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Wine: is a celebration Enjoy

EASTERN HALKIDIKI

Contents

1. A few words

2. The message of the Mayor

3. The local wine route

4. First stop – Arnea

4.1 Domaine Claudia Papayianni

5. Second stop – Megali Panagia

5.1 Akrathos NewLands Winery

5.2 Estate Tarazas

5.3 The famous tsipouro distilleries and the tours around them

5.4 The tsipouro-feasts

6. Third stop – Ierissos

6.1 Domaine Agrovision

7. Final stop – Mount Athos, the mythical wine trip

7.1 The wineries in Mount Athos – visit them all!

8. Epilogue

TRADITIONAL VITICULTURE AND WINE MAKING OF EASTERN CHALKIDIKI Have you ever considered that by following a wine trail, you can experience the colourful and diverse life of the locals that has roots going centuries back? Have you ever thought that this trail can lead you amongst other things to the vineyards of Athos and to the secret “wine paths” of the holy state ? If not, then you should follow the “wine roads of eastern Chalkidiki” and allow yourself to be given a tour of its stone build villages, starting from Arnea where a lot of Greek grape varieties are being grown, like Assyrtiko, Malagousia and Xinomavro. You will discover that the people living in the Macedonian settlements, hosted in the green slopes of Cholomonda mountain, live their lives today through yesterdays experiences, looking into tomorrow. They produce honey from the wild flowers and trees of the mountainous slopes, while “combing” the same mountain for wild mushrooms and fragrant herbs that accompany their traditional “tsipouro meze” and the wine gettogethers with friends . They produce smooth cheeses and yoghurts while kneading “trachana” (a homemade pasta) and baking pies, stuffing sausages with lemon and orange zest and putting out to dry on “bourlees” the local raw beans that thrive on the wet soil of their mountainous fields. All that while saying “stin ygia sou” (cheers) with Moudovina, a grapa like drink made from beeswax, in which you can taste wax and honey at the same time. You will find yourself walking through the alleys of Megali Panagia (Great Holy Mary) visiting the “tsipouro kazania” (copper tanks used to distill the local grapa) and the little tavernas where the locals drink their own production of wine and tsipouro. You will have the opportunity to taste the xinomavro grape variety which is considered the “king of Macedonia” as well as the assyrtiko and taste the famous wines of the “holy mountain” (Agio Oros). You”ll witness how the powerful tsipouro is produced, made from grapes, mountain fruits and seeds that the earth so gracefully provides them with. Don”t miss out on all that: Be part of the hospitable local “parea” (a gathering of friends) that celebrates the autumn production of the tsipouro,

A few words

amongst the hot “kazania” (copper tanks) scattered around the village, the local musicians, dancers and spontaneous songwriters that love and honour earth in every possible way for the gifts they so plentiful receive from it. You can bike from Pyrgadikia to Ierisso, following the “Olivetree trail” in order to reach Xiropotami with its beautiful sandy beaches and the vineyards “hanging” from its slopes. Across from the holy tip of Mount Athos, set in the most spectacular green turquoise landscape, grapes have been grown here for 1500 years. Greek indigenous varieties as well as the international Sauvignon blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and others grow in these fertile slopes, producing a wine unlike any other. You will meet the local authentic Greek boatbuilders, fishermen, traders, builders and farmers. Mingle with them and you will have the opportunity to taste the “salted orkini” (a local fish, found only in these waters), the wild artichokes cooked with farm eggs, the fried little anchovies and the delicious sun-dried octopus! The local old sailors won’t miss out on a chance to tell you stories of their trips at sea and you should allow yourself to be teased by the elders. The people from Ierisso will make you feel like you belong. You’ll feel like you were always ‘from there’ and have always been ‘one of them’. They are in the spontaneous people that make you feel part of the ‘parea’ that know how to have a good time, the people of endless celebration and carefree joy. The last destination of your journey will be mount Athos (the holy mountain) where you will find yourself walking amongst the ‘wine light’. Twelve wineries inside the ‘closed off for women’ holy land await you to discover the ‘divine myth’ that surrounds the wines of mount Athos. Grapes that are picked by the hard working and wrinkled hands of the monks, then pressed to produce their fruitful aromatic juices which combined with the scent of the soil and the breeze of the sea, will make this tour the most memorable experience of your life!

