ILIA: THE OLYMPIC WINES

The winery located in the Western Peloponnese, near the small, village of Korakochori. It is situated  only 2 km from the picturesque Katakolo, the second most visited cruise port in Greece. The Mercouri Wine Estate is one of the areas’ fine diamonds waiting to be discovered by eclectic travelers.

It is a beautiful place, calling visitors – from easy travelers to passionate wine experts – to celebrate the miracles of nature combined with human expertise. Their eyes will rest on endless series of rich vineyards and glittering olive trees, highlighted by the dazzling blue of the Ionian Sea. Surround the air scented by a magnificent variety of local herbs and spices.

The old mansion adds a touch of authentic aristocracy to this magical scenery while the rhythmical humming of the state-of-the-art winery is like a living proof of the fine drinking experience that awaits the visitor.

The history of the Mercouri Wine Estate goes back to 1864. Back when Theodore Mercouris, a man of the world and talented businessman, of Peloponnesian origin, bought a large piece of fertile land near Korakochori to build his dreams.

He started by producing olive oil and Corinth currant, the famous “currants” that were widely known since ancient times. A few years later his passion for great wine drove Mercouris to create the first vineyard with Refosco grapes, imported from Northern Italy.

It was a winning decision as in the late 19th century the excellent red wines of the estate were already being exported to Trieste.He shipped it  in oak barrels loaded on the traditional “kaiki”. Kaiki is the beautiful wooden vessel that still cross the Aegean and Ionian seas. Meanwhile the estate was supplying the whole region with the Refosco variety, which was named “Mercouri” by the local wine makers.

In 1930, Leonidas Mercouris, 2nd generation of the family, developed a modern wine production facility. He constructed underground cellars for 300 tons of wine. The two generations that followed started in 1985 a new, even more systematic effort to enhance the wine making activities. Futhermore the winery was modernized and vineyards were replanted.The 4th generation operates today the family business.

The land and climate in the greater area are a real blessing for the production of high-quality wines .The vineyards are certified for Best Farming Practice. Some of Mercouris Wine Estates famous awarded labels are from traditional red Italian varieties Refosco Mercouri and Refosco dal Penducolo Rosso.

They are cultivated also essential Greek red varieties such as Mavrodaphne, Agiorgitiko and Avgoustiatis and white  Roditis ,Robola and Malvasia Aromatica.