The Jewel of the Vouraikos Gorge: Mega Spileo Estate

Perched at an altitude of 800 to 1,000 meters within the UNESCO-protected Chelmos-Vouraikos Geopark, Mega Spileo Estate offers a wine experience steeped in over 500 years of history.

Visitors can explore the historic stone-built winery and the ancient “Metochi” (monastery dependency) while tasting rare indigenous grapes as Mavro Kalavritino and Lagorthi, alongside robust blends of Mavrodaphne and Cabernet Sauvignon.

With its dramatic views overlooking the gorge and a unique microclimate that fosters organic viticulture, the estate is the ultimate destination for those seeking a deep connection between Greek tradition and contemporary winemaking.

Explore cultural sites such as mythical “Cave of the Lakes”. Just a short drive from Kalavrita, these stunning natural wonder features breathtaking underground lakes

Wander around its mysterious galleries and multicolour chambers, and admire impressive stalactite and stalagmite formations. What makes this cave quite unique is an unusual formation of cascading lakes that form three different levels within its mouth!

Delve into the profound local history preserved within the Municipal Museum of the Kalavritan Holocaust, in this symbolic building, inhabitants of Kalavrita experienced and suffered the brutality of the Nazi atrocities artifacts from the region.

Unveil Nature’s Wonders, “ Vouraikos Gorge”, part of  UNESCO, listed National Geopark, a natural marvel that showcases the region’s stunning geology.

Hike through picturesque trails, where you can appreciate the lush flora and fauna, making it an ideal spot for nature lovers or photographers.

Helmos Mountain, known for its stunning vistas, is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you’re hiking in the summer or skiing in the winter, the mountain offers year-round activities and breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.

Savor authentic Greek local cuisine at “Spiti Tis Marios”, Greek pie with wild vegetables, kontosouvli grilled, kritharaki -Greek orzo- with wild mushrooms.

“Peri Orexeos” at  Kalavrita’s pedestrian, a family -run taverna, which serves well-cooked Greek dishes like rooster or wild boar with local pasta, stuffed vegetables and traditional desserts. 

Strolling through the pedestrian heart of the village felt like walking through a living postcard. It’s the kind of place where time slows down, measured not by clocks, but by the shifting shadows on the mountain peaks. Enjoy a hot wild green tea paired with warm cheese-feta pie.

Visit local delicatessen shops and bring home the original famous Kalavrita Feta cheese matured in barrels, wild green tea, handmade local pasta and rose petal jam, an exclusivity from the area.     

Kalavrita’s province is not just a destination; it’s an experience waiting to be discovered. By combining cultural sites, delicious food, and engaging activities, visitors can create lasting memories. From the echoes of the past at historical sites to the quiet beauty of a scenic train ride, Kalavrita region offers a diverse escape for every visitor.

Ready to plan your perfect day in Kalavrita? Join us for an unforgettable wine tour and immerse yourself in the beauty and richness of this remarkable town!

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Messolonghi, known for its heroic past and rich cultural heritage, now becomes the setting for a new food+wine journey, where wine meets the unique flora and fauna of the lagoon and the surrounding natural landscape.

This partnership bridges the wine cultures on both sides of the Gulf of Patras, shining a spotlight on Malagousia — the distinctive and aromatic indigenous grape variety cherished in Aetolia-Acarnania.

Mesologhi by Locals acts as a local hub — an open cultural platform where the local community becomes a co-creator of cultural routes. It offers visitors and locals meaningful ways to engage with the land and its stories. Learn more at messolonghibylocals.com

With curated tastings, guided lagoon experiences, and creative storytelling, we aim to connect wine with its place of origin — with untamed nature, living memory, and authentic human presence.

This is just the beginning…..

Contact us to create together the most exclusive wine tour!

COME ALONG WITH THE WINE CONNOISSEURS AND DELVE INTO THE ROOTS OF GREEK CULTURE

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Discover the magic of three of Europe’s most enchanting Christmas markets. We’ve brought you recipes for their signature mulled wine so that you can create a Christmas festive atmosphere at home.

Glögg / Gothenburg Sweden 

Gothenburg offers a truly magical Christmas experience, centered around the enchanting Liseberg Christmas Market. Lose yourself in the festive atmosphere, sample delicious treats, and shop for unique gifts. Don’t miss the captivating St. Lucia celebrations, a highlight of the Swedish holiday season.

