The largest part of the vineyard, spread out in the plain between the heights of Mt Geranios, is cooled by a permanent wind blowing in the narrow land “corridor” formed between the Corinthian and Saronic Gulfs. The soils are fertile, favouring higher yields. However, there are producers who invest in quality, tempering high yields. In the area of Megara, producers can use the PGI Gerania for firm white, rosé and red wines. The climate acquires continental characteristics on the slopes of Mt Kitheronas and is similar to that of the slopes of Mt Penteli and Mt Parnitha. The soil here is mostly of a heavy composition with a high percentage of clay and loam. The PGI Plagies Kitherona refers to firm white, rosé and red wines.
Wineries of West Attica (Megara, Slopes of Kitheronas mountain)
Gerania Wines – Gerania Wines
The vineyard cooperative of Megara started in 1908 and is one of the first cooperatives to be established in Greece. In 1922, the first Cooperative Winery was founded in Pachi of Megara, where all local production was gathered, processed and distributed. The vineyard of Megara extends from the foothills of Mt Gerania and rises to an altitude of about 350 metres. The main varieties are Roditis Megaron and Savatiano from the white vineyards, and Mavroudi from the red vineyards. The total area of the vineyard reaches 300 hectares and apart from the above- mentioned varieties we find Assyrtiko, Chardonnay, Syrah, Merlot and Agiorgitiko. The winery produces the “ONAR” labels in white wines from Moschofilero and in red from Agiorgitiko, the “Alkion” series whose white is a blend of Chardonnay and Assyrtiko, while the red and rosé wines come from Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah. Finally, the “Alkathos” series has a white from Savatiano and a red from Agiorgitiko and Merlot. The winery is open to the public and there is an exhibition area open to visitors.
Address: Vareas Beach, Megara, 19100, Attica
Tel.: +30 22960 80412
Email: gerania@geraniawines.gr
www.geraniawines.gr
The Ampelourgiki Politeia of Pyrgos ‘Tower’ Kaniaris
Vasilis Kaniaris, despite his studies in Medicine and his brilliant scientific career, never forgot the magic he experienced spending his childhood years in his grandfather’s vineyards in mountainous Corinthia. This childhood memory led him in 2006 to buy a 35 hectare estate in the area of Peykenéas in the countryside of Megara, and from that moment on, he dedicated his life to the revival of the Megaritiko vineyard and the development of the “Ampelourgiki Politeia of Pyrgos Kaniaris.” The vineyard covers 25 hectares of the estate, and in 1988, a special vineyard restoration program began. The varieties grown are Sauvignon Blanc, Syrah, Chardonnay, Grenache Rouge, Merlot, Assyrtiko, Malagouzia, Vidiano, Roditis (cannelatos), and Mouchtaro.
Vasilis Kaniaris and his sons, Demosthenes and George, create their wines in modern winemaking facilities from the fruits of the vineyard. The estate produces the “oneiropagida” series, where consumers can taste most of the estate’s varieties. The “Filos” and “Chateau Kaniaris” series are also available, including a white and a red wine aged in oak barrels. All labels have a PGI indication. Visitors can admire the view from the tower, explore the estate and its halls. The winery operates as a visitable site by appointment and has a specially designed tasting area in the cellar.
Address: Megara, Kato Pefkenéas 191 00, Attica
Phone: +30 211 4084814 and +30 693 4455007
www.chateaukaniaris.com
Email: info@chateaukaniaris.com and giorgoskaniaris@gmail.com
