Our Story
Our Story
Our award-winning international wine tourism destination invites guests to sample over 20 varieties in the Melissanthi wine-tasting cellar, and to tour the world famous vineyards, winery and wine-tasting space.
The sun-baked limestone slopes of Meliton are steeped in ancient heritage, its vineyards and olive groves famed since antiquity, and its wines referred to by names such as Toroni, Acanthus and Olympus in classical texts. But it is in the other golden era of the 1960s that the story of the Meliton Domaine begins, with a cruise to mark the 1000-year anniversary of Mount Athos, the monastic community established on the neighbouring peninsula.
Among the prominent Athenians on board, ship-owner Giannis Carras fell in love at first sight with the virgin coastline of Sithonia. The rest, as they say, is history.
Renowned Bordeaux oenologist Emile Peynaud, regarded by many as the father of modern Oenology, was retained by Carras to consult on the first varietals and vineyard development, later winning international acclaim. The vineyard was designed in mid 1960s by the Department of Viticulture at the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, assisted by the Ministry of Agriculture. Since the 60s, the Porto Carras wines have borne the PDO ‘Slopes of Meliton’ designation and the Protected Geographical Indication (P.G.I) of ‘Sithonia’.
Its 475 hectares under vine are mostly situated at 200-300 metres above the Mediterranean, exposed to a marine breeze and dry climate – the perfect conditions for organic viticulture. The small yield results in wines of intensity and structure, with great ageing potential.
Recipients of over 150 international awards, the Domaine wines are vinified by experienced oenologists, from 24 different indigenous and international grape varietals. Domaine Porto Carras major white wine varieties include Malagouzia, Asyrtiko, Athiri, Rhoditis Sauvignon Blanc, Viognier, Chardonnay, Muscat of Alexandria, while major red wine varieties include the celebrated Greek Limnio variety referred to in texts of Aristotle, and the cosmopolitan varieties Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Cinsaut, Merlot and Syrah.
Today the Domaine is one of the most influential and historic vineyards in all of Greece, certified as fully organic since 1996 and consistently positioned at the forefront of the Greek wine industry.