Things to do in Thessaloniki – visit a Greek local winery!

Things to do in Thessaloniki: Are you arriving at Thessaloniki International Airport Macedonia (SKG) and searching for sights nearby?

Maybe you are looking for a one day trip to the mainland during your holidays in Northern Greece?

Then we have the perfect place for you to visit:

“The domaine of Gerovassiliou”… the paradise of Greek wine!

Why visit Gerovassiliou Estate

For those who may not know Vangelis Gerovassiliou, founder and owner of the domaine, is among the six best wine-producers worldwide.  Moreover, Gerovassiliou has been involved in vine cultivation and winemaking since 1981 and has been recognised with the receipt of European and global distinctions.  Furthermore, the domaine Gerovassiliou has been included among the best wineries in Thessaloniki and Thassos for six years and is still receiving very important distinctions every year.

Location of Gerovassiliou winery

The domaine is located very close to Thessaloniki Airport, 10 minutes away by car in the beautiful coastal area of Epanomi, this location isn’t a random choice as Vangelis Gerovassiliou was born and raised here.  Since he was teenager, he was passionate about wine production and this was the reason why he decided to study at Aristotle University of Thessaloniki’s School of Agriculture and then move to France to become specialised in Oenology, Viticulture, Wine-Tasting and the Technology of Wine-making equipment at the University of Bordeaux in France.

After 37 years he has developed his own private vineyard stretching over 74 hectares and today he is acknowledged as one of the best wine producers not only in Greece but worldwide.

Varieties of grapes

Greek and foreign varieties of grapes have been planted and are cultivated with great care:

-Malagousia – first vinified by Vangelis Gerovassiliou
-Assyrtiko – originally from the island of Santorini – are the Greek white varieties of the estate
-while Limnio – an ancient Greek variety mentioned by Aristophanes in the 5th century BC
-Mavroudi and Mavrotragano are the Greek red varieties.

Furthermore, French white varieties
-Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and Viognier
-and reds: Syrah and Merlot – are also cultivated.

In parallel, Ktima Gerovassiliou is continuously experimenting and studying the cultivation of both Greek and foreign varieties (Source: https://www.gerovassiliou.gr)

A visit to the domaine includes not only a wine tasting experience of those varieties but more over the visitor has the opportunity to see the amazing Wine Museum and watch the whole wine making process from the grape harvesting through to the bottling!

The facilities themselves are stunning! Gerovassiliou apart from being a successful businessman is also a person who loves art and this can be immediately understood by the visitor since works by famous Greek artists adorn the vineyards! One of our favourites is the “Moon” by Kostas Varotsos and also “The Grape” by Kostas Tsoclis.

All these works are freely accessible, Ktima Gerovassiliou is open to all oenophiles and anyone wishing to get to know the world of wine and viticulture as well.  Visits comprise of a short walk around the vineyard, a tour in the wine-production, bottling and ageing areas, and the Wine Museum.  Visitors can taste the estate’s wines in the special wine-tasting rooms, while enjoying a spectacular view to the estate’s vineyard.

▶ ALSO READ: Do I Have to Pay a Deposit when I Rent a Car in Thessaloniki Airport?

Things to do in Thessaloniki – Tour at Gerovassiliou winery

Tours in Greek and English are offered every hour and a half until one hour before closing. Τhe admission is 7 €. There is free admission to children under 18, museologists, students of schools and colleges related to the field of vine and wine. For group tours (>10 people), a reservation is required.

Opening hours

Monday, Thursday, Friday: 10.00-16.00

Wednesday: 13.00-19.00

Saturday, Sunday: 11.00-17.00

Tuesdays: closed

After the tour, the visitor also has the opportunity to buy wine directly from the producer and also unique souvenirs and gifts from the shop.  The best part is yet to come, the wonderful terrace of the bar-restaurant of the domaine, where the visitor can relax after the tour and enjoy a meal accompanied by a glass of wine while watching the sunset and admiring the outstanding views of the Aegean Sea and Olympus Mountain… isn’t that the perfect end to a great day?

To conclude, we would like to thank the team of the domaine Gerovassiliou for the wonderful time we had! An unforgettable experience which we will remember for many many years!

Hire a car from Potos Car Rentals and visit the winery!

We hope you all find the time to visit this wonderful place at least once and we would be happy then to read your comments below!

Cheers,

Potos Car Rentals Team