Enjoy it

The message of the Mayor For Eastern Halkidiki wine tradition represents an integral part of the local identity. According to the W.T.O. «wine tourism represents an opportunity to revitalize and diversify tourism, promote local economic development, involve many different professional sectors and bring new uses to the primary sector. Hence, wine tourism contribute to promoting and branding the destination, maintaining and preserving local traditions and diversities, and harnessing and rewarding authenticity». This is the reason we start structuring our local wine route. Indeed «wine tourism is a type of tourism activity which is characterized by the visitor’s experience linked with food and related products and activities while travelling. Along with authentic, traditional, and/or innovative wine experiences, this type of tourism may also involve other related activities such as visiting the local producers, participating in food festivals and attending cooking classes. Whilst eno-tourism (wine tourism), as a sub-type of gastronomy tourism, refers to tourism whose purpose is visiting vineyards, wineries, and tasting, consuming and/or purchasing wine, often at or near the source.»

Stylianos Valianos Mayor of Aristotle Municipality

-S

E7 9

FROM SCOPJE E75

The local wine route

FROM ITALY

EGNATIA ODOS E90

EGNATIA O

FROM ATHENS WEST MACEDONIA - IPIROS

LAKE KORONIA

APOLLONIA

LAGADIKIA

THESSALONIKI

LAKE VOLVI

PERISTERONA

MADYTOS

PILEA MELISOURGOS

PANORAMA

THERMI

GULF OF THERMAIKOS A D

AGIA TRIADA

MARATHOUSA

N. REDESTOS

1st STOP ARNEA

DOUMBIA GEROPLATANOS

N. RYSIO

KARDIA

PALEOCHORA AG. ANASTASIA

VASILIKA

N. MICHANIONA

GALATISTA

AG. PRODROMOS

HOLOMONTAS

B A

PALEOKASTRO

EPANOMI

GALATISTA TOWER

LAKKOMA

POTAMOS

TAXIARCHIS

PETRALONA CAVE

POLYGYROS VRASTAMA

NEA GONIA MARIANON CASTLE

N. IRAKLEIA

N. KALLIKRATEIA

NEA TRIGLIA KALYVES

OLYNTHOS N. PLAGIA

ORMYLIA GERAKINI PSAKOUDIA VATOPEDIO

N. FLOGITA

AGIOS MAMAS

N MOUDANIA

N. POTIDEA

GULF OF THERMAIKOS

GULF OF TORONEO N. FOKEA

SANI KALITHEA

KASSANDRA SIVIRI

KRIOPIGI

POLYCHRON

FOURKA

HAN

POSIDI NEA SKIONI

MAP OF MUNICIPALITY OF ARISTOTLE EASTERN HALKIDIKI Routes to 8Municipality of Aristotle

Map Symbols

Thessaloniki > Poligiros > Vrastama > Gomati > Ierissos > Ouranoupoli

Airport

Ancient Site

Spa

Thessaloniki > Ag. Prodromos > Paleochora > Arnea > Paleochori > M.Panagia > Gomati >

Port, Marina

Cave

Ship Cruises

From Thessaloniki to Mount Athos! Discover the mythical! Length: Thessaloniki to Mount Athos: 130 km, Mount Athos: 160 km

KA VA L

A-

-T

UL G

Total Length: 290 km

EGNATIA ODOS E90

ODOS E90

ASPROVALTA

RENDINA

STAVROS

OLYMPIADA ANCIENT STAGEIRA

VARVARA STANOS

C. MARMARI

STAGEIRA

GULF OF STRYMONIKOS

STRATONIKI

NEOCHORI

STRATONI C. ELEFTHEROU

PALEOCHORI

NEPOSI CASTLE B B

GULF OF IERISSOS

2nd STOP MEGALI PANAGIA B

C. ARAPIS

3rd STOP IERISSOS

GOMATI A

PLANA

AG. IOANNIS

N. RODA A D

FINAL STOP MOUNT ATHOS

DEVELIKI A

C. AG. THEODORI

ESFIGMENOU M.

PIRGADIKIA AMMOULIANI

METAGITSI

C. ARKOUDAS

HELANDARIOU M.

