Uncovering Nemea’s rich wine heritage with Aperis is a truly unique experience.
Nemea is one of the most popular destinations in the Peloponnese, with significant archaeological and perhaps even greater oenological interest. The fertile plains that surround Nemea have defined its existence and the lives of its inhabitants for centuries. Here, the largest concentrated vineyard in Greece spreads out, producing wines famous throughout the world.
Therefore, we were thrilled to have the opportunity to experience wonderful moments in the magical land of Nemea when we attended a wine pairing. It was an unforgettable visit to a local winery, which was a success due to the excellent preparation and highly qualified staff of the Aperis company.
Nemea: A land of heroes, gods and wine
According to Greek mythology, Hercules killed the Nemean lion here, fulfilling the first of his twelve labours. In ancient times, Nemea was a significant religious and cultural hub. The majestic temple of Zeus and the stadium used for famous athletic events in the ancient Greek era make the archaeological site of Nemea stand out.
Nemea (which was previously named Agios Georgios) is a remarkable wine tourist destination. Its vineyard area is vast, with over 26,000 hectares. It is the location where the red varietal Agiorgitiko has been grown for more than 3,000 years. Known around the world for its exceptional red and rosé wines, the vineyard is the foundation of the PDO Nemea wines. White clay soil, a unique microclimate, and the terrain’s variations in elevation produce a variety of wines. Nemea’s wine ranges from fruity, fresh, and easy to full-bodied, complexly scented, and long-aged.
Numerous wineries, some of the best in Greece are located in the Nemea region. With their state-of-the-art facilities and public access, the majority of them provide winemaking cycle seminars, tastings, and tours.
The company that planned our trip to Nemea, Aperis, took us to Estate Constantin Gofas. It is one of the area’s most stunning wineries, complete with contemporary amenities and hospitable areas.
Estate Constantin Gofas
The Gofas family has cultivated its privately owned vineyards for many generations. But it was in 1959 that the family decided to utilise its privately owned vineyard. They began winemaking in the press of their ancestral home in Nemea with manual equipment.
In 1998, the young Konstantinos Gofas, a viticulturist raised in the region, takes over the business, providing new impetus to a steady upward trajectory and modernising it with new mechanical equipment. To make wines of superior quality, he separates the vineyards, uses cutting-edge viticultural techniques, plants new varieties, and develops standard blends that meet worldwide standards.
In 2011 they moved the winery to Koutsi, close to the fabled Asopos River, in a privately owned vineyard. The varieties cultivated by Estate Gofas are Agiorgitiko, Malagouzia, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Gris.
With stunning views of the surrounding vineyards and the gorgeous wildlife all around, this place is simply wonderful. Wine tastings and pairings are held in three locations on the estate. The first is the winemaker’s cellar, where the miracle of wine creation is carried out in the wooden barrels.
The second has an unhindered view of the surroundings and is situated beneath the large trees in the garden. The third and most unique place is beside the riverbanks and beneath the plane trees. Here you may enjoy your wine among the sounds, colours, and scents of nature.
Wine pairing with Aperis
The visit to the estate organised by Aperis was a complete experience and more than a wine pairing. That’s why they call it “GATHERING”. A deep procedure and a fine selection of the ancient wine varieties with the suitable Greek delicacies. A chance to meet the sincere way of Greek hospitality and an extensive knowledge of Greek tradition in gastronomy.
It is a tour suitable for all kinds of travellers but especially for food and wine lovers and for those who want to get close to the Greek culture. A “GATHERING” created with love and passion for Greek gastronomy and the Nemean varieties of grapes with the unique characteristics. A step-by-step tested wine match that leads to a delightful explosion of tastes.
The “GATHERING” that Aperis arranged for us pleased all of our senses. It included a presentation of the unique experiences that Aperis has to offer, an informative tour of the winery, and, of course, an excellent pairing process. We tried four different wines and corresponding food suggestions that combined great dining with local traditions.
Fine olive oil, sourdough bread, fish, mushrooms, regional cheeses, and, of course, a succulent suckling pig all wonderfully complemented the wines that the Aperis oenologist had selected for us, creating a singular culinary experience. Beyond the food, however, we were able to comprehend the magic involved in the production and structure of a wine thanks to the Aperis people’s extensive knowledge and scientific background.
An unforgettable experience
Nemea is a magical place. It is a region of Greece with a great history and a beautiful landscape. A destination that has nothing to envy, for example, the vineyards of Provence or Porto, and wine lovers should discover. A visit to a winery in Nemea is an unforgettable experience. We were lucky enough to have our visit to the Estate Gofas organised by the Aperis company, which took care of the impeccable wine pairing and created a pleasant, warm and friendly atmosphere among the participants. It is an experience that we recommend to everyone without reservation.
Aperis – Tour Operator and alternative travel guidance company
Aperis is a new tour operator and alternative travel guidance company specialised in the Peloponnese region of Greece. It is created by a team of motivated and experienced persons involved in tourism for over 20 years. Based in Corinth, Aperis has a different perspective, offering an alternative but also complete travel experience. Aperis provides a range of unique tours in the Peloponnese region with an emphasis on tradition, love for nature, contact with the land, gastronomy and culture.