A Scandinavian winter wouldn’t be complete without a steaming mug of Glögg. This warming beverage shares many similarities with German Glühwein but offers its distinct flavor profile. Crafted with specific wine varietals and a unique blend of spices, Glögg is typically enjoyed hot and often spiked with a generous amount of alcohol. In Sweden, it’s customary to add raisins and almonds to the mix, making it a delightful treat for both the palate and the soul.

Recipe

2 cinnamon sticks, broken into pieces, 1 tsp. cardamom pods, 1 small piece ginger, peeled, Zest of ½ orange, 6 whole cloves, ½ cup vodka, 750-ml dry red wine, 1 cup ruby port or Madeira, 1 cup granulated sugar, 1 Tbsp. vanilla sugar, ½ blanched whole almonds, ½ cup dark raisins

 Crush cinnamon and cardamom in a mortar and pestle (or put them on a cutting board and crush with the bottom of a heavy pot.) Add ginger, orange zest, cloves, and vodka to a small glass jar. Let sit 1 day.

Strain vodka through a fine-mesh sieve into a large saucepan; discard spices. Add wine, port, granulated sugar, vanilla sugar, almonds, and raisins and heat over medium just until bubbles start to form around the edges.

Ladle glögg into mugs, with a few almonds and raisins in each one. Keep any remaining glögg warm over very low heat until ready to serve (do not let it boil).

Glühwein/ Cologne Germany

Cologne, a perennial favorite for holiday travelers, offers a variety of enchanting Christmas markets. The largest, located in the heart of the city beneath the iconic cathedral, is a sight to behold. The Markt der Engel captivates visitors with its dazzling display of twinkling lights and intricate angel decorations, creating a truly magical atmosphere.

Nikolausdorf, a charming town steeped in history, offers a unique blend of the old and new. Discover the real story of St. Nicholas, explore the 13th-century Hahnen Gate, and immerse yourself in mythical markets. All while sipping on warm Glühwein.

This heartwarming beverage, a beloved tradition in European cultures, is perfect for cozy nights in. With endless flavor possibilities, our recipe encourages you to experiment and create your own unique blend.

Recipe

1 liter red wine, 1 orange, 2 stick(s) cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon(s) cardamom, 2 star anises, 100g ginger, 2 sprigs rosemary, 250 g honey, 50 g brandy.

To serve

1 stick(s) cinnamon, pomegranate, rosemary

In a pot, add the red wine, orange, cinnamon stick, cardamom, star anise, ginger, rosemary and honey. Transfer pot over heat and bring to a boil. Remove from heat and add the cognac. Serve in glasses with pomegranate seeds, cinnamon sticks and rosemary.

Svařák/  Prague -Czech

A festive spirit fills the air as the city is adorned with twinkling lights and holiday cheer. Medieval buildings are transformed into storybook settings, while the cobbled streets come alive with the sights, sounds, and scents of the Christmas markets.

But the real star of the show is the food!

Savor hot sausages straight from the grill, fluffy pancakes, and garlicky flatbread. All this, paired with a warm cup of svarak, a local mulled wine with a citrusy twist, will keep you coming back for more.

In Czech culture, it’s a cherished tradition to sip spiced wine while browsing the stalls at annual Christmas markets. A cup of hot wine warms your chilly hands and fills the air with holiday aroma. Let’s make authentic spiced wine using a Czech recipe!

Recipe

1 bottle red wine, 3 cinnamon sticks, 5-10 cloves, 2 tbsp brown sugar, 1 lemon, 1 orange or 2 small mandarins or tangerines, 25ml Czech Tuzemský rum (optional), 3 cardamom pods (optional), 1-2 star anise, ¼ tsp nutmeg (optional)

Prepare your spices. Count out the cinnamon sticks and cloves into a bowl and place to one side. You may also add other spices, such as cardamom, nutmeg or star anise at this point.

Grate or zest the peel of ½ the orange and ½ the lemon. Add to your bowl of spices. Set your burner to low heat and pour the bottle of wine into the pot. Add the bowl of spices to the pot and stir regularly.

