“T’Apostoli Estate” in Ampeli, Serres, is a visitable Winery that produces exclusively organic wines, combining modern technology with traditional organic cultivation. The business, which belongs to the Goula, Galatsi & Florou family, has been flourishing since 2004 in an area with 2,000 acres of vine cultivation and has received a good practice award from the European Observatory, constantly going one step further, placing great emphasis on Wine Tourism. And for this year, it awaits you with an even wider program of activities in nature and events, which will bring you even closer to the philosophy of organic wines.

The Goula & Galatsi family is one of the wine producing families of the region, who for 70 years cultivated their vines in the traditional way, supplying large wine industries in Greece.

The central philosophy for “T’Apostoli Estate” – which has been operating since 1974 and now exclusively cultivates certified organic wines and wines of high international certification – is the promotion of “terroir”, i.e. the land. The aim is to bring back the traditional varieties and to continue the organic farming and the production of quality wines, as the wine tradition of the region wants.

In privately owned facilities of 70 acres, both international and Greek varieties are grown, following a story that begins with the first refugee families in the area who, during their migration, brought a bundle of vines from Asia Minor vines, which “tied” to the climate of the area and managed to create the largest vineyard in the prefecture of Serres – hence the name of the village (Ampeli meaning vines), which was renamed in 1932.

Two years of visits

From 2022, the company focuses on Wine Tourism as a member of the Union of Winemakers of Northern Greece and every year welcomes visitors from both Greece and abroad.

Konstantina Goula is the manager, with studies in France, a master’s degree in wine marketing and wine tourism and a level 3 Sommelier diploma, who, having worked in Estates in France and in the corresponding sector of the “Florian” Estate, in Trilofos, is responsible for the field of Communication.

The Estate itself stands out for its production and rarity and offers you unforgettable tasting experiences and nature excursions.

What you will see, what you will do and what you will try

On each of your visits, you will have the opportunity to learn how Greek varieties such as Malagouzia and Samos Moschato are grown, sophisticated white French varieties such as Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc and foreign reds such as Syrah, Merlot and Cabernet, try dry and fruity whites, rosés and red organic wines of Protected Geographical Indication (PGI), but also tsipouro with or without anise or other spirits, such as pomegranate tsipouro from organic pomegranates, produced in the certified distillery.

You will learn how wine is produced, only by the law of gravity and you will taste the strongly concentrated aromas, which also arise through aging, often with the use of wood shavings.

You will have the opportunity to try their most premium label, “Erifili”, a wine that matures for two years in a barrel and includes old vintages, or the sparkling “EROS Rose” while tasting, at the same time, local, traditional dishes, through a personalized and a unique gastronomic experience, in a “warm” and relaxed atmosphere.

If you are looking for an alternative excursion, get ready for wine boating – wine tastings on Lake Kerkini, on a “plava” (traditional boat of the area). The activity is carried out in collaboration with the guesthouse “Limnaeo” and is accompanied by tastings of traditional dishes of the region, buffalo and other products, from local producers.

Ask to take part in the wine-based painting activity, in an adult workshop, coordinated by the Fiera Handmade team, with the main coordinator being a graduate of the School of Fine Arts. The experience includes painting on canvases, wine tasting and accompanying dishes.

During your visit, be sure to try the Estate’s new red wine label, from bold Merlot & Cabernet aged in American oak barrels. The name of this wine, “Wine from your lips”, is inspired by the book of the same name by Kostas Krommidas and both the new wine and the book were presented on October 8, 2024, in an evening that will combine wine with literature, with background music organized by the “T’ Apostoli Estate”, at the “Academy Art Restaurant”. The story of the book itself unfolds in a vineyard and is inextricably linked to wine.

The spaces

The “Hall of Gastronomy”, of the Winery, is suitable for any kind of event, since it can host up to 60 people, while in the summer, up to 120 guests can be accommodated in the facilities of the Winery.

Both in the specially designed areas of the business, where food and wine pairings or events are often held – such as “Italian” or other evenings, accompanied by fine swing and jazz music – and in collaboration with other entrepreneurs in the area, the experience offered is something more than complete.

Be sure to visit the cellar with the Estate’s old barrels, which have been transformed into seats, washbasins, tables and other furniture, which will surprise you with the careful and dedicated work that has been done in the space, around the wine.

Awards and winter plans

This year, “T’ Apostoli Estate” received important awards. At the International Wine and Spirits Competition of Thessaloniki, in February, where Sommeliers from all over the world participated, the red wine “Erifili” won a silver prize, “Dakri Charas” a bronze and the tsipouro without anise, a gold.

It follows participation in other competitions, abroad, while the Estate is in the phase of restructuring and sowing more Greek varieties, such as Malagouzia and Xinomavro. A common goal, together with the other two Wineries of the village, is to plant more local varieties, in order to increase local production and tradition. In the same context, they intend to proceed with the creation of a local Association of Grape Growers and Wineries. And of course, as a member of the “Wine Routes of Northern Greece”, it will remain open on November 10, 2024, World Wine Tourism Day. It is worth noting that on October 7, 2024, it also participated in the “Voroina” held at “Macedonia Palace”.

“T’ Apostoli Estate” awaits you every day, at a distance of only 70 km from the city of Thessaloniki!

Tip 1: The Estate’s facilities are also available for weddings, baptisms and other special occasions.

Tip 2: The Winery can be visited from Tuesday to Thursday 16.00 – 20.00 and from Friday to Sunday 12.00 – 20.00. For your best service, it is best to contact the managers first, via email (info@ktimatapostoli.gr) or social media, 24 hours before. It can accept groups and individual visitors, who will be able to take a guided tour of the Estate, along with a tasting and a meal from the barbeque, upon consultation. If you are a Chef, you can take advantage of the areas for food and wine pairing, for your guests.

Tip 3: Read about “T’ Apostoli Estate” also on the website of the Union of Wine Producers of Northern Greece.