Wine Routes in the Peloponnese: Three Families, Three Stories of Passion

• On the slopes of Nemea, on the plateau of Mantineia, and in medieval Monemvasia, three families are carving out their own path in the Greek vineyard, highlighting the rich wine tradition of the Peloponnese. With vision, perseverance, and deep knowledge, the Palyvos, Tselepou, and Tsimpidis families have managed to transform historic vineyards into modern wineries, combining tradition with innovation.

In Nemea, where viticulture has a history of 3,500 years, Ktima Tselepou highlights Agiorgitiko through biodynamic practices. In Mantineia, Giannis Tselepos, who studied in Burgundy, breathed new life into Moschofilero, while in Monemvasia, the Tsimpidis family achieved the impossible: the revival of the legendary Malvasia after five centuries of silence.

Three different stories make up a fascinating journey into modern Greek wine, proving that the Peloponnese remains a place where viticultural tradition meets modern winemaking, creating wines that win international distinctions and bring Greece to the forefront of the world wine map.

Ktima Palyvos: Tradition and Innovation in Nemea

A typical example of modern Greek winemaking, Ktima Palyvos, since 1995, has deep roots in tradition. With 470 hectares of vineyards at an altitude of up to 460 meters, the estate focuses on the cultivation of Agiorgitiko, the emblematic variety of the region, which is the timeless trademark of Nemea.

Under the guidance of Giorgos Palivos and his family - his wife Angeliki and their children, Evangelia and Vasiliki - the estate applies organic and biodynamic cultivation methods. Their philosophy is summarized in the founder's phrase: "The vine tells us what it needs. We simply listen to it", respecting the rich heritage of the region that counts 3,500 years of viticulture.

The estate's diverse soils, from calcareous and clayey to gravelly and sandy, combined with the unique microclimate of the area, give their wines a distinct identity. The winery, equipped with 350 oak barrels, combines traditional know-how with modern winemaking methods.

The wines of the Palivos Estate, from both indigenous and international varieties, reflect the unique terroir of Nemea, becoming ambassadors of Greek winemaking internationally. The estate also offers comprehensive wine tourism experiences, allowing visitors to tour the vineyards, learn about the winemaking process, and taste fine labels in the traditional cellar.

Tselepos Estate: The Renaissance of Moschofilero in Mantineia

Tselepos Estate, founded in 1989 by Giannis and Amalia Tselepos, is located on the southeastern edge of the Mantineia plateau, at the foot of Mount Parnon, at an altitude of 750 meters. Giannis Tselepos, a graduate of enology from the University of Dijon and with experience in Burgundy, was a pioneer in the promotion of the Moschofilero variety, which he was the first to bottle as a single variety in modern Greek winemaking.

The estate, which today extends over approximately 500 hectares of privately owned vineyards and collaborates with producers of another 200 hectares, was chosen for its exceptional soil and climatic conditions: continental climate, poor clay soils, and excellent sunshine. The first Mantineia OPAP label was released in 1991, and today the annual production reaches 450,000 bottles, with 40% exported to countries such as the USA, Canada, China, and European markets.

The central philosophy of the estate focuses on the study and promotion of Moschofilero, a historical variety of Arcadia referred to as "smoky wine" by the ancient historian Theophrastus. The particular microclimate of Mantineia gives the variety its unique characteristics, producing "blanc de gris" white wines with intense rose aromas and high acidity.

After thirty successful years, the second generation of the estate, Andriani, and Aris Tselepos, continue the family tradition, combining modern know-how with the valuable experience of their parents, with the aim of further promoting the estate's quality wines and realizing the vision for great Greek wines.

Monemvasia Winery: The Revival of a Legend

The Monemvasia Winery, founded in 1997 by George and Elli Tsimpidis, is a unique project to revive the historic Malvasia wine, the most famous wine of the late Middle Ages. Inspired by this rich heritage, the founders dedicated their activity to the search for and promotion of indigenous varieties of the region, such as Monemvasia, Kydonitsa, Asproudi, and Mavroudi.

The historical importance of Malvasia dates back to the 12th century when the port of Byzantine Monemvasia was a hub for trade between East and West. The name "Malvasia" comes from the Frankish name of Kastropolis, establishing one of the first geographical designations of origin in the history of wine. Its production stopped in the 16th century during the Ottoman occupation.

With the collaboration of the late Stavroula Kourakou, and the support of scientific institutions, the winery managed to revive the legendary wine after five centuries. The special soil and climatic conditions of the Epidaurus Limira peninsula – with limestone and shale rocks, a dry-thermal climate, and the influence of the Myrto Sea – create ideal conditions for the cultivation of vines.

In 2010, Monemvasia-Malvasia was recognized as a PDO wine and the first bottling took place in 2013. Today, the winery has 300 hectares of organic vineyards and its wines have won over 60 international awards. The traditional production method, which includes 8-12 days of pressing the grapes, creates a unique sweet wine with orange and golden hues, rich character, and a long aftertaste, worthy of its historical reputation.

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