Athens: Tasting of 6 Wines From Kefalonia With Food Pairing

Explore the rich viticultural heritage of Kefalonia with a captivating wine tasting experience in Athens. Guided by a certified expert, guests will savor six carefully curated wines from the island’s renowned Haritatos Vineyard, each paired with delectable local dishes that enhance the unique flavors. From the fragrant Moschato to the bold Mavrodaphne, this 1.5-hour journey showcases the exceptional quality and diversity of Greece’s indigenous grape varieties. Whether you’re a seasoned oenophile or a curious newcomer, this immersive experience promises to elevate your understanding and appreciation of modern Greek gastronomy.

Key Points

• A 1.5-hour wine tasting experience at Haritatos Vineyard in Kefalonia, featuring 6 local wine varieties paired with exclusive gastronomic creations.
• Guided tasting led by a certified wine expert, with options to experience the tour in French, Greek, Spanish, and English.
• Discover Kefalonia’s unique indigenous grape varieties, including Moschato, Mavrodaphne, and Vostilidi, showcased in the Haritatos Vineyard’s wines.
• Explore the history of Haritatos Vineyard, which was revived after facing challenges from wars and earthquakes, and its commitment to preserving local winemaking traditions.
• The event is wheelchair-accessible, and participants under 18 must be accompanied by an adult, with dietary restrictions accommodated upon advance notice.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Overview of the Experience

The winery tasting experience in Kefalonia lasts approximately 1.5 hours and allows visitors to sample 6 wines from the Haritatos Vineyard, accompanied by expertly paired gastronomic creations.

Guests can explore the region’s indigenous grape varieties, including Moschato and Mavrodaphne, through a guided tasting led by a certified wine expert.

The experience caters to various language preferences, with tours available in French, Greek, Spanish, and English.

Accessibility is ensured, as the venue is wheelchair-friendly.

Participants can choose to book a private group experience, and the cost per person starts from £59.02, with a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance.

Wines and Food Pairings

Guests can expect to sample a diverse array of wines from Kefalonia’s indigenous grape varieties, each expertly paired with a complementary gastronomic creation.

The tasting begins with the dry white Typaldo, made from 100% Kefalonian Moschato, accompanied by Cretan graviera cheese and seasonal fruits.

Next, the dry white Hariton, crafted from 100% Kefalonian Vostilidi, is served with veal tartare, lime, and potato sticks.

The rosé Roze Haritatos, a 100% Kefalonian dry Mavrodaphne, is paired with spicy Trahana croquettes.

The menu continues with the red nouveau Mademoiselle, a 100% Kefalonian dry Mavrodaphne, served with sea bass ceviche, mango, and orange juice.

The experience culminates with the sweet Joya, made from 100% Kefalonian Moschato, paired with a blue cheese croquette, pistachio, and apple jam.

Indigenous Greek Wine Varieties

Kefalonia, an island renowned for its rich winemaking history, boasts an array of indigenous grape varieties that have captivated the palates of oenophiles worldwide.

These unique grapes, nurtured by the island’s distinct terroir, form the foundation of the region’s renowned wines, each with its own distinct character and flavor profile.

Moschato, a fragrant white grape, and Mavrodaphne, a deep-red variety, are two of the most prominent indigenous grapes showcased in the Haritatos Vineyard experience.

These varieties, along with the lesser-known Vostilidi, lend Kefalonian wines their distinctive personality, which is further enhanced by the skilled winemaking techniques employed at the Haritatos Vineyard.

History of Haritatos Vineyard

Haritatos Vineyard’s history is one of resilience, as it has weathered the challenges of wars and earthquakes to emerge as a beacon of Kefalonia’s winemaking revival.

Originally established in the early 20th century, the vineyard was forced to abandon operations due to the devastation of wars and natural disasters.

However, the Haritatos family refused to let their legacy fade and dedicated themselves to reviving the vineyard in the late 20th century.

Through their tireless efforts, they’ve not only restored the winery but also championed the use of indigenous Greek grape varieties, like Moschato and Mavrodaphne.

Today, Haritatos Vineyard stands as a testament to the perseverance and innovation that defines Kefalonia’s wine industry.