While the spices are releasing their flavor, slice the lemon and orange, but do not add yet. Continue to stir the pot intermittently. After about 20 minutes, add the sliced fruit and 2 tbsp of brown sugar. Stir for an additional 5 minutes. For an extra kick of alcohol, many people like to add Czech Tuzemský rum (domestic rum), which is made from sugar beets. Start slowly with one shot of rum, and add to taste because the flavor is quite distinctive – you’ll either love or hate it.

Serve and enjoy!

Contact us to create together the most festive corporate wine event!

COME ALONG WITH THE WINE CONNOISSEURS AND DELVE INTO THE ROOTS OF GREEK CULTURE

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Our team decided the best way to do this was to create a brand-new event for the PwC Greece which had never been executed before. We created an entirely new team building event – Greece Unveiled: A Gog Train Journey Adventure with Wine & Culture –for them and their team loved it!

To learn more about how it all came together, read the case study,

The cogged rail journey  through the Gorge is one of the most spectacular experience in Greece has been proposed by the Guardian as one of the world’s 10 best public transport rides.

Our Wine Ambassadors WSET Diploma (Cand) take the team through the Mega -Spileo Estate.

The Estate is situated in the enchanting environment of the Chelmos-Vouraikos Geopark a blessed land steeped in ancient legends and historical traditions It is also one of the seven Greek Global UNESCO Geoparks.

Explore the Monastery’s vineyard, located inside the Vouraikos Gorge, where the vines have been cultivated by the monks for more than 450 years.

Visit the old stone winery and the church where the divine service took place during the cultivation and the harvest. The revival of the vineyard in recent decades offers authentic Greek wine tasting from hidden gems of “forgotten” local varieties like Mavrodaphne, and Mavro Kalavritino.

Our wine experts, guide the participants through a captivating exploration of Greek wine history, unique terroirs, and the exciting rise of new varieties and organize the WINE Fun activity “Become a Wine Connoisseur”.

Unleash Your Inner Sommelier

• Get ready to play and bond! We have exciting wine challenges designed to awaken your inner sommelier. Put your senses to the test and see if you can distinguish subtle aromas and flavors.
• The fun doesn’t stop there! We’ll introduce you to one of the most entertaining wine-themed games around. Prepare for laughter and friendly competition!

Teamwork Makes the Dream Work (and Wins the Wine)

• Join forces! The participants will be divided into teams and embark on a blind tasting challenge. They have the opportunity to analyze mystery wines.
• Step into the spotlight! Each team will elect a sommelier who will describe their assigned wine to the group.
• Glory awaits the victors! The winning team members will each be awarded a bottle of our exclusive, limited-edition wine – a coveted prize for any wine enthusiast.

Our fabulous day brought to fruition with a Food & Wine Pairing Experience , a gourmet lunch -with local specialties – of four courses paired with different glass of  wine.

Contact us to create together the most festive corporate wine event!

COME ALONG WITH THE WINE CONNOISSEURS AND DELVE INTO THE ROOTS OF GREEK CULTURE

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We are very pleased to announce Andriana’s Foi WSET Diploma (Cand.) participation as a wine contributing writer in the official Athens International Airport magazine
The Annual Collector’s Edition / Vol. 2

The Great Greek Brands!

Ten selected great varieties, pinned on the Greek wine map, confirming the charms of the treasure known as the Greek vineyard.

Read more:

https://www.digital.2board.gr/green-issue-sep-nov-2023?m=63613&i=795989&p=1&ver=html5

Contact us to create together a unique wine experience for you!

COME ALONG WITH THE WINE CONNOISSEURS AND DELVE INTO THE ROOTS OF GREEK CULTURE

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Andriana Foi, founder of The Wine Connoisseurs, will be among the guest speakers in the 7th section on Wine Tourism and Gastronomy, at the first major innovative conference for Tourism in the region of Western Greece, TRAVEL WEST FORUM.

“A Wine & Food Adventure beyond the Ordinary”.

The event brought together 36 leading speakers across nine key areas, fostering a dynamic exchange of ideas. This landmark conference served as a roadmap for the region’s future, analyzing data and trends to propose groundbreaking solutions for sustainable tourism development.

Contact us to create together the most festive corporate wine event!

