The first important sub-region is the plain in Mesogeia, which extends south of Mount Penteli and east of Athens. Mesogeia is the warmest of the three sub- regions, with the coastal vineyards cooled by the sea breeze. Almost half of the region’s vineyards are arid, resulting in vines being at risk from prolonged drought, especially during hot years.
The dominant variety is Savatiano, which reaches a deep maturity easily. Mesogeia is considered the most important and historic vineyard of Attica, with several old ‘cup-shaped’ trained vineyards. The transfer of the Athens International Airport to Spata and the creation of the Attica highway made access much faster and easier on the one hand, but on the other hand led to infrastructural changes in the area, which resulted in many historic vineyards either being lost or swallowed up by a new suburban landscape.
Apart from Savatiano, in the area we find Malagouzia, Assyrtiko and Roditis, with the PGI Markopoulo, Pallini, Spata and Anavissos referring exclusively to firm white wines. In Mesogeia there are also several PGIs dedicated exclusively to Retsina. These are the PGI Retsina Koropi, Markopoulo, Spata, Peania, Pallini and Pikermi.
Wineries South-East Attica (Mesogeia)
Anastasia Fragou
The winery was created in 1985 by Konstantinos Fragos and in 1999 his daughter Anastasia and her husband Dionisis took the reins. They upgraded the machinery, expanded the buildings, constructed cellars to store the barrels in and restructured the vineyards. The first bottling took place in 2002 with white Savatiano and red Agiorgitiko. Currently, 14 hectares of privately owned vineyards are cultivated, and there are also partnerships with local vine growers. The 8 hectares planted with Savatiano were planted at the end of the 1950s and are spread throughout Spata, Pikermi and Rafina.
In a single vineyard in the area of Pikermi, in an area of 4 hectares, the varieties of Agiorgitiko, Merlot, Syrah and Malagouzia have been planted. After the devastating forest fire in Mati in 2018, the tasting area of winery was destroyed. The area is being restored and works on the site will be completed by the summer of 2023. The winery produces single varietal labels of Savatiano, Malagouzia, Assyrtiko and Agiorgitiko, as well as “Heart” which is a blend of Savatiano and Malagouzia, “Soul” made from Merlot and Agiorgitiko, and the aromatic Retsina made from 100% Savatiano. All are labeled as PGI Attica.
Address: Marathon Avenue and Makedonomachon, 19 009 Rafina, Attica, Attica.
Tel: +30 22940 32508
www.fragouwines.gr
Email: info@fragouwines.gr
Papagiannakos Estate
The winemaking history of the Papagiannakos family roots back to the beginning of the 20th century. Vassilis Papagiannakos was one of the first Greek winemakers who believed in and developed the potential and qualities of the Savatiano grape. The bioclimatic winery is open to visitors and is located near the “Eleftherios Venizelos” International Airport. The winery produces a range of Savatiano wines such as the “old vineyard” label, which comes from vines that are over 50 years old, the “Single Vineyard Vientzi” label, a Savatiano fermented with indigenous yeasts and one that is fermented and matured in oak barrels.
The estate’s retsina exudes freshness and finesse, while the whites from Malagouzia and Assyrtiko have the purity of crisp fruit and a slight saltiness due to the proximity to the sea. The red wines from Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon are soft and fruity. Finally, ‘Melias’ is produced from the Malagouzia variety whose must, 40% of which is concentrated by fermentation to produce a sweet wine that is a traditional speciality of the region.
Address: Pousi-Kalogeri, 19003, Markopoulo, Attica
Tel: +30 22990 25206
www.papagiannakos.gr
Email: info@papagiannakos.gr
Gikas winery
The family’s involvement with the winery began in 1875 when the Gikas family members worked as foremen in the vineyards of the Skouze and Kambas families. When these landowners decided to sell, the Gikas family invested in the vineyards they had come to love and care for, and the family’s tradition of viticulture continued throughout the 20th century, as they passed on their secrets from generation to generation. Later, the family moved its vineyards from the plain of Spata to the fertile areas of Boeotia. Today, the family’s award-winning vineyards are located at the foot of Mt Kitheron – a place of ancient worship of Dionysus.