OURANOUPOLI

SALONIKIOU

VATOPEDION

ΜΕΤΟHΙ CHROMITSA ZOGRAFOU M.

AGIOU DIMITRIOU M.

KASTAMONITOU M.

PANTOKRATOROS M. PR. ILIA M.

DOCHEARIOU M. XENOFONTOS M.

AGIOS NIKOLAOS METAMORFOSI

STRAVONIKITA M.

KOUTLOUMOUSIOU M.

NIKITI

IVIRON M.

AG. PANTELEIMONOS M.

ORMOS PANAGIAS

XIROPOTAMOU M.

FILOTHEOU M.

DIAPOROS ISLAND

KARAKALOU M.

C. XIFARAS

VOURVOUROU

SIMONOS PETRAS M.

GULF OF SIGITIKOS (MOUNT ATHOS)

MEG. LAVRAS M.

OSIOU GRIGORIOU M. DIONYSSIOU M. AGIOU PAVLOU M. AG. ANNIS M.

SARTI N. MARMARAS

TIM. PRODROMOU M. MEG. LAVRAS M.

AG. TRIADOS M. CA. AKRATHOS

SITHONIA

ATHOS

NIOTI PEFKOCHORI PORTO KOUFO

Protected Areas Νatura European Network Taxiarhis - Poligiros

Sithonia Peninsula

Mount Holomontas

Mount Athos

First Stop Arnea The historic capital of Aristotle Municipality. It is one of the most traditional towns of Halkidiki, and has been designated by the Greek Ministry of Culture as a «Historic Site». It is built to a semicircular plan at the foot of Mount Holomontas, at an altitude of 600m, in a lush landscape with forests and flowing waters. Across the city, you will find a large number of old traditional houses of significant architectural value, made of stone and wood, constructed by Arvanite and Epirote builders. The city’s benchmark ιs its main square, the «bazaar» with the centuries-old sycamore tree – a trademark of the city. Αlong the cobbled streets that start radially from the square, creating smaller squares and neighborhoods, you can admire the area’s rich traditional offerings. Walking along the above mentioned streets of the village, you will enjoy an atmosphere of times gone by. You will see the Metropolitan Church of Saint Stephanos, the domed cruciform church of Saints Anargyroi, the imposing stone building of the primary school, while you can try organic honey, cheese, wine, moundovina, pastries, sweets and yoghurt. Arnea is a leading area in agricultural production!

Arnea

EGNATIA ODOS E90

ASPROVALTA

LAKE VOLVI

ISTERONA

RENDINA

STAVROS

C C

APOLLONIA

MADYTOS C C

MELISOURGOS

VARVARA STANOS

MARATHOUSA

STAGEIRA

1st STOP ARNEA

DOUMBIA GEROPLATANOS

NEOCHORI PALEOCHORI

PALEOCHORA B

AG. PRODROMOS

HOLOMONTAS

B A

NEPOSI CAS B

2nd STOP MEGALI PA

PALEOKASTRO

STA TOWER

TAXIARCHIS B A A

POLYGYROS

PLANA VRASTAMA

AG. IOANNIS

PIRGADIKIA

MARIANON CASTLE METAGITSI

OLYNTHOS

KALYVES D

SALONIKIOU

ORMYLIA GERAKINI PSAKOUDIA

Domaine Claudia Papayianni On the enchanting hillsides of the Eastern Halkidiki, close to the Papayianni Family’s birthplace, the picturesque town of Arnea, Domaine Claudia Papayianni privately owned vineyards in more than 9 hectares are situated. Being always self – conscious on all environmental issues, the founder planted in 2003 & watchfully cultivates the Domaine’s vineyards, according to the latest biological terms & conditions. The unique microclimate, the rich terroir & the high altitude of the region, as well as the carefully selected indigenous & international grape varieties & controlled yield, combined with the cutting- edge wine making techniques & expertise of our people, are the key factors for the production of high quality wines, ideally expressing the philosophy & vision of the Papayianni Family.

