Nikolou Winery, a family winery located in Koropi, a historical winemaking area, is just 40 minutes away from central Athens. Athens is one of the world's major cities with wine country nearby; so last month when I returned to Athens visiting Attica's Nikolou Winery was an absolute delight. We arrived at Nikolou Winery around mid-day where we were treated to the absolute best of wine country experiences.
Welcome to Nikolou Winery
Vassilis Nikolou is a key player in the winery's success. He was born in1962 in Koropi, where the Nikolou family traditionally engaged in vine producing traditionally draft retsina from Savatiano. Vasilis Nikolou grew up in this environment. He went onto achieving a Bachelor in Food Technology (1983), and a BSc Degree in Chemistry (1987), followed by postgraduate Oenology studies. Since 1992 he has been Lecturer at the Department of Oenology and Beverage Technology, TEI Athens, educating new generations of Oenologists. Anna Aga was one of his students.
In 1991 Vassilis took over the family winery and established an oenological laboratory onsite. Vassilis and his wife, Rania Skliri, have two children: Evangelos Nikolou (graduate from Agricultural University of Athens) and Christina Nikolou (graduate from Democritus University Law School). Vassilis and Rania have mentored their children to continue the family's winemaking tradition.
After we arrived we sat down with Vasilis and Evangelos Nikolou. They shared with us an overview of the winery's history, and introduced us to some their ongoing wine projects. During this conversation I learnt that Nikolou Winery was awarded by CEUCO Best European Winery 2018.
Next, we did a tour of the winery, which included a video presentation, a stop in the lab, and we were also introduced to ongoing wine projects.
Nikolou Winery's Lab © Spaswinefood
My #winesister, Evangelie describe this wine tasting as Savatiano mon amour !! . I am inclined to agree with her description. Given the rich diversity of Savatiano wines we tasted it clearly showcases a love for Savatiano.
Of course there was dessert.
Savatiano mon amour !! There is no comparison to be spoiled in Greece.
Besides producing Savatiano wines, the winery uses grapes from 1) Mesogaia (a region within Attica) to make Savatiano and Mandilaria Rose wines, 2) Limnos to make Moschato Alexandrias, 3) North Attica to make Malagouzia, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, and 4) Nemea mountains to make Agiorgitiko. Naturally, wether I am in Greece, or at home I love having Greek wines on the table. For me, Greek wines made with indigenous grape varieties are amongst the most exciting. For sure Greece is at the top of my wine list for its unique grape varieties. Greece is where my wine soul feels at home.
The following TripAdvisory's description of Nikolou Winery is an excellent summary of what we experienced:
Our passion for quality winemaking and innovation has been passed on intact. As one of the few remaining traditional wineries in South-eastern Attica, we are opening our doors for guests from all around the world to enjoy a personal and educational winetasting. At our winery, you can learn about our history and traditional wine production. Also, you will be able to have a piece of in-depth knowledge about sparkling winemaking and enjoy your winetasting with traditional flavors made fresh by our family. You can combine your visit with other activities all over Attica, or even stop for a refreshing winetasting experience right before/after leaving for/arriving at El. Venizelos Airport (10 minutes away).
Thank you Οινοποιείο Νικολού/Nikolou Winery for the warm hospitality! Nikolou Winery is a winery with all family members engaged. Later at checkout I would meet Christina Nikolou who is engaged in the legal and business side of winery operations. Since visiting I have discovered that Rania Skliri manages the winery's social media. This is a family winery where all is contributing to its success. Those who have yet discover today's Greek wines now is the time. Now is the time to explore Greek Wines! I invite you to join me in my wine adventures in Greece at Wine Travels with Dr. Sharon and at Spaswinefood on Twitter and Facebook.
CHEERS!
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