The total area of the vineyard reaches 15 hectares and the varieties grown there are Assyrtiko, Malagouzia, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Vrazdiano, Avgoustiatis, Savatiano, Athiri and Grenache Rouge. From these come Malagouzia, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Vradiano, Merlot and “Santovato” from Savatiano. The winery also produces “Pine Forest”, a dry white wine from Assyrtiko with added resin, “Esperia”, a white natural sweet wine and the “Maistros” range, a white from Malagouzia and a red from Merlot. The wines have been certified as PGI. The winery can be visited weekdays 10:00-17:00 and weekends by appointment. The winery has a special area for tastings.
Address: 190 04 Kiafas Avenue, Spata, Attica, Attica
Tel.: +30 210 6634595
www.gikaswinery.gr
Email: contact@gikaswinery.gr
Mylonas Micro-winery
The history of the Mylonas winery began in 1917 with the cultivation of Attikis Gis and vinification using clay amphorae. At the beginning of the new century, the third generation of the family took over to continue its fruitful history. The new, modern and petite winery, where high-quality wines are produced, was built to serve ever-increasing demand. The purpose of the Mylonas micro-winery is to validate the Attica vineyard and especially the unique variety of Savatiano. The vineyards amount to 17 hectares and are spread throughout Lavreotiki. Dominated by Savatiano, the rows of vines are shaped in ‘cup’ form, and have an average age of 55 years and a yield of 400kg/1000m2.
Assyrtiko, Malagouzia, Aydani, Agiorgitiko, Limniona, Mandilaria and Merlot are also cultivated. The winery produces an interesting range of Savatiano labels, the simple Savatiano, the “Cuvée Vouno”, the Savatiano barrel, the orange “Naked Truth”, the Retsina (Designation by Tradition) and a sparkling “Pet-Nat” type. The range of wines is completed by the white Assyrtiko and Malagouzia, the rosé from Malagouzia and Mandelaria, the red Merlot-Agiorgitiko-Mandelaria, and the sweet “Sunday”. The winery can be visited by appointment and tastings are available for small groups of up to 8 people.
Address: Kiafas Avenue, Spata, 19004, Attica
Tel.: +30 22990 68156
www.mylonas-wines.gr
Email: info@mylonas-wines.gr
Liepouris Winery
The Liepouris Winery is a family business in its third generation. It was founded in 1935 by grandfather Dimitrios Liepouris, who delivered grape must to old Athenian taverns on a horse cart. His son Stamatios took over, worked with love and passion and years later passed on his knowledge to his eldest son Dimitrios, who has taken over and runs the business today. The winery has an interesting history, as in 1941 it was occupied by the Italians and used as a kitchen. For many years it remained a traditional winery, but in 2014 the space was completely renovated.
The vineyards are mainly located in the Keratea area, but also in the wider area of Lavreotiki. A total of 25 hectares (15 privately owned) are cultivated with the Savatiano, Malagouzia, Mandilaria, Muscat of Hamburg and Limniona varieties. The winery produces the PGI Attica Savatiano, Malagouzia and Mandilaria, the Retsina (Traditional Appellation) and the varietal wine Savatiano-Malagouzia.
The winery has a tasting room in a beautiful stone building capped with a wooden roof.
Address: 113 Athinon Souniou, P.O. Box 19 001 Keratea, Attica.
Tel: +30 694 4988089
www.liepouriswines.gr
Email: info@liepouriswines.gr
Winery “To Patitiri”
Since the beginning of the 21st century, the family has been cultivating Savatiano, Malagouzia and Merlot varieties on the plains of Mesogeia, and the winemaking takes place at privately owned facilities. The first winery was located in Paiania, Attica, and in the 1990s was moved to the current facilities in Pallini and renamed “To Patitiri” (the wine press). The 90s were a milestone period for the company as the family upgraded the business with modern machinery and specialised staff.
Today, Vassilis Papagiannis and his daughter Marilena honour respecting the winemaking tradition of the land, by producing wines that clearly express the varieties and vineyards of Attica. The area of their vineyard spreads across 126 acres and consists of the varieties Savatiano (10 hectares), Malagouzia (1.4 hectares) and Merlot (1.2 hectares). The winery produces the PGI Attica labels for Savatiano, Retsina, Malagouzia and Merlot. A second label of Savatiano, a rosé of Malagouzia and Merlot and a red of Agiorgitiko are produced without a PGI label. Finally, the ‘Pepeiron’ label is produced in red, rosé and white. The winery has a visitation area that includes facilities for the disabled. Tastings and retail sale of wines take place here.