Find here: Malagouzia, Assyrtiko, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Viognier, Syrah, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Xinomavro, Limnio

63074 Arnea T+30 23720 21190 info@cp-domaine.gr www.cp-domaine.gr

Arnea

Second Stop: Megali Panagia A Macedonian embrace in the heart of the forest! Megali Panagia is a typical Greek mountainous village, full of tiled houses, cobbled streets and mansions, streams trickling through man-made springs, centuries-old arched bridges, green landscapes full of the scents and colours of the earth…

It is one of the largest and most important settlements of the Municipality of Aristotle, known for the Great Pilgrimage of Virgin Mary, the reason why many people come here every year. It is built at the foot of the hill named «Chtikela». It is located 80km from Thessaloniki. The village was named Revenikia and its current name was given in 1928. It is one of the oldest and most traditional in Halkidiki and is often referred to in byzantine documents of Mount Athos – in fact, there is a reference to «kastelion of Aravenikaia» and to a tower in a 1349 document. During the Ottoman years it was one of the greatest Mademochoria. Three rivers used to run through Megali Panagia but only one is visible nowadays. A restored, arched, thousand year old, bridge, made of stone, still stands beside the asphalt road. Residents cultivate olive trees and they are also involved with animal breeding, wine & tsipouro production, agricultural tourism and logging. In the old days there were many good builders who worked in Mount Athos, and many weavers.

Info: It is worth seeing the temple of St. Vasilios (1955) and «Panagouda», a church which -according to tradition- was built in 1007 on the highest spot of Megali Panagia. It is dedicated to The Assumption of Virgin Mary and celebrates on September 8. Tips: * Megali Panagia is an ultimate pilgrimage destination. It welcomes thousands of pilgrims each Assumption, who honor the miraculous image of the Virgin Mary, or Panagia in Greek, the patroness of the entire area. Visit it during 15th of August and celebrate with the locals! * Organize weekend holidays from early October to Christmas. The preparation of tsipouro production and the celebrations in the local «tsipourokazana» are the most authentic tourist experience you have ever had!

Megali Panagia

EGNATIA ODOS E90

ASPROVALTA

OLVI

RENDINA

STAVROS

MADYTOS C C

OLYMPIADA

MELISOURGOS

ANCIENT STAGEIRA

VARVARA STANOS

MARATHOUSA

C. MARMARI

STAGEIRA

1st STOP ARNEA

STRATONIKI

NEOCHORI

STRATONI

C. ELEFTH

PALEOCHORI

OCHORA NEPOSI CASTLE

B B

HOLOMONTAS

GULF OF IERISSOS

2nd STOP MEGALI PANAGIA

TAXIARCHIS B

GOMATI

3rd STOP IERISSOS

ROS

PLANA

AG. IOANNIS

N. RODA A D

DEVELIKI

VRASTAMA

PIRGADIKIA AMMOULIANI

METAGITSI

C. ARKOUDAS

OURA

SALONIKIOU

ORMYLIA D

PSAKOUDIA VATOPEDIO AGIOS NIKOLAOS METAMORFOSI NIKITI D

ORMOS PANAGIAS DIAPOROS ISLAND

Akrathos NewLands Winery The organic vineyards are planted with indigenous Greek varietals and located on the eastern slopes of Mount Cholomon, facing Mount Athos and the Athonian gulf. This stunning landscape is where Aristotle and the historic ÂŤAkanthos WinesÂť were born. At an altitude of 550 - 700m, the vineyards are exposed to the meridian sea breeze as well as cool, humid winds from the surrounding mountains at night. These key factors contribute to the seasonal hydration sources of our vines and allow us to use our precious natural resources more sparingly. In addition to moderate watering, the shallow, sandy loam soil and the slate subsoil ensure low yield and high-quality grape production. Consequently, the grapes reach excellent maturity with balanced acidity and aromas. The phenolic density and richness lend a longer aging potential to our wines.

Find here: Agiorgitiko, Assyrtiko, Xinomavro, Sauvignon Blanc

63076 Megali Panagia T +30 694 0797853 babis@akrathoswinery.com

Megali Panagia

Estate Tarazas It is located on the green hills of Megali Panagia, where the fertile soil receives the beneficial wind that comes from Mount Athos. It is where the owner George cultivates Greek varieties of grapes. The section that is open to visitors includes a vilification and bottling area, as well as a wine-tasting area. It is where the vineyard’s wines are displayed and sold. «Estate Taraza» is part of the wine route named «from Thessaloniki to Mount Athos». Its bio-varieties will fascinate your taste. The green surroundings will fill your eyes with pictures of the mountain. Its traditional construction – fully harmonized with the environment – gives another dimension to what you have seen!

