Store Manager Richard’s usual Saturdays are spent away from the shop floor but last weekend took him somewhere far more sun-soaked than Leyburn... Athens. Invited as a guest of Hallgarten, he travelled to attend the renowned Oenorama wine exhibition, one of Greece’s most important showcases of indigenous wine.  |
The trip began with a full day of tastings, where Richard met 11 Greek winemakers and explored a wide spectrum of native grape varieties. Each wine told a story of place, shaped by the country’s unique climate and terrain, offering distinctive flavours and aromas that set Greek wines apart on the global stage.  |
What stood out most was the passion behind the pours. The producers’ enthusiasm, combined with the undeniable quality of the wines, left a strong impression. The day concluded with an exceptional dinner alongside one of the winemakers, with another evening of food and wine to look forward to, a reminder of just how immersive the experience had become.  |
Following the exhibition, the group attended a special dinner hosted by Yiannis Paraskevopoulos of Gaia Wines. Known for producing some of Greece’s most celebrated bottles, Gaia’s wines, from Santorini and the hills of Nemea, highlight iconic grape varieties such as Assyrtiko and Agiorgitiko. Meeting Yiannis himself was a particular highlight, given his role in elevating Greece’s reputation in the world of wine.  |
Sunday offered a slower pace. With a free morning to explore, Richard took in the sights of Athens, making the essential pilgrimage to the Acropolis and the Parthenon. Bathed in warm spring sunshine, the ancient citadel provided a striking contrast to the modern wine scene he had been immersed in and a moment to reflect, without the intensity of the summer heat.  |
The trip concluded with another memorable meal, this time with Stelios of Muses Estate. Located in the Valley of the Muses north of Athens, the estate produces wines that reflect the richness of the region’s fertile soils. Among the highlights were a vibrant Malagouzia and a rosé made from a co-fermentation of Sauvignon Blanc and the rare Mouhtaro grape.  A fascinating and flavour-filled trip, shared in great company and one that will soon make its way back to Leyburn. Richard is already looking forward to bringing some of these standout wines into the shop. Yamas |
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