It was May and I returned to Athens to continue my wine country travels in Greece. This time was an opportunity to spend time with my sister, Georgia while exploring Greek wine country with my #sistersinwine, Anna Aga (Oenologist) and Evangelie Tseliou (Co-owner Cinque Winebars). Athens is unique in that it is one of the world's major cities with wine country nearby. In fact, the very next day after Georgia and I arrived, we were off to Attica wine country. Anna and Evangelie took us to Roxani Matsa Estate, a historic vineyard established in 1878, in Kantza, 15km from Central Athens. Roxani reclaimed her family's heritage and tradition in 1976 by establishing her own vineyard. Her wine estate is part of the original land her family cultivated for 150 years. Roxani Matsa Estate is where you will, experience amazing hospitality, and discover its fascinating history and wines.
Touring Roxani Matsa Estate © Spaswinefood
Roxani Matsa Estate Vineyard © Spaswinefood
This historic estate is located in Attica, the cradle of the Savatiano variety. In recent times however, this area has seen experimentation with various international and other Greek varieties. Presently Savatiano, Roditis, Assyrtiko, Syrah, Malagouzia, and Sauvignon blanc are being cultivated on this estate.
Off to Roxani Matsa Estate with Anna and Evangelie © Spaswinefood
Roxani Matsa Estate
When we arrived at Roxani Matsa Estate we were treated to the absolute best of wine country experiences. There is no comparison to be spoiled in Greece. We were not only welcomed but treated like family.
Welcome to Roxani Matsa Estate © Spaswinefood
We did a guided tour with Nikolas. While touring the vineyard we introduced to the estate's rich history. The history of this estate is the stuff that books are written about, and movies made.
Touring Roxani Matsa Estate © Spaswinefood
At the end of the vineyard tour we returned to a picnic spot under the tree.
Picnic under the Olive Tree, Roxani Matsa Estate Vineyard © Spaswinefood
Of course, we would get to enjoy the delicious goodies in the picnic baskets.
Picnic Time, Roxani Matsa Estate Vineyard © Spaswinefood
One of the highlights of our visit was, we had picnic in the vineyard! Connecting with this historic vineyard over food and wine gave me a sense of this very special place.
Picnic, Roxani Matsa Estate © Spaswinefood
We enjoyed fresh strawberries, cherries, bread sticks, dried nuts, with spanakopita, sandwiches, and dessert.
Picnic Time, Roxani Matsa Estate © Spaswinefood
Spanakopita, Roxani Matsa Estate © Spaswinefood
Our sandwiches were so delicious.Time for a Picnic Lunch, Roxani Matsa Estate © Spaswinefood
Sandwich Time, Roxani Matsa Estate © Spaswinefood
Of course my sandwich was most delicious!
Loving My Lunch, Roxani Matsa Estate © Spaswinefood
On top of all the food there were two amazing bottles of wine (a Malagousia, and a very limited production 2022 Syrah without sulfate, only 2845 bottles were produced). We began with a Malagousia.
Roxani Matsa Estate Malagousia, Attica 2022
Roxani Matsa Estate Malagousia, Attica 2022 © Spaswinefood
After being introduced to an amazing Malagousia there was a limited edition Syrah.
Roxani Matsa Estate Syrah, Attica 2021
Roxani Matsa Estate Syrah, Attica 2021 © Spaswinefood
Of course Anna was happy to share the wines with us.
Syrah Time, Roxani Matsa Estate © Spaswinefood
Time for Syrah, Roxani Matsa Estate © Spaswinefood
Yes, there was dessert.
Sweet Time, Roxani Matsa Estate © Spaswinefood
Our picnic in the vineyard was a paradise on earth experience for us. The landscape, the facilities, the hospitality, and the food and wine, everything was perfect. I highly recommend you visit, if you love wine, and getting to know one of Greece's wine stories with a rich history. Roxani has worked hard to preserve and continue in her family's wine making history, by creating her own estate. Roxani Matsa is truly a wine pioneer.
Remembering Roxani Matsa Estate Vineyard © Spaswinefood
Thank You Roxani Matsa Estate © Anna Aga
Thank you Roxani Matsa Estate for your warm hospitality and sharing your estate's wine history with us! 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!
Sharon
May 2024
Athens, Greece
© Spaswinefood
Anna, Sharon, Roxani, & Georgia, Roxani Matsa Estate © Anna Aga
Roxani Matsa Estate Vineyard © Spaswinefood
Roxani Matsa Estate © Spaswinefood
Roxani Matsa Estate © Spaswinefood
Perhaps the first wine story began with the Greek god of wine, Dionysus bringing some wine to Goddess Athena at the Parthenon, Athens. Each visit to Greece I am more, and more impressed by Greek wines, produced from both indigenous and international grape varieties. My wine soul is drawn to Greece, home to over 300 indigenous grape varieties. Greek wines with their impressive history are so exciting to explore. Each time I return my wine world is filled with amazing grape-filled adventures. Whenever I am in Athens, I return to Cinque wine bars (15 Agatharchou Street, and 10 Voreou Street) where there is always special #winelover magic in the air. For sure each visit to Athens has provided me with the most amazing wine adventures.
Touring Roxani Matsa Estate © Spaswinefood
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