Wineries Near Nea Michaniona: Ktima Gerovassiliou, a Wine Museum and Malagousia
Few people expect it, but 15 minutes from Michaniona's beach is one of Greece's best-known wineries. If you like wine, or just want an afternoon that isn't the beach, Epanomi is waiting.
Ktima Gerovassiliou, Epanomi
The estate sits in the hills of Epanomi, about 25 km south-east of Thessaloniki, with vineyards looking out to sea. The Gerovassiliou name is tied to Malagousia, an aromatic white grape that had nearly disappeared and is now one of Greece's favourites. The estate's Malagousia is considered among the best in the country. If you only taste one wine here, make it this one.
The wine museum
In 2008 a wine museum opened at the estate, a long-held dream of Vangelis Gerovassiliou and his wife Sonia. It holds around 5,000 objects, from vineyard tools and barrels to the vessels wine travelled in during antiquity, plus a glossary of the vine and wine.
The star, though, is a collection of about 2,700 corkscrews, described as the largest in the world. It sounds dull until you see it. Corkscrews shaped like animals, people, weapons, corkscrews you can't work out how to use. You'll laugh.
Stay at Theodoras House
A 91 m² home with a garden and barbecue in Nea Michaniona, for up to 7 guests, with free parking. Everything in this guide is a short drive away.
How to plan it
- Book ahead. The estate welcomes visitors, with winery and vineyard tours and tastings. Hours and prices change, so check its official website.
- Pair it with the sea. Morning at Potamos or the shipwreck, afternoon at the estate. They're minutes apart.
- Pick a driver. A tasting is a tasting. Someone has to get the car home.
- Take a bottle home. Chilled Malagousia with fish off the garden barbecue. You can thank us later.
More Macedonian wine
Macedonia is a major wine region. Naoussa and Goumenissa, known for their Xinomavro reds, are about an hour and a half away and pair well with a trip to Vergina and Pella. Every spring, the Wine Roads of Northern Greece hold their “Open Doors” weekend, when member wineries open to the public for free. If it falls during your stay, don't miss it.
FAQ
Do I need to book a visit to Ktima Gerovassiliou?
It's recommended. Contact the estate through its official website for hours, tours and tastings, as they change with the season.
How far is Epanomi from Nea Michaniona?
About 15 to 20 minutes by car. It pairs easily with a swim at Potamos or the shipwreck.
Sources: travel.gr, Μουσείο Οίνου Κτήματος Γεροβασιλείου · Athens Voice, τα κρασιά Γεροβασιλείου · in.gr, Ανοιχτές Πόρτες οινοποιείων
