The only neighborhood in Greece is a museum of wine, wine cellars and family vineyards.
In recent decades, Greece, if not overtook France and Italy, which are considered leaders in the production of wine, then certainly made confident steps in this direction. Nowadays, you can find hundreds of large and small wineries in Greece. But the only wine production in the country is in the Epanomi area (not far from Thessaloniki) that includes the wine museum, which is amazing in its contamination.
Winery and vineyards of Gerovasileiou
The winery Gerovasileiou can be called the most titled on the Halkidiki peninsula. It regularly wins the international competitions, but before achieving high status the enterprise has passed several stages of formation. In 1981, Vangelis Gerovasiliu decided to revive family vineyards that occupied 2.5 hectares in the Papamola area. He studied agronomics at the University of Aristotle, then became acquainted with the traditions of viticulture in Bordeaux.
Gerovasiliy had the necessary knowledge, and he planted several Greek and foreign varieties. By the way, Epanomi is a fertile place for growing grapes. The first vineyards appeared in this area 1,500 years ago. Picturesque hills, good ecology, hot summer, mild winters, sea breezes, fertile soil - these are all components of the success of local wine producers.
Today Gerovasileiou is a large private winery that occupies 74 hectares. Its vineyards are surrounded by the sea from three sides. All works, including harvesting, are carried out only manually, with a great environmental care and the condition of the vineyard. Malaguzia stands out among many grapes varieties, from which the history of the revived plant began. This brand has long been almost forgotten. Then Asirtico with Santorini, Limnio appeared, being known since antient times, and also Mavrotragano and Mavrudi - the two most popular varieties. French varieties are also grown here: Chardonnay, Vione, Sauvignon Blanc. Specialists Gerovasileiou are not afraid of experiments, while studying and cultivating new varieties of grapes.
Visiting the winery is an interesting experience for everyone who wants not just enjoy wines, but also to know the subtleties of their production. The plant Gerovasileiou includes three buildings, where the most advanced equipment can be found and it works to create the future wine. The ready wine is stored in perfect conditions of constant humidity and temperature.
Gerovasileiou is a hospitable factory. Tastings are held in a special reception building, shops and a cafe are opened. After the tour, all visitors can try two varieties of wine. But there is an opportunity to enroll the tasting of vintage wines or all varieties that Gerovasileiou, which are produced today.
Wine Museum
The winery Gerovasileiou attracts those who want to understand better the history of Greek and world winemaking. In 1976, Vangelis Gerovasiliu began to collect cooperage and pouring tools from around the world, as well as items that are somehow connected with the process of harvesting grapes and making wine. The rich collection of corkscrews is eapecially impressive and rich - one of the largest in the world. It began to be assembled in the 1980s, and today the collection numbers almost 3000 corkscrews. The rarest and the most unique exhibits date back to the 18th century.
The museum consists of several expositions. An exhibition dedicated to Vangelis Gerovasilau is near the entrance. Then the visitors get to the first hall called "Wine travels". Those same corkscrews are shown here - texts and photos can help you to navigate in the variety of exhibits. Some corkscrews have the simplest forms, others look more like works of art. Visitors are particularly impressed with canes with built-in corkscrews - an essential attribute of a real gentleman of the XIX century. Another impressive collection is devoted to the tools that were used to work in the vineyards.
Part of the first hall is devoted to symposiums in Ancient Greece. Vessels and dishes for wine are unique findings an they can tell about the traditions of ritual feasts. And with the help of touch screens anyone can get acquainted with wine terms and understand the varieties of wine. There are also exhibits of the XIX century, including the old press.
In the second room, the section "Stories about wine" tells about the symbolic, economic and social significance of wine throughout the history of mankind. Moving three-dimensional drawings will acquaint with the process of a cult drink production. In addition to this, the exhibition has a collection of photographs. The wine museum also organizes excursions and offers educational events for visitors.