COME ALONG WITH THE WINE CONNOISSEURS AND DELVE INTO THE ROOTS OF GREEK CULTURE

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Team bonding is a critical aspect of maintaining a healthy, thriving, and productive work environment. It’s not just about creating a pleasant atmosphere, but also about fostering trust, encouraging communication, and promoting collaboration among team members. One innovative and engaging way to strengthen team collaboration is through wine-related activities. These activities, which are both educational and entertaining, can help to break down barriers and inspire creativity and camaraderie among colleagues. For HR professionals or team leaders looking to infuse a little fun into their team-building efforts and enhance their team-bonding experience, we have compiled a list of the top 5 wine-related activities. Each of these options offers something unique, ensuring there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

https://www.thewineconnoisseurs.gr/corporate-wine-tours/

1. Team Building with Wine Tours

Wine tours provide a refreshing break from the office environment and allow team members to bond over a shared experience. These wine tours include not only tastings of delectable Greek wines but also the opportunity to participate in lighthearted wine games and explore picturesque vineyards making it a truly unforgettable experience.

Looking for a more complete team bonding experience? These tours can be customized to include transportation and delicious food pairings to match the wines. For an unforgettable journey, consider this Wine Connoisseurs tour…”

https://www.thewineconnoisseurs.gr/company-wine-events/

These events can be customized to include transportation and a range of food options. Try this tour of The Wine Connoisseurs for a memorable experience.

2. Rewarding Client or Team Events

Organizing events to thank clients or celebrate successful partnerships can also serve as an excellent team-bonding opportunity.

Experience rare and highly rated wines alongside gourmet dinner exclusively organized for your clients or your team. The Wine Connoisseurs bring your client or team events to life. We offer a variety of locations, from elegant ballrooms to scenic vineyards, with transportation and delectable food options to tantalize every taste bud.

These events can involve wine tours, wine tasting, wine games, and gourmet food.

Such events can be organized in a variety of locations and can include transportation and diverse culinary delights. Experience our rewarding client events at The Wine Connoisseurs.

https://www.thewineconnoisseurs.gr/b2b-wine-events/

3. Wine Bar Hopping & Bonding

Craft your ideal company’s afternoon in Athens with a Wine Bar Hopping tour!

Explore the city’s vibrant wine scene at your own pace, visiting a selection of stylish bars. Choose to add delicious food pairings and convenient transportation for a truly personalized experience for your team. Discover the magic of Greek Wines with The Wine Connoisseurs’ Wine Bar Hopping tour!

Wine bar hopping is a unique and enjoyable way to spend an afternoon. This four hours activity can only be carried out in Athens and does not include visits to wineries. You have the option to include transportation and food in your package. Wine Bar Hopping activity of The Wine Connoisseurs is a great option to consider.

https://www.thewineconnoisseurs.gr/b2b-wine-events/

4. Team Building & Festive Parties

Festive parties are a great way to boost team morale and strengthen bonds beyond the usual.

The festive parties could be organized at wineries and venues in Athens, Patras, and Nemea. These wine parties offer a unique way to celebrate, whether it’s Christmas cheer, New Year’s Eve bubbly, or a Halloween haunt with a twist. Enjoy delicious wines, delectable food options, and convenient transportation to and from the winery. It’s sure to be a memorable way to celebrate the season! Check out the festive parties of The Wine Connoisseurs.

Whether it’s a Christmas party, a New Year’s Eve celebration, or a Halloween party, arranging these events at wineries can add a unique charm. These events can be hosted in wineries in Athens, Patras, or even Nemea for a one-day trip, with options for transportation and various food choices. Check out the festive parties of The Wine Connoisseurs.

https://www.thewineconnoisseurs.gr/wine-festive-corporate-events/

5. Wine Antistress Day

Wine challenges can unleash the competitive spirit in your team. In this activity, participants are served a variety of wines, and they must taste and answer questions in groups. The final goal? The grand award! This activity boosts team building and is a fun way to learn about wines. The Wine Challenges of The Wine Connoisseurs is worth a try.

Wine-related team bonding activities are not only enjoyable but also effective in enhancing team collaboration and boosting morale. Particularly beneficial for HR personnel of companies that work remotely, these services offer a unique bonding experience for teams in sectors such as IT, internet services, pharmaceuticals, and multinationals.

https://www.thewineconnoisseurs.gr/company-wine-events/

The Wine Connoisseurs Greece

We specialize in organizing wine tours and team bonding events that cater to companies with an affinity for wine. Our events are meticulously planned and executed by our founder wine expert, Ms. Andriana Foi (WSET L3, WSET Diploma (Cand.) and WSPC HESTIA Advanced.

https://www.thewineconnoisseurs.gr/about-us/

Contact us to create together the most absolute corporate wine event!