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Insights From Certified Guide

A certified guide’s insights provide visitors with a deeper understanding of Kefalonia’s winemaking heritage and the Haritatos Vineyard’s remarkable revival. Through the tasting experience, guests gain valuable knowledge about the indigenous grape varieties and the modern food pairings that showcase Greek gastronomy. The guide shares details on the history of the Haritatos family, who revived the winery after it was abandoned due to wars and earthquakes. Their dedication to preserving local traditions is evident in the wines and dishes presented.

Key Insights Shared by Guide
History of Haritatos Vineyard	Revival after abandonment due to wars and earthquakes
Indigenous Greek Grape Varieties	Kefalonian Moschato, Vostilidi, and Mavrodaphne
Modern Greek Gastronomy	Innovative food pairings showcasing local flavors
Winemaking Traditions	Commitment to preserving Kefalonia’s viticultural heritage
Tasting Experience	Deeper understanding of Kefalonia’s wine and culinary culture

Included Amenities and Offerings

Six glasses (70ml) of wine from Kefalonia varieties are included, along with six exclusive gastronomical creations matching each wine. Bottled water and a memoir menu in English are also provided, though additional drinks or food aren’t included.

This tasting experience allows participants to discover indigenous Greek wine varieties and modern Greek gastronomy. They’ll have the chance to learn about the history of Haritatos Vineyard, including its revival after being abandoned due to wars and earthquakes, from a certified guide and wine expert.

While the activity is wheelchair accessible, participants under 18 must be accompanied by an adult, and alcohol consumption isn’t permitted for those under 17. Dietary restrictions can be accommodated with advance notice.

Age Restrictions and Dietary Needs

There are a few important age and dietary considerations for this wine tasting experience.

Participants under 18 must be accompanied by an adult, as alcohol consumption isn’t permitted for those under 17. Plus, guests should notify the organizers of any allergies at least one day prior to the booking to ensure their dietary needs can be accommodated.

The event isn’t suitable for pregnant women. By providing this information in advance, the Haritatos Vineyard team can prepare the appropriate food pairings and create an enjoyable, inclusive experience for all attendees.

Following these guidelines helps ensure everyone can fully appreciate the wines and flavors on offer during this unique tasting.

Meeting Point and Transportation

The meeting point for this wine tasting experience is the Ramon offtrail bar restaurant. Participants will convene at this location to begin their exploration of Kefalonian wines and cuisine.

From the meeting point, the group will be escorted to the Haritatos Vineyard, where they’ll discover the history and production of the featured wines.

Transportation to and from the vineyard isn’t included, so participants are responsible for making their own arrangements. Whether they choose to drive, take public transport, or arrange a private transfer, getting to the starting point is an important first step in embarking on this delightful wine and food pairing journey.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is It Possible to Purchase the Wines After the Tasting?

Yes, it’s possible to purchase the wines after the tasting. The activity description states that the wines from Haritatos Vineyard in Kefalonia are included as part of the experience, implying they can be purchased separately following the tasting.

Are Non-Alcoholic Beverage Options Available for Non-Drinkers?

Yes, non-alcoholic beverage options are available for non-drinkers. The experience includes bottled water, and the provider can accommodate other non-alcoholic requests if notified in advance of any dietary restrictions.

Can the Experience Be Customized for Specific Dietary Requirements?

Yes, the wine tasting experience can be customized for specific dietary requirements. Participants are encouraged to notify the organizers of any allergies or preferences at least one day prior to booking to accommodate their needs.

What Is the Dress Code for the Wine Tasting Event?

There is no formal dress code for the wine tasting event. Participants can wear comfortable, casual clothing. The focus is on enjoying the wine and food pairing experience, so attire should not be a concern.

Are There Any Discounts or Packages Available for Larger Groups?

Yes, the wine tasting event offers discounts for larger groups. Customers can inquire about group packages and special rates when booking the experience, which is available for private groups.

Recap

This Kefalonian wine tasting in Athens offers a unique opportunity to explore the rich viticultural heritage of the island.

Under the guidance of a certified expert, you will savor six exquisite indigenous wines paired with delectable local dishes, providing an immersive experience that celebrates the flavors of modern Greek gastronomy.

A must-try for wine enthusiasts seeking to expand their knowledge and palate.

You can check if your dates are available here: