Achaia is located on the northern part of the Peloponnese. Patras is one of the prominent cities of the region, one of the most popular cities in Greece and a hub of commerce, with a famous port that connects the Greek mainland to Italy and the Mediterranean. In this important area of Greece, wine making holds a special value that has survived through the centuries almost intact. So Achaia wine tourism is a highlight of your stay in this part of Peloponnese, as a true wine lover seeking genuine varieties and splendid flavors.
There are extensive vineyards, cultivating the most thrilling grape varieties that are going to produce fruity wines, which will then age in barrels that are kept away from sunlight for the right amount of time. The whole process takes time, a lot of love and care. Of course, it also requires know-how, which has been mastered over the years in a unique blend of tradition and modernity. PDO Patras and PGI Achaia wines are the most famous products of the winder area, with Egialia and Kalavryta featured as the top destinations to visit.
As for the routes worth considering in Achaia wine tourism, Patras, Patras Beach, Vrachneika, Neochori and Santameri is a great option. Alternatively, you may choose to follow Akrata, Valimi, Tsivlou Lake, Peristera and Zarouchla. Perhaps the longest route includes Pounta, Ano Diakopto, Megalo Spileo, Kato Zachlorou, Kalavrita, Loussi (or Soudena), Cave of the Lakes and finally Klitoria. Aigion, Agios Konstantinos, Mertidi, Lakka, Grigori, Verino, Myrovrisi and Selianitika is another wonderful choice, but there are many other routes to select from.
One of the strongest points of Achaia wine tourism is without a doubt the oldest operating winery in Greece. Achaia Clauss was established in 1861. It is the life’s work of Gustav Clauss from Bavaria, who had loved wine and Greece equally and wanted to fuse these two passions of his. And the outcome is purely amazing! There you will see the first oenological community of Greece, located on a hill surrounded by trees. In this place, a true masterpiece was born: Mavrodaphne, a deep purple, sweet dessert wine with a unique character. Apart from Mavrodaphne, visitors have the chance to taste Muscat of Patras and Agiorgitiko, learning more about the unique technique Gustav developed in the area, called Demestica.