Address: 3 Marathonos Avenue, P.O. Box 15 351 Pallini, Attica.
Tel: +30 210 6031020
www.topatitiri.gr
Email: info@topatitiri.gr
Aoton Winery
The word “Aoton” in ancient Greek means “the finest example of a species”. The winery makes wines representative of the Mesogeion region. Since the end of the 19th century, in the heart of Peania, in Paleo Horio, winemaking took place in the family wine press, where wines were produced using the traditional method. Today, oenologist Sotiris Ginis continues his family tradition in viticulture and wine production, with the aim of preserving and spreading his cultural heritage.
The local grape varieties, Savatiano, Roditis and Mandilaria are cultivated in Mesogeia, Attica, in an area of 6 hectares with organic certification (BIO Hellas). The winemaking is carried out with respect to the typicality of the varieties and the region, adopting the practice of minimal intervention. From the local varieties, wines of protected geographical indication (PGI) Savatiano, Roditis, Mandilaria and Retsina Designation by Tradition are produced.
Address: 13 Ioannou Hadjikyriakou 13, P.O. Box 19 002 Peania, Attica, Attica
Tel: +30 210 6642347, +30 694 4591258
www.aoton.gr
Email: info@aoton.gr
Winery ‘Markos Vineyards’
“Markos Vineyards” has been in continuous operation since 1908. Today, the business has been taken over by the 3rd and 4th generation of winemakers and is run exclusively by seven family members who cover a whole range of activities: viticulture, winemaking, product design and sales. The privately owned vineyard stretches through 20 hectares, the soil is arid and consists of old vines. The varieties grown are Savatiano, Agiorgitiko, Assyrtiko, Roditis, Muscat, Malagouzia, Mandilaria, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. The annual bottle production does not exceed 130,000 and 12 different labels are produced.
The “Savatiano-PGI Attica”, “Phenomena-PGI Attica”, “Kleftes-PGI Attica” and “Schinozhiko” are Savatiano, the second is fermented and matured in oak barrels, the third has no added sulphites and the fourth is a Retsina. There are also “Theros-Amphora-PGI Attica” from Assyrtiko that has been 30% fermented in amphorae, a Malagouzia-PGI Attica, the reds “Echoes-PGI Attica” from Agiorgitiko and “Paleo-PGI Attica” from Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, and the rosés “Euphoria” from Agiorgitiko and Assyrtiko and “Pixie” from Agiorgitiko and Muscat. Finally, the “Emeis” label comes in white from Assyrtiko, Muscat and Roditis and in red from Mandelaria with Agiorgitiko. In the winery, there is a special area for visitors where presentations and wine tastings are held. There is also a museum area where the old vineyard machinery and winemaking equipment are on display.
Address:1st km. Peania Markopoulou, P.O. Box 19 002 Peania, Attica
Tel.: +30 210 6644711
www.markouwines.gr
Email: info@markouwines.gr
Winery “Evinos Estate”
At the Evinos estate in Spata, the family of owners continues the wine-making tradition of Stavros Koulocheris, who since 1888 was selling wine in the markets of Athens and Thessaloniki. It is a small wine making unit with modern equipment. The 7.8 hectares of privately owned vineyards are divided into two
sections. The first is located in Mesogeia, Spata and Metochi Keratea. There, on long pieces of land, the goblet-trained vines of Savatiano have been cultivated with care for at least 50 years. The second part of a single 25-acre area is located at Ampelochori in Boeotia.
The French red varieties of Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Grenache are also cultivated there. Apart from the above, the varieties Roditis, Malagouzia and Assyrtiko are grown. Most of the work on the estates is done manually. The winery produces PGI Attica, the Retsina “ANODOS” and two single varietal wines “Ktima EVOINOS” one from Savatiano and the other from Assyrtiko. Finally, the “Ktima EVOINOS red” is a blend of Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Grenache Rouge. Organised visits and guided tours with tastings of all of the estate’s wines are arranged at the winery, as are social and cultural events.
