Domaine Porto Carras – vineyards of Halkidiki

Sithonia’s hidden vineyard is no secret.
The Domaine Porto Carras vineyards with 450 hectares are the largest vineyards in Greece and competes as one of the largest in Europe. Located on the slopes of Mount Meliton on the western coast of Sithonia in Halkidiki, the vineyards overlook the Aegean sea from a high vantage point that gives spectacular views.

The vineyards were planted in 1965 under the supervision of renowned Professor Emile Peynaud from the University of Bordeaux who revolutionized the modern wine industry.

Award Winning Wines

The wines produced at the Domaine Porto Carras winery are recognized as wines with Protected Designation of Origin (P.D.O.) “Meliton Slopes”. PDO identifies products that are produced, processed and prepared in a specific geographical area, using local producers with their know-how and ingredients from the local region.
The wines from Domaine Porto Carras have won many national and international awards over the years for their excellent quality. The most awarded wine is their premium brand “Chateau Porto Carras” which has been produced now for over 40 years.

Setting the Pace for Organic Viniculture

Since 2000 the “Slopes of Meliton” has become a model of organic viniculture. Vine diseases are confronted using only organic processes. Protection is achieved by using sulphur and copper and other natural techniques.

26 Varieties

The conditions on the south-western slopes at an altitude of 200 – 300 meters allow for varieties such as Asyrtiko, Athiri, Malagouzia, Sauvignon Blanc and Rhoditis varieties to produce high quality white wines. Malagouzia was an almost extinct variety that was popular in the ancient world for producing white wine and was revived at Domaine Porto Carras.
Among the red wines at Domaine Porto Carras is the Greek Limnio, this variety was referred to in texts from Aristotle and is possibly the most ancient variety in the world. Other varieties are Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Sauvignon Blanc, Merlot and Syrah which grow between 300 – 400 meters on the cooler north-eastern slopes of Meliton.

Wine Tasting and Vineyard Tour

Wine tasting
The cost of wine tasting is 2 euros for two tastings or 5 wines for 1 euro per sample.

Vineyard Tour
The two-hour tour begins from the vineyards and then continues on to the winery, where you will do some wine tasting accompanied by fine delicacies. The tour continues to the new vineyards with magnificent views and ends with a tour of the exteriors of the historic Villa Galini.

Time: 10:30 Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday
Fee: € 15/person, € 7.50/child under 12 years

Visiting Times

Any day of the week you can visit or make reservations for wine tasting between 10 am and 8 pm.
Admission is free.