Thanks Thivaiki Gi for your amazing Greek hospitality

Greece is where my wine soul feels at home, especially when I visit wineries like Thivaiki Gi. We arrived at Thivaiki Gi Vineyard at mid-day where we were treated to the absolute best of wine country experiences. There is no comparison to be spoiled in Greece. I must admit I loved being spoiled in Terra Thiva (Land of Thiva), Greece.

Welcome to Thivaiki Gi Vineyard, Greece © Spaswinefood

Thivaiki Gi Vineyard

We meet at the Thivaiki Gi vineyards on the slopes of Sfinga Mountain, just a few kilometres from Thebes, right outside Vagia village. This area is known as the birthplace of the Sphinx. It was a very hot day in early June when we arrived in the Land of Thiva. As we exited the highway to enter the vineyard came into view.

Arriving at Thivaiki Gi Vineyard © Spaswinefood

Arriving at Thivaiki Gi Vineyard © Spaswinefood

From the vineyard we could take in the nearby mountain views.

Taking a Closer Look, Thivaiki Gi Vineyard © Spaswinefood

Upon arrival at Thivaiki Gi vineyards we were given a traditional grape picker’s snack (cheese, bread & olives tied up in a hankerchief). It was just perfect for a quick picnic! 

Picnic Lunch, Thivaiki Gi Vineyard © Spaswinefood

Indeed it was a true grape pickers picnic. I am sure it is very welcomed during harvest when the pickers spend long times between meals.

Picnic at Thivaiki Gi Vineyard © Spaswinefood

The water was absolutely needed because it was indeed a hot day. 

Time for Picnic Lunch, Thivaiki Gi Vineyard © Spaswinefood

It was obvious that the vineyard was thriving in early June.

June Visit to Thivaiki Gi Vineyard © Spaswinefood

I always like taking a closer look at the vines.

Thriving Vines, Thivaiki Gi Vineyard © Spaswinefood

Then, even a closer look at the grapes.

Early June Grapes, Thivaiki Gi Vineyard © Spaswinefood

After our picnic some of us hopped into the back of a truck to go see the vineyard’s oldest vines. I sure liked not having to walk in the hot mid-day sun.

Checking out Thivaiki Gi Vineyard © Spaswinefood

Old Vine Time, Thivaiki Gi Vineyard © Spaswinefood

These are classic, gnarly old vines. Specifically, they are 38 year old assyrtiko vines.

Taking a Closer Look at Thivaiki Gi Vineyard Old Vines © Spaswinefood

After the vineyard visit, we drove to their winery for wine tasting over late lunch.

Welcome to Thivaiki Gi: First in Hospitality 

Since our group was large we occupied three tables.

First Table at Winery Entrance

Table 1: Dessert Time, Thivaiki Gi Vineyard © Spaswinefood

Table 1 is Ready, Thivaiki Gi Winery  © Spaswinefood

Second Table

Rosé Time, Third Table, Thivaiki Gi Winery © Spaswinefood

Lunch with Wines, Thivaiki Gi Winery © Spaswinefood

Third Table

Lunch at Thivaiki Gi Winery © Spaswinefood

Lunch & Wines at Thivaiki  Gi Winery © Spaswinefood

I joined the third table at the upper level. It was a spectacular Greek family style lunch. We were beyond spoiled with a huge, delicious meal that went perfectly with their great wines. What an awesome traditional greek cuisine dining experience it was! YES, there were also vegetarian options.

My Veggie Lunch, Thivaiki Gi Winery © Spaswinefood

Just take a closer look at a few of the wines in the lineup.

Thivaiki Gi Wines © Spaswinefood

I loved visiting this small, but modern wine producer. During the wine tasting I also tasted their soon to be bottled Mouchtaro (a very rare red grape grown exclusively in Central Greece). Thivaiki Gi is one of the few wineries growing this grape. Muses Estate was the first winery to revive this variety thanks to the efforts of Athanasios Zacharias. I remembered first tasting Mouchtaro at Cinque Winebar (Thivaiki Gi was the source). Cinque in Athens also offers other wines from Thivaiki Gi.

 Mouhtaro, Cinque Wine Bars, Athens © Spaswinefood

Since I have now tasted Mouchtaro on two occasions I believe it is a wine to watch. It gets high marks on my list. 

Needless to say, Luiz and Ted presented our host with a #winelover badge and a certificate of appreciation.

Special Thanks Thivaiki Gi © Spaswinefood

Special thanks to our wonderful Greek hosts at Thivaikigi Winery for making our vine-filled explorations so very memorable. For sure Greece is for winelovers therefore I invite you to join me in my travels in Greece and elsewhere at Wine Travels with Dr. Sharon and at Spaswinefood on Twitter and Facebook.  

Yamas!

Sharon

June 2022

Athens, Greece

© Spaswinefood

Love the Old Vines, Thivaiki Gi © Spaswinefood