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Exploring the wineries near Athens offers an unparalleled opportunity to delve into the heart of Greece’s illustrious winemaking tradition, a journey that marries the ancient with the contemporary in a landscape steeped in history and natural beauty. Just a stone’s throw from the marvelous Acropolis and Parthenon, these wineries are gateways to experiencing the rich tapestry of Greek culture, where every glass of wine tells a story of time-honored techniques and innovative practices.
Whether you’re a seasoned oenophile or a curious traveler, the wineries near Athens invite you to uncover the secrets of their terroir, meet the passionate vintners, and savor the exquisite flavors of their creations. Amidst the backdrop of rolling vineyards and historical sites, your visit will not only deepen your appreciation for fine wines but also connect you with the spirit of Greece. Let this be the moment you decide to embark on a vinicultural adventure near Athens, where the essence of Greek hospitality and the joy of discovery await at every turn.
The Nemea region
The Nemea wine region, located in the northeastern part of the Peloponnese in Greece, is one of the country’s most important and oldest wine-producing areas. This region is especially renowned for its production of red wines made from the Agiorgitiko grape, which is indigenous to Greece and offers a wide range of styles from soft, fresh wines to more complex, age-worthy reds.
Nemea’s terroir is diverse, with vineyards situated at altitudes ranging from 200 to 800 meters above sea level. This variation in elevation, along with the soil types that include both clay and sandy soils, contributes to the complexity and variety of wines produced in the region. The climate of Nemea is Mediterranean, characterized by mild, wet winters and hot, dry summers, which is conducive to the cultivation of grapes that can produce wines with both power and finesse.
Agiorgitiko, the star grape of Nemea, is known for its deep red color, medium to full body, and aromatic complexity, often presenting aromas of red fruits, spices, and, in more aged examples, hints of chocolate and dried fruits. Wines made from Agiorgitiko can be found in various styles, including fresh and fruity young reds, rosés, and rich, oak-aged reds that demonstrate significant aging potential.The Nemea wine region is also part of a larger cultural and historical landscape, with ancient sites nearby, including the Sanctuary of Zeus at Nemea. The combination of its rich history, beautiful landscapes, and viticultural significance makes Nemea a vital part of Greece’s wine heritage and an attractive destination for wine tourism.
In addition to Agiorgitiko, the region has been experimenting with other grape varieties, both indigenous and international, to expand its portfolio and explore the full potential of its terroir. However, Agiorgitiko remains the emblematic grape that defines the identity of Nemea’s wines.
Domaine Skouras: A Synthesis of Tradition and Innovation
Domaine Skouras is a beacon of winemaking excellence, nestled within the prestigious Nemea appellation in the northeastern Peloponnese. Founded in 1986 by George Skouras, the winery has seamlessly blended traditional Greek winemaking heritage with modern viticultural techniques, setting a benchmark for quality and innovation in the region. With vineyards spread across Nemea, Mantinia, Argolida, and Korinth, Domaine Skouras benefits from a diverse palette of terroirs, each contributing unique characteristics to the wines.
The winery itself, a marvel of Greek architecture, is situated on the outskirts of Argos, a town with a winemaking history stretching back over 3000 years. This choice of location underscores Domaine Skouras’s deep respect for history and its commitment to the ancient art of winemaking. In 2004, the winery expanded to Malandreni, introducing a state-of-the-art facility that harmonizes traditional aesthetics with cutting-edge production methods. Here, visitors can experience the synthesis of classical and contemporary, from the cultivation of flagship grape varieties like Agiorgitiko to the meticulous, hands-on approach to viticulture and winemaking. The portfolio of Domaine Skouras is as diverse as it is exquisite, featuring a wide range of grape varieties including the indigenous Agiorgitiko and Moscofilero, alongside international varieties such as Merlot, Viognier, Chardonnay, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Cabernet Franc. This eclectic mix allows Domaine Skouras to offer a rich selection of wine types, including red, white, rosé, and sweet wines, each reflecting the unique qualities of their origin. The winery’s commitment to excellence is further exemplified by its visitor experiences, which start at 16€ per person, offering a glimpse into the meticulous process of crafting fine wines. Domaine Skouras stands as a testament to the enduring legacy and evolving sophistication of Greek winemaking.