Find here: Cabaret Sauvignon, Syrah, Merlot, Grenache Rouge, Chardonnay

63076 Megali Panagia +30 694 4964564 tarazasgiwrgos@yahoo.gr

Megali Panagia

The famous tsipouro distilleries and the tours around them Winters in Eastern Halkidiki may be Mediterranean, but there’s always the need to warm up – sitting next to a big fire or keeping warm inside with the help of the «master» spirit tsipouro.

Produced mainly in Megali Panagia, Gomati and Ierissos it is nevertheless found all over Municipality of Aristotle and the pairing with traditional food and especially various hors d’oeuvres (mezedes) is a tradition that every local maintains with reverence.

Made by a combination of solid grapes (stelfyla or «tsapourna») and several spices, such as anise, cardamom, clove or other regional fruits or herbs, the liquid is double-distilled and it is consumed during the whole year as a warm or a cold drink. According to the tradition, the first production of tsipouro was the work of Greek Orthodox monks in the 14th century in Mount Athos.

More than 20 traditional distilleries can be found in Eastern Halkidiki. Tsipouro is produced in it, following the athonian recipe and the local tradition: fire & boiling. Distillery visits and tsipouro tours can be organized by local travel agents.

Megali Panagia

The tsipouro feasts Plenty of tsipouro is offered to the wine lovers each year from October to December, during the tsipouro feasts. Meanwhile, the ÂŤfragrantÂť atmosphere, is framed by many grilled sausages, homemade bread and pies, olives, pickles and other tidbits kind. Besides the feast, the program includes traditional dances and live music.

The joyful feasts mark the start of the annual tsipouro production. Nothing can express the feelings more eloquently that the participation in them. The marvelous traditional music and the enthusiastic cameraderie of the dancing which the guests all enjoy â&#x20AC;&#x201C; being generously and warmly welcomed into the event as though they were family, is part of the famous Greek hospitality.

Megali Panagia

Third Stop - Ierissos It is the oldest and largest village of the Municipality of Aristotle. It is, historically, the continuance of ancient Akanthos, which as stated by historians and highlighted by archaeological research, was, since the 7th century B.C., a colony of the Andrians and a great Macedonian city. Today’s settlement was built from the ground up, since the fatal 1932 earthquake of 7 Richter, with its epicenter located here near the sea, leveled the older one. As proved by excavations, today’s city is built on top of the ancient cemetery of Akanthos. Modern Ierissos is a beautiful, well structured, coastal city. It is the administrative center of the municipality of Aristotle. The Cultural Center stands out in the settlement and just 1 km to the northwest you will see the impressive tower of Krouna. Despite the fact that Akanthos was famous for its wine, younger residents are occupied in fishing, shipbuilding, trade, construction in Mount Athos and tourism. It is an important harbor of north Greece, with a remarkable fishing fleet. Furthermore, fish from the Ierissos bay are famous for their taste. Orkini, a species of tuna found in the area from May until early June, stands out. It is cooked stewed or salt-cured. The residents were considered to be great shipbuilders, carrying on an ancient craft from generation to generation. The shipyards of Ierissos were some of the most significant in Greece, with famous shipbuilders. You will notice the old «karnagia», as they call the shipyards, when you drive from Ierissos to Nea Roda. The village was a member of the Mademochoria during the Ottoman era. Residents of Ierissos participated in the 1821 Revolution and had great fighters, such as Athanasios and Constantine Vlachomichalis. CUSTOMS The region has many interesting customs. The custom celebrated every third day of Easter and is called the Black Threshing Floor, is of special interest. It is a place near Ierissos, where in 1821, Turks under the command of Yusuf Bey Sintiki, massacred 400 Ierissans. According to tradition, Bey, had promised amnesty to everyone surrendering, since Halkidiki had also revolted. 400 Ierissans who believed him surrendered, but were made to dance under the threat of weapons. They were slaughtered one by one, after finishing each circle of dance. Since then, to honor the memory of those slaughtered, a Trisagion is chanted and a dance in which hundreds of residents together with visitors participating, follows. A specific dance is called «kagkeleftos» and represents the horrible massacre. It is slow stepped, simulating the steps of people condemned to death. Since the custom took place many years after the event and in the presence of Turks, some things could not have been stated clearly, so the song has many innuendos for the coveted freedom. When the song is about to end, the first two dancers join hands in an arch, representing the swords of the Turk executioners and the rest of the dancers pass underneath twice. It is interesting that the men and women participating chant each line of song alternatively.

