Ktima Gerovassiliou
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The benchmark estate of Epanomi PGI, credited with saving Malagousia from extinction and reshaping Greek fine wine.
Ktima Gerovassiliou is Greece's most celebrated northern estate, located 25 km southeast of Thessaloniki on the Epanomi peninsula. Founded in 1981 by Vangelis Gerovassiliou, the estate grew from 2.5 hectares to 56 hectares and is credited with rescuing the Malagousia grape from near extinction.
- Located on the Epanomi peninsula, 25 km southeast of Thessaloniki, surrounded by sea on three sides
- Founded in 1981 by Vangelis Gerovassiliou; first vinification took place in 1986
- Expanded from 2.5 hectares at founding to approximately 56 hectares today
- Classified as PGI Epanomi (Protected Geographical Indication) in Central Macedonia
- Credited with rescuing the indigenous Malagousia variety from near extinction
- Houses a Wine Museum with over 2,600 corkscrews and viticulture tools
- Founding member of Winemakers of North Greece
Location and Setting
Ktima Gerovassiliou sits in the Papamola region of Epanomi, a peninsula 25 km southeast of Thessaloniki in Central Macedonia. The estate is surrounded by sea on three sides, facing the Thermaikos Gulf and Mount Olympus. This remarkable geography, combined with a Mediterranean climate of mild winters, hot summers, and cooling sea breezes, defines the character of every wine produced here.
- Epanomi peninsula surrounded by sea on three sides
- Faces the Thermaikos Gulf with views toward Mount Olympus
- Mediterranean climate moderated by consistent sea breezes
- Soils comprise sand, clay, loam, sea deposits, limestone, and marine fossils
History and Founding
Vangelis Gerovassiliou established the estate in 1981, though the Epanomi region itself has a viticultural history stretching back approximately 1,500 years to the Byzantine period. Gerovassiliou studied oenology and viticulture at the University of Bordeaux and worked with the legendary Professor Emile Peynaud, bringing a rigorous academic and practical foundation back to northern Greece. The first vinification at the estate occurred in 1986, and what began as a 2.5-hectare plot has grown into a 56-hectare benchmark property.
- Estate founded 1981; first wines produced in 1986
- Epanomi has approximately 1,500 years of viticultural history from the Byzantine era
- Vangelis Gerovassiliou trained at the University of Bordeaux under Professor Emile Peynaud
- Recognized internationally as one of the world's top wine producers
Grapes and Wine Style
The estate grows an impressive breadth of both indigenous and international varieties across its 56 hectares. Indigenous grapes include Malagousia, Assyrtiko, Limnio, Mavroudi, Mavrotragano, and Xinomavro. International varieties such as Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Viognier, Syrah, and Merlot are also cultivated. The portfolio spans dry whites, dry reds, and whites produced from overripe grapes. Malagousia holds particular significance, as the estate is widely credited with pulling the variety back from the brink of extinction.
- Indigenous varieties: Malagousia, Assyrtiko, Limnio, Mavroudi, Mavrotragano, Xinomavro
- International varieties: Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Viognier, Syrah, Merlot
- Styles produced: dry white, dry red, and white from overripe grapes
- Malagousia rescue is the estate's most historically significant contribution to Greek viticulture
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The soils of Epanomi are complex and distinctive, comprising sandy, clay, and loam components alongside sea deposits, limestone-rich profiles, and marine fossils. This varied geology, shaped by the peninsula's coastal position, contributes both mineral character and drainage properties well suited to high-quality viticulture. The Mediterranean climate delivers reliable sunshine and warmth through the growing season, while persistent sea breezes from the Thermaikos Gulf moderate temperatures and help preserve aromatic freshness in the grapes.
- Sandy, clay, loam, sea deposits, limestone, and marine fossil soils
- Complex geology reflects the peninsula's ancient coastal formation
- Hot summers tempered by sea breezes from the Thermaikos Gulf
- Mild winters allow consistent vine health and development
Beyond the Winery
Ktima Gerovassiliou operates well beyond wine production. The estate hosts an internationally significant Wine Museum containing over 2,600 corkscrews and a wide collection of viticulture tools, making it one of the most important collections of its kind in the world. Visitors can access guided tours, a restaurant, and cultural programming, positioning the estate as a leading agritourism destination in northern Greece. As a founding member of Winemakers of North Greece, Gerovassiliou has also played a central role in promoting the broader region internationally.
- Wine Museum houses over 2,600 corkscrews and historical viticulture tools
- On-site restaurant and guided tour programming available
- Founding member of Winemakers of North Greece
- PGI Epanomi wines rank among the most acclaimed PGI wines in the country
Whites from Malagousia show aromatic intensity with floral, citrus, and stone fruit character supported by the estate's coastal mineral soils. Assyrtiko contributes structure and salinity. Reds from Syrah and indigenous varieties reflect ripe dark fruit with Mediterranean warmth balanced by sea breeze freshness.
- Ktima Gerovassiliou Malagousia$25-35The estate's signature white, showcasing the rescued Malagousia variety with aromatic floral and citrus character.Find →
- Ktima Gerovassiliou Assyrtiko$25-35Coastal Assyrtiko from Epanomi delivering crisp acidity, mineral depth, and saline finish.Find →
- Ktima Gerovassiliou Avaton$55-75Flagship red blending Limnio, Mavroudi, and Mavrotragano, showcasing rare indigenous northern Greek varieties.Find →
- Ktima Gerovassiliou Viognier$30-40Mediterranean-grown Viognier with stone fruit richness balanced by Epanomi's coastal sea breeze influence.Find →
- PGI Epanomi is located in Central Macedonia, 25 km southeast of Thessaloniki on the Epanomi peninsula
- Estate founded 1981 by Vangelis Gerovassiliou; first vintage produced 1986
- Gerovassiliou trained at the University of Bordeaux under Professor Emile Peynaud
- The estate is credited with rescuing Malagousia, an indigenous Greek white variety, from near extinction
- Soils include sand, clay, loam, limestone, sea deposits, and marine fossils; climate is Mediterranean with sea breeze moderation