Set in the heart of Amyndeon, northwestern Macedonia, lies Alpha Estate, an unparalleled wine sanctuary. Amidst its constantly growing reputation, this vine-growing haven, though lesser-known in the grand Greek tapestry, is just a stone’s throw from the tranquil waters of the Petres and Vegoritida lakes. Surrounding attractions, like the idyllic Nymfaio village and the awe-inspiring ski resorts of Pisoderi (Vigla) and Agios Athanasios in the Voras-Kaimaktsalan mountains, only add to its allure. You can find the vineyard at an altitude of 620-680 meters, and the soil there is sandy with minimum rainfall. It takes up 220 hectares of land.
Alpha Philosophy
The vision of Alpha Winery’s two head men, vine-grower Makis Mavridis and winemaker Angelos Iatridis, is to present Greek wine on an international wine-scene. Since they traveled already in the rest of Greece and abroad, they saw many wine-growing regions. But they decided specifically on Amyndeon. Mavridis and Iatridis make sure the human factor is also in the wine. This means professional training, experience, and teamwork at all stages of the winemaking process. As they note, “Respect for the environment combined with the assurance of quality and value of the wines is achieved through the application of the sustainable grape-growing and winemaking processes.”
Alpha Estate Vineyards
The vines are primarily planted on a gentle slope, with the majority facing the northwest. The climate features cold winters with extended snow cover, providing ample water for the vines to thrive through the subsequent dry summer. The two nearby lakes, the high altitude, and the consistent northwest winds together regulate the climatic conditions within the appellation. This contributes to grapes growing in optimal conditions, paving the way to produce iconic wines.
Alpha Estate Winery
Nestled in the Amyndeon grape-growing region of northwestern Macedonia, the Alpha Estate offers a unique wine experience amidst the beauty of Greece’s lesser-known landscapes. Not only is it proximate to the serene Petres and Vegoritida lakes, but it also neighbors stunning attractions such as the picturesque village of Nymfaio, the captivating Pisoderi (Vigla) ski resort, and the ski domain of Agios Athanasios set against the backdrop of the Voras-Kaimaktsalan mountains.
Grape Varieties
The primary grape varieties grown include Malagouzia, Assyrtiko, Xinomavro, and Sauvignon Blanc. In the winemaking process, gravity is employed to minimize stress to the grapes. For instance, wine is fermented in designated tanks for each distinct variety on the upper floor. It then flows naturally, via gravity, to the basement, where it undergoes aging and/or bottling. For a quick guide to Greek grape varieties, see our best wines of Greece article (also with help from Frederiek Lommens) here.
Underground Cellar
The underground cellar of the winery is one of its most important parts, where the oak barrels are held at a constant temperature through the whole year. As a visitor, you can walk through the rows of barrels and then try a selection of wines in the tasting room. The uniqueness of Alpha winery is that the winery is very close to the privately-owned vineyards. During the harvest, the grapes do not need to travel far.
The Next Generation
The love for winemaking was passed down to the next generation of winemakers at Alpha Estate. Angeliki Iatridou and Emorfili Mavridou are the youngest members of the team, and they are ingrained into the philosophy of Alpha. The soul of the people contributes to the wines, combining a high quality and eco-friendly practices to the winemaking.
Wines on the Market
Some of the wines included in their cellars are:
Alpha Xinomavro Reserve Vieilles Vignes (PDO Amynteo)
Alpha Xinomavro Skantzohiros (“ Hedgehog ”) (PDO Amynteo)
Alpha Estate Red (PGI Florina), from Syrah, Merlot, Xinomavro
Alpha White (PGI Florina), from Malagouzia
Alpha Estate White (PGI Florina), from Sauvignon Blanc
Axia Red (PGI Florina), from Syrah, Xinomavro
Alpha Omega (PGI Florina), from Gewürztraminer, Malagouzia
