Chalkidiki, Greece

475 hectars of Greek vineyards are spread out amphitheatrically, since ancient times, over the west side of Sithonia in Chalkidiki, Central Macedonia. It is one of the largest vineyards in Europe. The first vineyards were planted in 1967, with the first vintage available to the public in 1972. The planning for cultivation and vinification was exemplary. The adaptation of different varietals to the estate’s soil and climate conditions was researched and supervised by the Agricultural University of Thessaloniki professors, in addition to the extremely significant contribution of Prof. Emile Peynaud from the Bordeaux University in France, who is considered as the precursor of Bordeaux’s modern oenology by wine scientists all over the world. It was the first time since a systematic and highly scientific study of the suitability of foreign varieties had taken place in Greece. A notable outcome of this research was the release of the first Cabernet Sauvignon in Greece, where it became worldly renowned. To date, the vineyards are planted with 27 varieties, both Greek and international. Of the Greek varieties, Malagouzia and Limnio are the most notable.

The vineyard bears the V.Q.P.R.D. Meliton Slopes title (P.D.O. Cotes de Meliton) Absolute control over the raw material of grapes brings significant advantages, including the ability to select the most appropriate date for beginning to harvest the grapes. Since 2000, the entire complex has been owned and managed by the Technical Olympic Group of Companies. The Group met a new challenge to achieve Domaine Porto Carras renovation and general business reengineering processes. Their hard work and commitment to re-establishing the Porto Carras wines in the international market have come to fruition.

Click here for the Awards.
Click here Fiches Technique N 2008.
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