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Last updated on August 21st, 2024 at 09:57 am
The Peloponnese is a land of wonders filled with yet-to-be-explored regions, like the lush Aigialeia Greece. With a quintessentially Greek landscape of vineyards and olive trees alternating in perfect harmony, Aigialeia is one of the lesser-known parts of the Peloponnese, a true slice of heaven for wine enthusiasts and lovers of authentic Greece.
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Where Is Aigialeia Greece
Aigialeia Greece is a subregion of the Achaia or Achaea regional unit in the northwestern part of the Peloponnese peninsula. No matter the area’s small size, Aigialeia is home to seven rivers and several streams, six tall mountains, traditional villages and spectacular scenery.
The Wine of Aigialeia
Aigialeia has been covered with endless stretches of vineyards for centuries on end. Of all the vineyards that grow in Aigialeia, only 20% are planted with wine grapes. The rest 80% is planted with the famous Vostitsa raisin grapes. The boundaries of each vineyard are marked out with lines of olive trees. This blend of vineyards and olive groves paints the unique natural landscape of Aigialeia.
Since ancient times, Aigialeia has been known for having the ideal conditions for wine-making. Aigialeia’s high-altitude vineyards have a northern or northeastern orientation. They are protected from high summer temperatures by the refreshing breeze that comes from the nearby Corinthian Gulf. Thanks to this special terroir, Aigialeia produces some of the best wines in Greece, the best gift from Greece.
Grape Varieties That Grow in Aigialeia
Almost 90% of Aigialeia’s vineyards are planted with Roditis grapes. The rest 10% is split between several grape varieties, both indigenous and imported ones.
Roditis
The pink Roditis grapes render some of the best white wines in Greece with high acidity, medium body and aromas of citrus, lime and green fruit. Roditis is a PDO grape variety and Aigialeia wines made of Roditis grapes receive many awards on an international level.
Lagorthi
This indigenous grape variety is almost exclusively cultivated in Northern Peloponnese. Lagorthi grapes render sophisticated white wines with high acidity, discreet aromas and floral notes.
Sideritis
An indigenous variety that only grows in Northwestern Peloponnese, Sideritis is prone to disease. However, the excellent terroir of Aigialeia is perfect for the cultivation of Sideritis grapes which render white wines with high acidity, medium body and fruity aromas.
Mavro Kalavritino
Overlooked for many years but brought back to the spotlight recently, this red grape variety is indigenous to the Achaia region. Mavro Kalavritino grapes render red wines that are medium to full-bodied, with aromas of red fruit, flowers and spices.
Moschato
Moschato grapes can adapt to different altitudes and terroir. Aigialeia’s Moschato grapes render award-winning sweet wines that are also great value for money.
Mavrodaphne
Mavrodaphne or Mavrodafni is a red grape variety that renders one of the most iconic Greek wines, the sweet Mavrodaphne wine. Recently, Mavrodaphne grapes are also used in the production of dry red wines.
Other Varieties
Apart from these indigenous grape varieties, several imported ones are also cultivated in Aigialeia. Some of them are Gewürztraminer, Merlot, Syrah, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc.
Wineries in Aigialeia Greece
There are currently twelve wineries in Aigialeia. They are situated in areas of rare natural beauty, next to vineyard-filled slopes overlooking the sea or the surrounding mountains. Most of Aigialeia’s vineyards are open to the public for visits and wine tastings.
The Katsikostas family were the first to open a winery in Aigialeia back in the late 50s. Nowadays, Acheon Winery is one of the best and most innovative wineries in the region.
A few years later, one of the largest wine-producing companies in Greece was founded in Aigialeia – Cavino. Apart from their award-winning wines that are exported to 50 countries across the world, Cavino boasts yet another admirable project.
In 1999, Cavino revived the ancient Great Vineyard that belonged to the Mega Spileo Monastery. Dating back to the 15th century, this vineyard was cultivated by monks who produced wine for the Holy Communion. Nowadays, Mega Spileo Estate occupies an area of exceptional natural beauty and produces superb wines.
In 1990, Angelos Rouvalis, a visionary oenologist who played a major part in the re-birth of Greek wine, founded Rouvalis Winery in Aigialeia. A pioneer of his time, Angelos Rouvalis created a gravity-flow winery, the first of its kind in Greece and one of the few that exist worldwide.
During our trip to Aigialeia, we had the immense pleasure to meet Angelos in person. It’s no overstatement to say that the very essence of Aigialeia wine runs through the veins of this gifted man, a walking encyclopedia of all things wine.
On the site of a former raisin grape vineyard, Riras Vineyards was established in 2007. Encircled by a scenery of exceptional beauty, at Riras Vineyards you can try some of the most delicious wines in Aigialeia.
Top Tip: Yet another of the country’s best wine-making regions is in the Peloponnese – the famed Nemea near Nafplio. Also, in the castle town of Monemvasia in Southern Peloponnese, you can try one of the finest sweet wines in Greece, the world-renowned Malvasia wine.
