About us – Chatzivaritis Estate

ROOTED
IN PASSION

It all started with love… when Vagelis Chatzivaritis met Olga Iakovidou back in 1981. Olga was from Goumenissa — a small town in Northern Greece with a long-standing winemaking tradition. That land, steeped in quiet magic, would soon become Vagelis’ lifelong calling.

Though he was an electronics engineer by profession, Vagelis had a deep appreciation for good wine, good food, and the little joys of life. He started making wine not for business, but for pleasure — something to share with close friends and family around the table. A passion project born from love and simplicity.

In 1994, Vagelis planted his first 5-hectare vineyard in the Bidablas area, choosing organic cultivation from the very beginning — long before it became a trend. His focus was simple: healthy soil, quality grapes, and respect for the land. As the vineyards expanded into the Filyria region, the dream took on new form. In 2007, he built a small boutique winery right in the heart of the vineyard. That same year, the first bottles of PDO Goumenissa were released — a blend of Xinomavro and Negoska that quickly earned a reputation for its elegance and authenticity. From there, the range grew to include reds, whites, and rosés — always rooted in the land, always crafted with care.

In 2017, Chloi — daughter of Vagelis and Olga — returned to Goumenissa after studying oenology in France and Portugal and working harvests in France, New Zealand, Argentina, and Chile.

She brought with her a fresh perspective and a deep passion for low-intervention winemaking. Blending global experience with local roots, she introduced a new wave of wines — natural, expressive, and bold. Pét-nats, carbonic maceration, wild fermentations — each bottle was a quiet rebellion and a loving nod to tradition.

Today, the estate spans 22 hectares, focused on indigenous Greek varieties like Xinomavro, Negoska, Roditis, Malagousia, Muscat, and Assyrtiko, alongside select international grapes. The approach remains hands-on, honest, and deeply connected to the land.

Two generations, one shared vision — crafting wines that speak not just of place, but of passion.

From soil to soul.

ISO 22000:2018 certification for food safety in wine production, issued by Swiss Approval North America.