The vineyards of Nemea

The vineyards that produce the famous Agiorgitiko wine and the wine estates of Nemea, which are open to visitors, are renowned throughout Greece.

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You're looking down from above: vineyards as far as the eye can see, their leaves glistening in the sun. The vines, lined up like little soldiers, form well-disciplined rows. The light plays with the foliage, and the shades of green and brown change with the time and season. In the glasses, the ruby color of Agiorgitiko suggests a veritable explosion of the senses: taste, sight and smell, all in red! If you visit Nemea in autumn, during the grape harvest, you're sure to come away with hundreds of photos. 

Yes, the Peloponnese has its own little corner of Tuscany...  

A mountainous massif with deep ravines formed over time by rivers such as the Asopos and Xerias, which have shaped the topography of the Nemea PDO wine-growing zone. Its surface area, ranging from 2,500 to 3,000 hectares, is constantly expanding. Several of the vineyards are located on the hillsides, others in large and smaller valleys. The three different altitude zones produce the three distinct types of Agiorgitiko. The soil, composed of clay, stone, gravel and sand, retains the moisture necessary for vine growth.  

The Nemea wine-growing area was recognized in 1971 (as AO-VDQS and then as PDO) and Agiorgitiko Agiorgitiko makes up 80% of it. The region is Greece's largest wine-growing area and one of its most famous wine-tourism destinations.  

The age-old history of Nemea wine is linked to the timeless cultivation of the Agiorgitiko grape variety. Nemea is associated with the famous feat of the hero Heracles, and the killing of the lion in that location. The land of Nemea was ruled by Flias, son of Dionysus and founder of Fliasia. According to one version, it was here that vines were first cultivated, producing the wine "Fliasios". It is said that the vine was a gift from Dionysus to his mortal son. Fliasios wine was shared at the Nemean Games. Since the 16th century Ottoman records include references ablout the so-called "black wine of Nemea".

The wineries of Nemea and Agiorgitiko
There are at least forty wineries in the Nemea region, ranging from large wineries to small family-run units. Many of the wines produced have won international awards and distinctions. Thousands of visitors come every year to enjoy wine tasting accompanied by local produce.
Agiorgitiko is the noblest grape variety in southern Greece. The region's differences in altitude, topography, microclimate and soil composition create its different "expressions". Its qualification as a "versatile" grape refers to its ability to produce many different styles of wine: from fresh rosé to robust aged red, right through to sweet dessert wine.
The variety's name derives from the village of Agios Georgios, as Nemea was named until the early 20th century. The late harvest takes place from mid to late September.
For more information https://nemeawineland.com/wineries/ and https://www.nemeanwines.gr.
Events in Nemea
The Nemean Games. Reconstructing the ritual of the ancient Nemean Games, participation in today's games is open to all. They are organized every year in June by the Association for the Revival of the Nemean Games, in collaboration with the Municipality, under the auspices of the Region of Peloponnese and the Ministry of Culture and Sports. The games pay tribute to Steven Miller, the American archaeologist who dedicated his life to the development of the archaeological site of Nemea. https://nemeangames.org/
The Agiorgitiko festival. In September, wineries open their doors for three days and winegrowers celebrate together the Illustrious Days of Nemea (Megales Meres tis Nemeas). The event is co-organized by the Winegrowers' Association, the Municipality and the Cooperative Winery of Nemea. #nemeaevolution 

Did you know that

Discover the Corinthian Wine Routes itineraries here: https://peloponnesewineroads.com

Some growers cultivate other grape varieties, such as Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Syrah, Merlot, Assyrtiko and others.

In addition to wine, Nemea's crops now include olives and currants.

The winery of the Nemea Cooperative opened its doors in 1937 and in 1959 the first experimental bottling of Agiorgitiko took place. Many of the region's producers of this variety are members. Tel. for wine tasting: 27460 22210, www.nemeanwines.gr.

PDO Nemea Winery Association, tél.: 27460 22487, https://nemeawineland.com

Learn more about ancient Nemea and the Archaeological Museum.

Location

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