Argatia Winery

The Argatia Winery (the word Argatia is Pontic and means the act of young people helping the older ones in agricultural work) is located 12 km from Naoussa and one encounters it after passing Giannakochori and following a winding road in the forest, just before reaching Rodochori, and at an altitude of 500 meters.

It looks more like a house, but a sign to the right of the road leads us to this small winery. Charoulas Spinthiropoulou and Panagiotis Georgiadis, with their son Christoforos Georgiadis to be waiting for us at the entrance.

«My mother was involved in viticulture and agriculture - she studied agronomy and specialized in viticulture - and for many years she worked close to Giannis Boutaris and his winery. Both my parents are from Rodochori. They started in 1999-2000, here there were some estates with cherries, which came out and were planted at the beginning of 4 acres of vineyards. The winery started in 2004 and ended in 2005", Says Christoforos, 26 years old today, who after studying oenology in Drama, has taken over the winery.

Today, in an area of ​​24 acres, Argatia produces 13-14 thousand bottles per year, with exports mainly to America, but also Australia and a little in Europe to reach 40-50% of production.

Their wines there are three: a white "Charoula", from Malagouzia 60% and Assyrtiko 40% with a little Athiri and two red: the "Charoula" tank, from 50% xinomavro, 25% mavrodafni and the rest Negoska, and the "Naoussa PDO" from 100% xinomavro, aged in barrel.

With a structured thought and view of wine and its future, Christoforos expresses his great love for the diversity of his place, but also his concerns for the future of viticulture.

«I believe that small producers must keep the identity of Naoussa. The variety of xinomavro - and especially the xinomavro of Naoussa - has the peculiarity of enduring over time. This durability over time, gives aging some flavors and a special complexity». And it continues: "There is a great discussion among the winemakers-winemakers about the future of the wine region, as a result of the first action since 1990 when the first Interprofessional Wine of Naoussa was held, which was attended by winemakers, restaurants, winemakers, some hoteliers and some of the promoters. of wines. Today the need is much greater for collaborations and synergies».