Ierissos ASPROVALTA

STAVROS

OLYMPIADA ANCIENT STAGEIRA

VARVARA

OS C. MARMARI

STAGEIRA

STRATONIKI

NEOCHORI

STRATONI C. ELEFTHEROU

OCHORI

NEPOSI CASTLE B

GULF OF IERISSOS

2nd STOP MEGALI PANAGIA B

C. ARAPIS

GOMATI

3rd STOP IERISSOS

AG. IOANNIS

N. RODA A D

FINAL MOUN

DEVELIKI D

PIRGADIKIA AMMOULIANI

GITSI

C. ARKOUDAS

OURANOUPOLI

ΜΕΤΟHΙ CHROMIT

SALONIKIOU

AGIOS NIKOLAOS

MORFOSI NIKITI

ORMOS PANAGIAS DIAPOROS ISLAND C. XIFARAS

VOURVOUROU

Domaine Agrovision The Domaine Agrovision Winery is located in Ierissos, just a few kilometers away from Mount Athos. It was established in 2011 and consists of 6,4 hectares of vineyards stretching from the North to the South of Xeropotamos area. With great love, patience and constant supervision, we try hard to produce wine of excellent quality, with the ultimate aim of pleasing not only the palate, but also the brain. The 6,4 hectares of Domaine Agrovision’s private vineyards are scattered in small pieces and are all located a few kilometers from the winery. More importantly, they all share very promising characteristics. Their soil is sloping and sandyclay, both their orientation and sunshine exposure are ideal and they receive the favorable effect of the sea breeze throughout the day. This excellent terroir is fully reflected in our wines’ high quality and excellent taste. Find here: Sauvignon Blanc, Merlot, Cabernet, Sauvignon, Syrah, Petit Verdot, Cabernet

63075 Ierissos T +30 2377023122 info@agrovision.gr

Ierissos

Final Stop - Mount Athos, the mythical wine trip Mount Athos is the easternmost of the three Halkidiki peninsulas in the Aegean Sea. This unusual wine region is of great spiritual significance to the Christian Orthodox Community. Twenty monasteries can be found along the coast of the peninsula. Wine has been produced by the monasteries for centuries. Assyrtiko, Athiri and Chardonnay from Mount Athos are typically high in acidity with a crisp, sometimes mineral character. Red wine from Mount Athos is often made from Limnio and Cabernet Sauvignon and is bright in style, with high levels of alcohol. The classic Mediterranean climate on Mount Athos is tempered by the mountainous nature of the region. Warm summers with high levels of sunshine are moderated by the presence of the mountain. This contributes cooler air at night time, helping to slow the ripening process during the growing season. This diurnal temperature variation means that grapes can better retain acidity as they ripen. The small amount of rain that Mount Athos receives falls mainly in the mild winter months. Viticulturists must be careful to ensure the vines receive ample hydration during the growing season. Luckily, snowmelt water from the mountains is plentiful, and irrigation is not widely used in Mount Athos’s vineyards. The sandy, free-draining soils allow the roots to penetrate deeply into the granitic bedrock, accessing water and minerals stored deep in the ground. Due to the remoteness of the vineyards on this sparsely populated peninsula, organic farming practices are easily maintained. Mount Athos is unusual as a wine-producing region in that there is no wine tourism industry here, due to the heavy restrictions on entry to the peninsula. Source: Mount Athos Wine Region (wine-searcher.com)

«If there is a place in the world, where wine is self-evidently woven into culture, spirit and soul, this is Mount Athos» Konstantinos Lazarakis, MW