COME ALONG WITH THE WINE CONNOISSEURS AND DELVE INTO THE ROOTS OF GREEK CULTURE

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Christmas time is the most beautiful time of the year!

We have prepared exclusive festive and creative proposals for the company events that will make them a joyful and fabulous occasion.

• Traditional New Year’s Eve cake party
• Pop up cocktail wine bar
• Keepsake wine vintage bottles
• “Flouri”, gift card to the luckiest of the New Year: “Private luxury wine tour”

All of us desire something different to get into the festive Spirit of Christmas and New Year ahead and leave the past year behind.

It is a fact, though, that it is also, an intense period of preparation for the Corporate Holidays Events, which must be completed with consistency, originality, and perfection to the last detail.

Whether it’s the traditional Christmas or New Year’s Party, THE WINE CONNOISSEURS are ready to support you in creating a Festive Corporate Event!

With a passion for wine, acquaintance with remarkable wineries in Greece, experience in luxury wine tourism, and specialized knowledge, join us for an authentic wine experience.

You only have to give your brief and choose among our personalized Christmas Wine Corporate Parties proposals, where all the participants will get “drunk” by the charm of wine, the impeccable organization, and the sparkling atmosphere!

The last project of the year will become a comfortable, creative, and unpredictably original collaboration with just one click.

Contact us to create together the most festive corporate wine event!

COME ALONG WITH THE WINE CONNOISSEURS AND DELVE INTO THE ROOTS OF GREEK CULTURE

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We are very pleased to announce Andriana’s Foi WSET Diploma (Cand.) participation as a wine contributing writer in the official Athens International Airport magazine
The Blue Issue is full of Big Thrills .

The ultimate Summer issue!

From Chalkidiki to the Aegean , an intoxicating Odyssey through wineries full of creation and history.

Read more:

https://www.digital.2board.gr/green-issue-sep-nov-2023?m=63613&i=795989&p=1&ver=html5

Contact us to create together a unique wine experience for you!

COME ALONG WITH THE WINE CONNOISSEURS AND DELVE INTO THE ROOTS OF GREEK CULTURE

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Spring is the best time to get to know Chios. Its Campos, with its imposing mansions and tall battlement walls made of incense stone, flooded with wild flowers and wild tulips (the “lalas”, as the locals call them), seems to be transformed into a painting. Its stone-built villages, its Mastichohoria, become even more charming, adorned with daisies, poppies and anemones playing in pink-purple.

Chios, beyond her absolute beauty, is also famous for producing  Mastic, α resin obtained from the mastic tree. It is also known as tears of Chios, being traditionally produced on the island Chios, and, like other natural resins, is produced in “tears” or droplets.

Another reason that Chios is one of the well known islands of Greece is the famous Easter custom called “rocket war.

It takes place in the small village of Vrontados in Chios.This is a spectacular custom-variation of the throwing of fireworks that is customary on the night of Holy Saturday at midnight, as soon as the bells ring the joyous message of the Resurrection.

The custom started in the late 1800s, when Turkey occupied the small island of Chios, which now forms part of Greece, the local Orthodox Christian population wasn’t allowed to celebrate Easter. But, in the small village of Vrontados, two churches came up with a cunning plan to keep the Turkish authorities away while they celebrated Jesus Christ’s resurrection from the dead: they staged a fake war using cannons and fireworks.

This tradition, born of religious fervor, continues to this day.

Each year, as Easter Sunday looms, the parishes of the Agios Markos and Panagia Erithiani churches, which sit on opposite hills, unleash thousands of homemade firework rockets on each other, creating one of the world’s most surreal pyrotechnic displays.

The night ends with no winners or losers (each parish insists on its own victory) and the two opposing teams renew their date for next year. The rockets used are wooden sticks filled with a mixture that includes nitrous, sulfur and gunpowder, and their preparations begin months before Easter.

In the last decade, the stocks of rockets made are thousands and the spectacle they compose in the spring sky on Easter night is certainly impressive, attracting visitors from all over the world.

Contact us to create together a unique wine experience for you!

COME ALONG WITH THE WINE CONNOISSEURS AND DELVE INTO THE ROOTS OF GREEK CULTURE

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