What To Do in Aigialeia Greece
Sample Superb Wine
From what we mentioned so far, it must be clear that the top thing to do in Aigialeia Greece is to take a journey into the region’s wine history and culture. The best way to do so is by visiting some of the area’s wineries. Once there, you can sample excellent wines in a setting of unfathomable natural charm.
Embark on a Scenic Road Trip
If you want to make the most of this enchanting scenery, you should rent a car and jump on a road trip across the subregion of Aigialeia. Driving through endless stretches of vineyards and silver-lined olive groves, up and down the smooth slopes of Aigialeia, feels like travelling through a dream.
Explore Aigio
Aigio is the largest city in Aigialeia Greece and one of the main towns in Northern Peloponnese. It’s a nostalgic seaside town where you can enjoy long strolls along the beachfront. Lined with old raisin warehouses that narrate the city’s history as one of the main producers of Vostitsa raisins, the promenade is particularly lovely at sunset.
One of the highlights of Aigio is the Panagiotopoulos Mansion. Built between 1857 and 1860, the mansion features a grand marble staircase, high ceilings with gorgeous paintings and walls decorated by Italian painters. It also houses an exhibition of traditional musical instruments from Greece and elsewhere.
Ride The Odontotos Rack Railway
The Odontotos Rack Railway is one of the most scenic train rides in Europe. The line starts at the seaside town of Diakopto. It ends in Kalavryta – one of the most historic towns in Greece – after a stop in the village of Zachlorou.
As its name suggests (odontotos means with teeth in Greek), this railway network makes use of toothed gears on steep gradients. The train travels through the stunning Vouraikos Gorge, past dramatic tunnels and beautiful bridges.
Top Tip: Another scenic train ride in Greece is the narrow gauge Pelion Train near Volos.
Visit Mega Spileo Monastery
Very close to Zachlorou, Mega Spileo Monastery stands in all its glory. Mega Spileo – or Spilaio – is Greek for Big Cave. The monastery was named after the cave in which it was built. Its impressive facade occupies the slope of a dramatic rocky hill.
Founded in 362 AC, Mega Spileo is one of the oldest monasteries in Greece. One of the darkest pages in the monastery’s history was written in 1943 when the German Nazis burnt the monastery and killed the monks by throwing them off a tall rock.
Nowadays, the monastery is open to the public for visits. It houses a small museum and an icon of the Virgin Mary that is believed to have been the creation of Saint Lucas himself.
Oinoxeneia Festival
If you’re wondering when to visit Aigialeia Greece, you should know that the second half of August might be the best time to do it. That’s because the celebrated Oinoxeneia Festival takes place in Aigialeia every year around that time.
With a focus on Aigialeia’s distinct wine-making culture, Oinoxeneia Festival hosts a series of various events that also touch upon the area’s gastronomy, history and traditions. The team behind the festival is comprised of passionate locals – or locals at heart – who are eager to show visitors the unique charms of their beloved land.
In 2024, Oinoxeneia Festival celebrates its 11th anniversary and it will take place between August 21 and August 31. For more information, click here.
How To Get To & Around Aigialeia
The best way to reach Aigialeia from Athens is to rent a car and cross the Peloponnese on a road trip. Driving gives you the flexibility to get to know the area at your own pace and fill your eyes with beauty as you travel across the gorgeous countryside.
Where To Stay & Eat in Aigialeia
If you’re planning to spend a few days exploring the magic of Aigialeia, we’d recommend staying in Aigio. It’s the area’s largest town with several accommodation and dining options. Amario Suites Hotel offers elegant spacious suites right at the beachfront while the modern and fully furnished 11Suites are located in the heart of the town.
For lovers of secluded hotels amidst spectacular landscapes with stunning views, Gerofotis Traditional Guesthouse is housed in a neoclassical mansion that dates back to 1892. It’s located a 20-minute drive from Aigio.
Situated along the promenade, Lemon Tree is one of the best restaurants in Aigio. At its cosy interior or dreamy outdoor area, you can pair mouthwatering dishes with some of the best local wines. Vegetarians will not be disappointed as there are plenty of meatless delicacies based on Greek cuisine but with a twist.
For a traditional Greek restaurant right on the beach instead, it’s worth taking the short trip to Mazarakis Tavern in the nearby Labiri Village.
Aigialeia is one of Greece’s best-kept secrets. If you want to experience Greek hospitality at its best, in a region that not many know of (yet), drinking superb wine as you go, look no further. Aigialeia Greece is sure to steal your hearts as easily as it stole ours.
For more reading about places in the Peloponnese:
What To Do in Kalamata Greece: History, Olives & Fun
WORDS & EDITING: Maria
IMAGES: Katerina
Disclosure: We explored the charms of Aigialeia Greece on a press trip organised and sponsored by Oinoxeneia. All opinions remain our own, as always.