Monemvassia Winery

Monemvassia Winery was established in 1997, in the area of Velies of the Municipality of Monemvassia, Prefecture of Laconia. Monemvassia has been renowned for many years, not only for its strategic position and its famous castle, but also for the “optimum Malvasia wine”. This wine was produced in the wider area of Monemvassia, from which it also took its name (Malvasia means Monemvassia in French). Malvasia wine dominated in all eastern and western markets during the 12th century and for five consecutive centuries, and became the most famous wine in the world.

Following this magnificent tradition, Monemvassia Winery –always acting with respect for the area’s history- produces high profile bottled wines with the following trade names: Kastropolitia, Maleatis, Laloudi, Monamvasios, Laconicos, Anthosmias, as well as the names stemming from the grape varieties Asyrtiko, Kidonitsa, Asproudi and Fileri.

Monemvassia Winery hosted the European Research Programme for the Development of Industrial Research, along with the Agricultural Universities of Athens and Thessaloniki, the company VITRO, which is active in the production of plant propagation material, and the National Agricultural Research Foundation (N.AG.RE.F.). 14 vine varieties that grow in the area were recorded within the framework of this programme. Some of them were probably used in the production of Malvasia wine. Based on this research and the experimental vineyards, Monemvassia Winery discovered the raw material (grapes) for the production of an experimental sundried sweet wine, with very satisfying results.

Over the last 12 years, Monemvassia Winery has been actively, persistently and consistently engaged in the study of the characteristics of the local grape varieties, the cultivation of experimental vineyards, the organization of international scientific symposia on Monemvassia-Malvasia wine, the production of experimental wines in cooperation with the Wine Institute, etc. The result of these efforts was the official recognition of Monemvassia-Malvasia wine with protected designation of origin (sweet white wines or liqueur, always made of sundried grapes), which took place on 23 July 2010 (issue 1125 of the Government Gazette).

The products of Monemvassia Winery have won tenths of gold, silver and bronze awards in many international wine competitions. The company has also been announced as the best new business in the region of Peloponnese.