Macedonian Wines: Discover the Magic of the Harvest Season

Excessive temperatures, drought, and an absence of rain have accelerated the harvest in Greece this yr, so grape choosing has already begun in Macedonia. The well-known indigenous Xinomavro variety leads the best way within the Naoussa area, together with a number of different varieties which have been producing distinctive Greek wines in recent times. From Kavala and Drama to Halkidiki and the outskirts of Thessaloniki, wineries are working arduous to reap and produce wine. The Affiliation of Wine Producers of the Vineyards of Northern Greece consists of 33 wineries and has laid out eight routes by the respective areas.

NAOUSSA

The location of one of many biggest success tales in Greek vineyards, with Xinomavro main the best way. This selection is liable for Greek purple wine’s worldwide success. Along with guided excursions, guests to the Kir-Yianni Property might reserve a spot for one of many creative occasions going down all through September. The Vaeni Vineyard presents excursions of its vineyards and manufacturing services. You possibly can wander round Naoussa to see the Previous City and stroll alongside the Arapitsa river within the Municipal Park. Vermio Mountain presents loads of alternatives to discover its mountainous panorama.

The place to eat: 1902 restaurant (32 V. Konstantinou) presents trendy Greek delicacies made with native substances and paired with wines from the native winery. Oinomageiremata (1 Stefanou Dragoumi) has a extra informal ambiance and serves a number of dishes ready with native wine. The restaurant additionally presents an in depth choice of regional wine labels.

KAVALA

The famend wineries Biblia Chora, Pavlidis Property, and Nico Lazaridi are situated close to Kavala and Drama. Take a stroll round Kavala’s Previous City and waterfront; in Drama, go to the Aghia Varvara Springs. The Drama area’s Pangaion Mountain, Falakro Mountain, and Karadere (Elatia Forest) present beautiful landscapes for nature lovers.

The place to eat: Don’t miss out on attempting Kavala seafood at Meltemi (3 Thasou) and Naypigio (12 American Crimson Cross). In Drama, Rodostamo (13 Agias Varvaras) has a pleasant ambiance and scrumptious meals.

PELLA-GOUMENISSA

On this a part of Western Macedonia, close to Giannitsa and Goumenissa, yow will discover small wineries with character and sturdy wines. The native Xinomavro and Negoska grape varieties, in addition to worldwide varieties similar to Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, predominate. Mikro Ktima Titou is situated on an oak-covered slope on the foothills of Mount Paiko close to Goumenissa, whereas the ZINIDEOS vineyard could also be discovered within the village of Loutraki, close to Pozar’s thermal baths. Giannitsa and Goumenissa present a wide range of lodging and eating choices, whereas Paiko’s mountainous panorama is well accessible for exploration.

The place to eat: Endeka bistro (136 Eleftheriou Venizelou, Giannitsa) serves trendy Greek delicacies with a deal with wine. The restaurant Vasilikos (Kallipoli, 17 kilometers from Giannitsa) serves fascinating, artistic delicacies and has wine checklist.