At the foot of Mount Paiko, in the area of Goumenissa, surrounded by centuries-old oaks, Mikro Ktima Titos is located. It first opened in 1972, when Titos Eftychidis planted, next to the Sirios river, a 40-acre vineyard, with Xinomavro, Negoska, Cabernet Sauvignon, Limnio and Viognier varieties.

And it continues to this day, with a total of about 270 hectares of organic vineyard, planted with the local Xinomavro and Negoska varieties. The winery is located near the “Dio Potamia” area and since 2018 has passed into the hands of Vangelis Gerovasileiou and Vassilis Tsaktsarlis, from the “Vivlia Chora” Estate.

The latter took over the Estate thanks to Titos Eftychidis’ wife, Angeliki, who transferred the Estate to the hands of those she trusted the most. From the first moment they arrived in Goumenissa, they aimed for love and respect and high quality wines, highlighting the local varieties.

The special climatic and soil characteristics of the area

Today, in the privately owned vineyard surrounding the winery, 45 acres are cultivated with the Xinomavro and Negoska varieties, while another 155 acres are cultivated in Gerakona – one of the best areas of the PDO Goumenissa zone – and around 70 acres in Filyria and Pentalofos.

The microclimate (terroir) of the area is considered ideal for the organic cultivation of local varieties. It is continental and is directly influenced by the Sirios River and Mount Paiko. The cold Vardaris in winter and the mild winds that blow in the area throughout the year drive away the humidity and lower the temperature, contributing to the reduction of fungal diseases. The soil of the area is rich in granite and limestone, with good drainage.

Producing fine wines

These characteristics have been used by the two winemakers to produce typical wines, characterized by freshness and elegance, but also wines with structure and excellent aging potential, depending on the vinification method that will be followed.

The cultivation of the vine is carried out according to the standards of organic agriculture, with respect for the environment, the flora and fauna of the area, but also for the people themselves. The main concern is the special care of the vineyard, for this reason a lot of agricultural work – including the harvest – is done manually.

The goal of the Estate team is to produce fine quality wines that bear the stamp of the Goumenissa ecosystem and express its uniqueness. The cultivation of the vineyard and the winemaking are done with special care, utilizing the knowledge and experience of the producers and combining the tradition of the region with technology.

Mikro Ktima Titos’ two labels

There are two wines, currently produced at Mikro Ktima Titos.

“Mikro Ktima Titos – Goumenissa” (Designation of Origin Product), from 80% Xinomavro and 20% Negoska, product of the harvest of the two varieties, which begins at the end of September. It is produced with classic red vinification and aged for one year in French oak barrels. Its color is bright ruby, it has intense aromas of ripe red fruits – strawberry, sour cherry and raspberry – which blend harmoniously with the herbal character of rosemary and with subtle notes of jasmine and spice. In the mouth it is elegant, with crisp acidity and a good lasting aftertaste. It is a wine that can be enjoyed both fresh and in the first seven years of its age.

“Mikro Ktima Titos – Negoska”, made from 100% grapes of the homonymous variety, whose harvest begins at the beginning of October, is fermented in stainless steel refrigerated tanks, at 18 °C. It has a bright, pale pink color and lively and elegant aromas, with dominant notes of grapefruit, Seville orange peel and red fruits such as strawberry, pomegranate and cranberry that blend harmoniously with the floral hints of jasmine. In the mouth, its cool acidity combined with its fruity character, give a pleasant aromatic aftertaste, with subtle notes of citrus fruits, white flowers and red fruits.

Visits to the vineyard and the Winery

Mikro Ktima Titos, hidden in a full-grown forest next to the river, is the perfect occasion to get to know the wines of Goumenissa in absolute natural tranquility. The colors of each season are reflected in every corner, while the abundant waters that flow at a distance of only a few meters, are a source of life and relaxation.

It consists of a fully equipped winemaking room, the traditional maturing cellar, a specially designed aging room, as well as tasting and reception areas.

Trust its people, for guided tours and tastings in its specially designed spaces, which can be combined with walks and picnics in the “Dio Potamia” area, as well as a climb up Mount Paiko.

It is worth mentioning that “Mikro Ktima Titos” (“Vivlia Chora Estate”) is an active member of the “Winemakers of Northern Greece” Association and actively participates in the activities of the Wine Routes of Northern Greece, such as “Open Doors”, etc.

Highlighting the rich viticultural tradition

“Mikro Ktima Titos” is a bridge between the rich viticultural tradition of Goumenissa – the latter begins in the Byzantine years, while the area was instituted as a PDO zone in 1979 and is one of the smallest wine-growing zones in Greece – and the modern cultivation and oenological methods. It is a cozy winery, in the forest, that harmonizes perfectly with the natural environment. The vision of its two successors is to create, with love and respect, high quality wines, highlighting the local varieties of the region.

You will find the Estate’s products in updated cellars and in “HORECA” stores.

Tip 1: Guided tours and tastings in the specially designed areas of the Estate take place from Monday to Friday 09.00 – 15.00, Saturday and Sunday, by arrangement.

Tip 2: The place is accessible to people with disabilities.