Amyntaio Wine Trip 2018

A Journey Through Greece’s Hidden Gastronomic Gem

In the spring of 2018, we embarked on an unforgettable wine trip to Western Macedonia, a region we consider one of the best—if not the best—gastro-wine destinations in Greece. What unfolded was a journey that blended history, winemaking excellence, fine dining, and breathtaking landscapes, making Western Macedonia a must-visit for every wine and food enthusiast.

Our journey began in Athens, heading north into mainland Greece. The first stop was the acclaimed La Tour Mellas Winery, where Kyros Mellas himself welcomed us. He shared the fascinating story of how a bet in Switzerland led to the creation of one of Greece’s most iconic wine ventures. This set the tone for the incredible experiences that followed.

Before reaching Western Macedonia, we paused in Litochoro, at the foot of Mt. Olympus. At the renowned Gastrodromio in Olympus, Chef Andreas Gavris treated us to a modern take on local cuisine. The meal was beautifully paired with an extensive wine collection, offering a perfect balance of gastronomy and Greek terroir.

Late that evening, we arrived in the enchanting village of Nymfaio, perched at 1,350 meters. Known not only for its scenic beauty but also for its commitment to wildlife protection through the non-profit organization Arktouros, Nymfaio quickly became a highlight of the trip.

The next day began at Domaine Karanika, a biodynamic winery dedicated to producing sparkling wines from the indigenous Xinomavro grape using the traditional Champagne method. From there, we continued to the prestigious Alpha Estate, followed by a more traditional visit to Dimopoulos Estate.

Xinomavro, with its signature tomato-leaf aromas, high acidity, and aging potential, revealed itself as the noble grape of Western Macedonia. Along the way, we indulged in unforgettable meals: lunch at Kontossoros Restaurant in Xino Nero and dinner at Thomas Tavern in Sklithro, both celebrated for their wine lists featuring rare and old vintages.

Our final day took us to Naoussa, the historic PDO region of Xinomavro. With more than 18 wineries in the area, we selected three to showcase the diversity of winemaking traditions:

• Argatia Winery: Led by agronomist Haroula Spinthiropoulou, a pioneer in clonal selection of grape cultivars.
• Domaine Dalamara: A family estate where Kostas continues a six-generation legacy dating back to 1840.
• Ktima Kir-Yianni: Founded by Yiannis Boutaris in Yianakohori, this modern winery combines cutting-edge technology with heritage winemaking.

At Ktima Kir-Yianni, we organized a Naoussa PDO Masterclass, bringing together producers from across the region. Each vintner presented a label, sparking conversations on terroir, style, and technique. The day ended with a memorable BBQ featuring rare, large-format bottles from the estate’s cellar.

When people ask me about wine tourism in Greece, Western Macedonia is always top in my mind. The region offers:

• Authentic winemaking rooted in history and respect for nature.
• World-class gastronomy, from fine dining to rustic taverns.
• Cultural and historical richness dating back to antiquity.
• Hospitality and collaboration, with vintners working together to promote the region.

Western Macedonia is more than a wine destination—it’s a holistic experience where wine, food, nature, and tradition intertwine.