Address: 2nd km. of Spata Avenue, Spata, 19004, Attica
Tel.: +30 210 6634704, +30 210 663 2542, +30 697 4306200
www.evinoswines.gr
Email: info@evinoswines.gr
Koropi Wine Cooperative
The history of the cooperative began in 1934 and took its present form in 1986. Today it is the only cooperative in Koropi and produces about 900 tons of wine annually. The vineyard, run by the cooperative’s members, amounts to 300 hectares, with Savatiano as its main grape variety. Other varieties grown are the white Malagouzia and Sauvignon Blanc and the red varieties Agiorgitiko, Merlot,
Syrah and Grenache Rouge. The winery produces three labels based exclusively on Savatiano: “Mikro Metochi”, “Savatiano”, “Retsina Mesogeion” and a sweet wine. There are also two rosés, “Roze Vinum” and a second one from Muscat of Hamburg.
The “Lamptrevs” and “Alikos” labels are reds, the former from Merlot and Agiorgitiko and the latter from Agiorgitiko, Merlot, Syrah and Grenache Rouge. Finally, “Mxm=m2” is a sweet wine made from a mix of aromatic varieties. The winery’s facilities are located within a privately owned plot of land and include, among other things, a product shop and the Cultural Museum in the old bottling house with a photo exhibition. An ancient wine cellar dating back to 350
BC is on display in the courtyard. The winery can be visited by appointment and there is a special tasting room. Organised groups of visitors can also take a guided tour of the surrounding vineyards, where the stumps are predominantly goblet-trained and over 50 years old.
Address: King Constantine Avenue 31, Koropi, 19400, Attica
Tel.: +30 210 6623006
www.hellenicwinery.gr
Email: aoskoropiou@yahoo.gr
Winery “Matsa Estate”
The Matsa estate is a historic 12.2 hectare vineyard that’s been cultivated since the end of the 19th century. With the collaboration of the Boutari Winery, the continuation of this tradition has been undertaken by Roxanne Matsa, a trained vine grower, Wine Personality of the Greek Wine Journalists Association for 2001 and recipient of the “Exemplary Award” in April 2010 by the WSPC. Today the estate consists of an exceptional winery with a unique house that has recently become the home of Roxanne Matsa.
Living within the estate gives Roxanne the opportunity of daily care of the vineyard and the wines and active participation in the entire production and winemaking process, to which she adds her personal stamp. The estate is cultivated according to the principles of organic farming. The soils are of a medium composition, clay loam, rich in calcium, potassium and manganese. The vineyard was originally planted with Savatiano. With replanting, Malagouzia dominated as it gave excellent results and was supplemented with Syrah, Assyrtiko, Savatiano, Roditis and Sauvignon Blanc. From the estate, the labels “Malagouzia Matsa – Organic Cultivation” PGI Pallini, “Syrah Naturally” PGI Attica and “Roditis Naturally” PGI Pallini are produced. The Estate of Roxanne Matsa is open to visitors by appointment.
Address: 61 Leontariou, Kanja 153 51, Attica
Tel.: +30 694 7007021
www.roxanematsaestate.com
Email: info@roxanematsaestate.com
Winery Vasilis Markou
The “Vasilis Markou” family winery began producing wine in 1983 and is located in the heart of Messogeia. The baton was passed from the founder Vasilis Markou to the next generations who continue to produce wines with passion. Today, the winery has been modernised and its production exceeds 1,000 tons per year. The company maintains long-term partnerships with winegrowers in the region of Mesogeia, Boeotia, Achaia and Nemea. In the privately owned vineyards located in Spata, at the Yialou site, the red varieties Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and the white varieties Savvatiano and Roditis are cultivated. The winery produces wines from the varieties Savatiano, Roditis, Malagouzia, Muscat, Agiorgitiko, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. The winery also produces Retsina Attica.
Address: 18 Pikermiou Avenue, 18, P.O. Box 19 004 Spata,Attica.
Tel.: +30 210 6634102
www.markouvasilis.gr
Email: info@markouvasilis.gr
Co-ownership or Compulsory Cooperative “MARKO” of Markopoulo
“MARKO” is a historic agricultural cooperative founded by the residents of Markopoulo and has existed since 1831. Since 1914, the MARKO cooperative has operated the community winery, managing the grape production of Markopoulo. Today, the vineyard covers an area of 400 hectares, and there are about one hundred (100) cooperating winemakers. At present, the winery is not open to visitors. However, the cooperative members are in the process of creating a visitor area for the future. The winery produces two labels: the white “Savatiano MARKO” with a PGI Markopoulo indication and the dry varietal red wine “MERLOT MARKO.”
Address: I. Prifti 2, Markopoulo, 19003, Attica
Phone: +30 22990 22261
Email: asmarko001@gmail.com
