The VAENI - Naoussa Wine Cooperative carries the history of hundreds of people in a single glass.
A few kilometers outside Naoussa, among vineyards that sprawl across the foothills of Mount Vermio, lies the winery of VAENI - Naoussa, one of the most important in all of Greece. It represents about 50% of the area's production and it's not just a winery, but one of Greece's most advanced wine production facilities and a community of people who pass down knowledge, experience, and passion from generation to generation.
Since 1984, it has united 150 winegrowers with a shared goal: to showcase Xinomavro. After all, Naoussa is Xinomavro's homeland and the VAENI - Naoussa Wine Cooperative has devoted time to elevating this emblematic Greek variety. For anyone who loves wine and wine tourism, a visit to VAENI's winery is one of the most authentic experiences you can have in Naoussa.
Where tradition meets modern technology
VAENI is in a place where history, collaboration, and a love for the vine have come together for more than 40 years, crafting wines that travel from Macedonia to the world. The winegrowers continue a generations-old tradition, tending their vines with care and delivering high-quality grapes year after year. This collective effort has turned VAENI into one of the foremost ambassadors of Greek wine, with a presence in more than 30 countries.
The winery is in Episkopi Naoussa within the area's viticultural zone, so the grapes reach the fermentation tanks quickly from the vineyard, preserving their freshness and aromas intact. With modern facilities and respect for tradition, the cooperative's wines carry Naoussa's flavor beyond Greece's borders.
During a tour of the facilities, visitors discover every stage of production. From the winemaking area where the wines are born to the underground cellar where the wines slowly mature in oak barrels and in their bottles, each space tells a different chapter in the wine's journey.
The winery also has a modern bottling unit, a chemical laboratory for continuous quality control, an exhibition space with rare and museum pieces, and a wine boutique where you can taste and purchase VAENI's signature labels. The facilities are open to visitors, offering a complete experience of getting to know the world of wine.
The wines we tasted
VAENI's wines stand out for their bold character, aromas of red fruits, tomato, and spices, lively acidity, and great aging potential.
The first wine we tasted was Amore Rosé, a name that's no accident. It's a semi-sparkling sweet rosé with aromas of cherry and red forest fruits that wins you over from the first sip. Ideal as an aperitif, but also alongside fruit or desserts, it's one of those wines that spark excitement and strong emotions.
We continued with Dogmatic White, a distinctive Blanc de Noir, a white wine born from red Xinomavro grapes. The result is a bright, taut, and dry wine with balanced flavor that comes in an ornate bottle.
Finally, we tasted Imeros. Its name evokes intense desire, and perhaps that perfectly describes its character. It's also made from Xinomavro with a few notes of Muscat, keeping all the freshness, liveliness, and aromas of the variety. An elegant, aromatic, and fruity wine.
Information
Episkopi Naoussa
Tel. +30 2332 044274, +30 2332 044597
