece allots one of the longest stories in terms of wine production and the art of consumption. Wine is associated with the history of human civilization as a motivation for travel, getting to know it.
Τhe country, according to National Interprofessional Organization of Vine and Wine(EDOAO), acquires altogether 34 Protected Designations of Origin (PDO) and more than 100 Protected Geographical Indications (PGI).
Greek winemakers, with passion and solicitude, channel their know-how using modern tactics for the cultivation of the vine, doing their bit in the progression of a long tradition.
The vineyards and Greek wineries specifically, being extremely attractive destinations due to the mild, sweet climate but also breathtaking landscape, bringing wine lovers in contact with the cultivation of the land, the aromatic characteristics and the flavors of the varieties.
Wine tourism composes the framework of a complete travel experience.
Apart from wine-tasting itself, what wins over a visitor is a whole set of experiences complementing each other. These are a winery’s architecture and history, local delicacies, natural environment and of course people themselves, standing not only vigilant guards of tradition and quality but also ensuring the preference of the buying public.
In this article, we have singled out 4 Greek wineries offering astounding wine-tourism experiences.
Katogi Averoff
Starting in the late 1950s, Katogi Averoff remains profoundly connected with its founder Evangelos Averoff, Metsovo and the people, who work in the production of wine.
Katogi Averoff finds inspiration in life and people. In vines, which flourish under difficult conditions, in bears and birds, their companions in the Metsovo vineyards and in people, who tame all the adversities to create.
It is inspired by all that fascinates the senses, liberates the mind and soul, everything that transforms their winemaking pursuit into a genuine state of mind.
Nowadays, Katogi Averoff, under the administration of Alexandros Ioannou, grandson of Evangelos Averoff, continues to grow.
New vineyards were planted in the Metsovo region, focused on reviving the indigenous varieties of the region and developing wine tourism.
Continuing the vision of the founder Evangelos Averoff, Katogi Averoff outlines the course “with reason and dream”, focusing on the new generation.
It launches an innovative and pioneering educational program with the purpose of getting young visitors excited about the vineyard and wine as well as introducing them to the world of winemaking through science experiments.
Papagiannakos Estate
The Papagiannakos winery is situated in Mesogaia, Attica, the blessed land of the famed Attica Vine. A soil with perfect ingredients and an ideal environment for the cultivation of wines.
This is one of the first Greek wineries designed and built according to innovative bioclimatic standards, clearly marking a new era.
Set among vines, the site on which Papagiannakos Estate has been built is that of an old monastery. It is located in the heart of the plain of the Attican vineyards.
It was at the beginning of the last century, in 1919, that the first generation Papagiannakos field the very first barrel.
From that moment through loving care and with the inherited wisdom of ancient winemaking traditions, the Papagiannakos family rapidly gains respect and renown for the fine quality of wine they produce.
The third generation of Papagiannakos family is the creator of a magnificent new winery.
It has been designed to be completely compatible to the essence of the product and friendly to the environment according to innovative methods of bioclimatic architecture and engineering adopted.
This new Papagiannakos Estate and its wine cellars are open to the public and various events of both business and private nature are carried out on its premises, with an aim to initiating the public ever more to the magic process of wine production.
Mercouri Estate
Mercouri Estate is located in the Western Peloponnese, in Korakochori, near Katakolo (2km), Pyrgos (12km) and Ancient Olympia (32km) with a total area of about 90 acres.
The area’s soil and climatic conditions are particularly suitable for the production of quality red wines.
It is an old, large farm, with a history of 140 years in the production of wine, olive oil and formerly Corinthian raisins.
It belongs to the Mercouri family, with roots from Epirus and the Peloponnese, a family with various interests but also a special love for the land.
The foundation of the estate dates back to the year 1864, when Theodoros Mercouris, a cosmopolitan and a very capable businessman with operations in Northern Italy and mainly in Alexandria, Egypt, bought from the concession of national lands the areas that later became the Mercouri Estate.
Kourtis Winery
At the end of the 1990s, the Kourtis family, originally from Rachi, Pieria, planted their first vineyard with the aim of engaging professionally in the cultivation of the vineyard and the production of wine.
Rachi is a traditional settlement that borders in places with special historical and archaeological significance for the entire country.
The professional vinification of Kourtis winery starts in 2006, when they found out that the result was unexpectedly good, motivating them to be involved in an unprecedented and interesting adventure…
In that year, Kourtis winery was created, with modern facilities and oenological equipment marking the beginning of systematic wine aging with the intention of maturing red wines in oak barrels.
In addition, a tasting area has been created, offered to groups wishing to taste wines accompanied by traditional delicacies, prepared by family members, enabling them to indulge in once-in-a-lifetime wine tourism experiences.
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