Koroniotis Winery: A Family Legacy Amidst Ancient Vistas
Nestled strategically between the viticultural zones of Nemea and Mantinia, Koroniotis Winery emerges as a distinguished family-run estate, deeply rooted in the rich tapestry of Peloponnese’s winemaking history. This boutique winery, with its panorama views that stretch from Mycenae’s ancient ruins to the shimmering Argolic Gulf and the storied castle of Argos, crafts single-variety wines that are a testament to the authentic Greek style. The Koroniotis family, leveraging the unique climate and the poor, well-drained soils of their vineyards, focuses on producing wines with intense fruit flavors, great concentration, and a harmoniously smooth structure that speaks volumes of their dedication and passion.
The winemaking philosophy at Koroniotis is a blend of tradition and innovation, where French and American oak barrels play a crucial role in the maturation of their wines. Kyriakos Koroniotis, with his profound agricultural and soil-science expertise, ensures that only the finest grapes—Malvasia di Candia Aromatika, Assyrtiko, Moschofilero, Agiorgitiko, Syrah, and Merlot—contribute to the creation of their celebrated red, white, and rosé wines. This meticulous care in vineyard management and winemaking has propelled Koroniotis Winery to international acclaim, securing awards and recognition for their quality wines that flawlessly represent the superior winemaking traditions of the Peloponnese.
At Koroniotis Winery, the commitment to excellence extends beyond the vineyards and cellars. Visitors are invited to immerse themselves in the world of winemaking through tours and tastings starting at 21€, guided by the winemaker himself. This experience is complemented by fantastic food and wine pairings, offering a holistic journey through the flavors and stories that make Koroniotis wines truly special. Here, amidst the ancient landscapes of Greece’s oldest city, Koroniotis Winery stands as a beacon of family heritage, quality winemaking, and the enduring allure of the Peloponnesian wine tradition.
Gaia Wines: Elevating Greek Winemaking to New Heights
Gaia Wines, an emblem of winemaking excellence in Greece, stands proudly in Koutsi, Nemea, a location chosen for its ideal amalgamation of chalky soils with excellent drainage and the cool temperatures offered by its 550m altitude. Since its establishment in 1997, Gaia Wines has become synonymous with high-quality, award-winning wines, boasting over 150 international awards. This acclaim is a testament to the winery’s commitment to excellence and its ability to harness the potential of the Agiorgitiko grape variety, producing wines that are not only a reflection of the unique terroir of Koutsi but also embody the essence of Greek winemaking tradition.
The founders, Yiannis Paraskevopoulos and Leon Karatsalos, alongside their experienced team, manage every aspect of the winemaking process with meticulous attention to detail and a single-minded focus on quality. The winery’s state-of-the-art facilities, equipped to handle 3,060 hl of wine, adhere to the international standards of ISO 22.000, ensuring that every bottle of Gaia Wine meets the highest quality standards. The winery’s portfolio, including red, white, rosé, orange, sweet wines, and a variety of grape types such as Syrah, Assyrtiko, Moschofilero, Roditis, alongside the flagship Agiorgitiko, reflects Gaia’s dedication to showcasing the diversity and richness of Greek viticulture.
Visitors to Gaia Wines are treated to more than just a tasting; they are invited on a journey through the scenic beauty of Nemea’s valley, where the panoramic views serve as a breathtaking backdrop to an unforgettable wine experience. This, coupled with the winery’s impressive array of wines, each telling its own story of the land from which it originates, makes Gaia Wines a must-visit destination for anyone looking to immerse themselves in the world of Greek winemaking at its finest.