Mount Athos

The wineries in Mount Athos - visit them all! Organize your own wine trip in Mount Athos and live the mythical! Α world, built on elements of the past and set up in the future, proves that wine is not only about the taste, but also about the mind, the spirit and the soul. Find all the wineries in the below list: 1. Metochi Xromitsa – Holy Monastery of Saint Panteleimon 2. Mylopolotamos – Holy Kathisma of Sain Efstathios (Megistis Lavras Monastery) 3. Holy Monastery of Hilandari 4. Monoxilitis - Holy Monastery of Saint Pavlos 5. Holy Monastery of Vatopedi 6. Holy Monastery of Simonos Petra 7. Holy Monastery of Xenofontos 8. Holy Monastery of Diochiariou 9. Holy Monastery of Karakalou 10. Cell of Saint Nikolaos – Holy Monastery of Iviron 11. Holy Monastery of Stavronikita 12. Holy Monastery of Koutloumousiou Mount Athos wines are officially designated as PGI area wines (PGI Mount Athos). Varieties that are commonly found in vineyards of Mount Athos are virtually all those present in the wine region of Halkidiki, both indigenous (Athiri, Assyrtiko, Limnio, Roditis, Muscat of Alexandria) and international (Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Syrah, Grenache).

Mount Athos

MARI

GULF OF STRYMONIKOS

C. ELEFTHEROU

RISSOS C. ARAPIS

P S

N. RODA

FINAL STOP MOUNT ATHOS C. AG. THEODORI

ESFIGMENOU M. HELANDARIOU M.

OURANOUPOLI

VATOPEDION

ΜΕΤΟHΙ CHROMITSA ZOGRAFOU M.

AGIOU DIMITRIOU M.

KASTAMONITOU M.

PANTOKRATOROS M. PR. ILIA M.

DOCHEARIOU M. XENOFONTOS M.

STRAVONIKITA M.

KOUTLOUMOUSIOU M. IVIRON M.

AG. PANTELEIMONOS M. XIROPOTAMOU M.

FILOTHEOU M.

KARAKALOU M.

SIMONOS PETRAS M.

GULF OF SIGITIKOS (MOUNT ATHOS)

MEG. LAVRAS M.

OSIOU GRIGORIOU M. DIONYSSIOU M. AGIOU PAVLOU M. AG. ANNIS M.

SARTI

PORTO KOUFO

TIM. PRODROMOU M. MEG. LAVRAS M.

AG. TRIADOS M. CA. AKRATHOS

ATHOS

Epilogue The wine route «from Thessaloniki to Mount Athos» is a marked and advertised road with special signs, along which insist natural, cultural, traditional and environmental values, vineyards and cellars open to the public. They constitute an instrument through which the wine territories and their productions can be disclosed, marketed and used in the form of a tourist offer. Τhe difference between the local wine routes and many corresponding paths around the world is that our product includes «the athonian wine route», which contains the «mythical». Become a wine traveler and learn about the local and monks cultivation methods in the heart of Eastern Halkidiki. Enjoy your tour of the green and holy vineyards, see the monks harvesting and taste new or older labels in the cellars of the well-tended local wineries, where wine aromas fill the air and euphoria captivates all senses. Stay in small traditional guest houses or in big / luxury hotels and learn about the vinicultural methods and the local fermentation procedures for making wine. Take part in the revival of the ancient Greek symposiums. Be part of the tsipouro-feasts. Enjoy wine during your lunch at the monks «trapeza». Be lost on the slopes of our green mountains, between the Aegean Sea and the Mediterranean sky! Dance with locals during the wine feasts! Wine is not just a drink. It’s our mentality!

Monks in the Monastery of Xilandar say: «We live in a world of abundance. Sometimes it seems that we have everything. Except time. Timeless Mount Athos. A UNESCO World Heritage site. Far from the “distraction of the distractions,” the blips and beeps, likes and shares and the endless breaking news updates in the hectic world we live in. Providing time… The time needed to create exceptional wine. The Holy Monastery of Hilandar. Where grapes are cultivated at vineyards dating back to the foundation of the monastery, producing wines steeped in monastic tradition, made with love and devotion by the monks of Hilandar since 1198».

EASTERN HALKIDIKI

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ARISTOTELES MUNICIPALITY 63075 IERISSOS HALKIDIKI / GREECE Tel: +30 2377350003 E-mail address: info@dimosaristoteli.gr http://www.dimosaristoteli.gr/en/

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