3 Good Reasons to look out for Monemvasia Winery

Monemvasia Winery was founded in 1997 in Monemvasia, Laconia by Yorgos and Elli Tsimbidi. Inspired by the myth of the lost in time Malvasia wine and guided by their love for the region of Monemvasia and the belief in its potential, they made the big decision to start a winery from scratch.

Monemvasia Winery - Tsimbidi

Recreating legendary Malvasia wine

During the initial stages, substantial efforts were put into the systematic classification and scientific examination of the endemic grape varieties, supplemented by various experimental vinifications. Elli and George shared a vision of recreating the legendary Malvasia wine that flourished during the Middle Ages. Perusing ancient manuscripts and receiving expert guidance from the Greek Wine Institute, the Agricultural University of Athens, the Division of Plant Pathology of the Agricultural University of Thessaloniki and the Plant Virus Lab of Heraklion, Crete, their team eventually succeeded in producing a sweet, Malvasia wine that closely resembles the original. Motivated by their affection for the region of Monemvasia and its unexplored potential, they took the bold step of creating a winery from scratch.

Dedication to Indigenous Grapes

Thus, a collection of rare varieties that characteristically express the Monemvasia terroir emerged: Kydonitsa, Monemvasia, Assyrtiko, Asproudi, Mavroudi, and Agiorgitiko. Planting began in 2005, and today, the Tsimbidi Family’s organic vineyards cover 300 acres of land in Velies and Agios Dimitrios villages of the Monemvasia Municipality.

A milestone for the winery was the revival of Monemvasia-Malvasia, with its recognition as a Protected Designation of Origin wine in 2010, after 12 years of effort, and its first bottling in 2013.

Family-Owned and Passionate

But the story does not end there. As the harvest grew, so did the knowledge and love of wine, and so did the family. Marialena and Anastasia were added to the team, led by Giorgos and Elli, with studies in agronomy and chemistry respectively, bringing an appetite for experimentation, highlighting the area and preserving its environment.

In 2020, the new winery of the company, which is developed in modern facilities of 1800sqm, was completed. It houses wine tourism activities and the production.

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