Chatzivaritis Estate: A Jewel of the Greek Wine Industry
Immerse yourself in the fascinating world of Chatzivaritis Estate, a renowned winery that shines as a bright star in the Greek wine industry. Nestled in the picturesque region of Goumenissa, a place with a rich wine tradition, Chatzivaritis Estate is a testament to the beauty of Greek viticulture.
The Beginnings of Chatzivaritis Estate
The story of Chatzivaritis began in 1981 when Vangelis Chatzivaritis met his future wife, Olga Iakovidi. This meeting laid the foundation for a winery that is now known for its unique and largely unexplored Greek wines. Vangelis Chatzivaritis, a lover of good food and wine, began making his own wine to enjoy with close friends and relatives.
Organic Cultivation and Expansion
For Vangelis, winemaking was a hobby and a welcome break from his demanding career as an electronic engineer. In 1994, he planted the first 50-hectare vineyard in the Bintabla area. From the outset, he emphasized the quality of the grapes, the fertility of the soil, and environmental protection, which is why he chose organic farming. Since then, Chatzivaritis Estate has steadily expanded, with additional vineyards in the Filyria region.
The “Boutique” Winery and Wine Production
The climate here is continental with plenty of rainfall in winter and warm, dry summers with cool nights. In 2007, a “boutique” winery was built in Filyria, laying the foundation for the production of the renowned Chatzivaritis Estate wine. Production began with the well-known Chatzivaritis Estate POP Goumenissa wine, which quickly evolved into an emblematic wine for the region and became known for its elegance.
The Return of Chloe and the Expansion of the Range
In 2017, Chloe, the daughter of Vangelis and Olga, returned to Greece after studying oenology in France and Portugal and working in various wineries in France, New Zealand, Argentina, and Chile. She brought with her a passion and experience for low-intervention wines and immediately began making a new range of unadulterated wines and experimenting with new winemaking techniques.
The Vineyards and Grape Varieties
Today, the vineyard of the Estate spans 200 hectares. Chatzivaritis Estate focuses on the Greek grape varieties Xinomavro, Negoska, Roditis, Malagouzia, Moschato, and Assyrtiko, but also cultivates the well-known varieties Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot on a smaller scale.
The Legend of Chatzivaritis Estate
It is said that the indigenous Greek varieties Xinomavro and Negoska, from which the Chatzivaritis Estate POP Goumenissa wine is made, were the wine of choice of Philip, the King of Macedonia and father of Alexander the Great. Moreover, it was reported that during the First World War, large quantities of wine from the region were transported to France because it was so exceptional.
The Philosophy
The story of Chatzivaritis Estate is marked by summery family gatherings in Mediterranean style, endless late-night discussions intoxicated by the love of winemaking, and a wine that speaks for itself. At Chatzivaritis Estate, we live and make wine with passion. Discover the unique wines of Chatzivaritis Estate and experience the passion and dedication that goes into every drop.