Tsikrikonis Winery

Overview & Philosophy

Tsikrikonis Winery (Οινοποιείο Τσικρικόνης) is a family-owned estate located in Krinides, near Kavala, in Northern Greece, within the Drama–Kavala wine zone.
The winery was established in the early 2000s by Vassilis Tsikrikonis, who represents the second generation of a family with deep agricultural roots in the region.
The estate’s philosophy centers on producing high-quality wines from indigenous and international grape varietiesthrough sustainable farming, low yields, and precise but minimal-intervention winemaking.
Every wine reflects the terroir of the Philippi Valley — a region defined by limestone soils, sea breezes, and mountain influences that produce elegant, balanced wines with natural freshness and minerality.

Vineyards & Terroir

  • Location: The vineyards are located around Krinides, in the foothills of Mount Pangaion, near the ancient site of Philippi in Eastern Macedonia.

  • Altitude: Between 200 and 350 meters above sea level.

  • Vineyard Area: Approximately 10 hectares of privately owned and managed vineyards.

  • Soils:

    • Calcareous and clay-limestone soils, rich in minerals, ideal for aromatic whites and structured reds.

    • Excellent drainage with natural water retention at depth.

  • Climate:

    • Mediterranean with continental influence — warm, dry summers and cool nights.

    • Winds from the Aegean Sea and Mount Pangaion regulate temperature and preserve acidity.

  • Farming:

    • Sustainable, organic-leaning viticulture (no synthetic fertilizers or herbicides).

    • Low yields (typically 35–45 hl/ha).

    • Manual canopy management and selective hand harvesting.

  • Harvest: Grapes are hand-picked in small batches for optimal ripeness and freshness.

Grape Varieties

Tsikrikonis Winery cultivates both native Greek and international grape varieties, focusing on varietal purity and balanced expression.

White Varieties:

  • Assyrtiko – Structured, mineral, and saline; central to the estate’s white wine range.

  • Sauvignon Blanc – Bright and aromatic, often blended with Assyrtiko for freshness.

  • Malagouzia – Floral and expressive, used in aromatic blends.

  • Chardonnay – Barrel-fermented in small quantities for texture and depth.

Red Varieties:

  • Agiorgitiko – Soft, round red with red fruit and spice.

  • Cabernet Sauvignon – Provides structure, aging potential, and dark fruit character.

  • Merlot – Adds softness and balance to red blends.

Winemaking Philosophy & Techniques

Tsikrikonis Winery applies a modern yet natural approach, emphasizing clarity, varietal character, and freshness.

  • Fermentation:

    • Conducted in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks to preserve aromatics.

    • Indigenous yeasts used for certain cuvées; others use neutral cultured strains for precision.

  • Maceration:

    • Whites: Short skin contact (6–12 hours) for aromatic extraction.

    • Reds: 10–20 days, with gentle extraction for fine tannins and deep color.

  • Aging:

    • Whites: 4–6 months on lees (in stainless steel or neutral oak).

    • Reds: 8–18 months in French oak barrels (mostly second and third use).

  • Additives: Minimal sulfur; no chemical stabilizers or fining agents.

  • Fining & Filtration: Gentle filtration before bottling; some wines bottled unfiltered.

  • Bottling:

    • Conducted on-site under inert gas protection.

    • Bottled by gravity for natural stability.

Signature Wines & Portfolio

White Wines

  • Assyrtiko “Krinides” – Pure, mineral-driven expression of Assyrtiko; crisp acidity, citrus, and saline finish.

  • Sauvignon Blanc – Malagouzia Blend – Fresh, aromatic white with tropical fruit and floral complexity.

  • Chardonnay Barrel Fermented – Partial oak aging on lees; rich, creamy texture balanced by bright acidity.

  • Assyrtiko – Sauvignon Blanc “Estate Blend” – Harmonious blend combining structure and freshness.

Rosé Wines

  • Tsikrikonis Rosé – From Agiorgitiko and Cabernet Sauvignon; pale pink color, fresh red berry fruit, and crisp finish.

Red Wines

  • Agiorgitiko “Philippi” – Soft, medium-bodied red with cherry, spice, and herbal undertones.

  • Cabernet Sauvignon – Merlot Blend – Aged 12 months in French oak; structured, round, and elegant.

  • Reserve Red – Premium cuvée aged 18 months in barrel; deep color, ripe tannins, and long finish.

Technical & Operational Details

  • Region: Krinides, Kavala, Eastern Macedonia, Greece.

  • Vineyard Area: ~10 hectares.

  • Altitude: 200–350 meters.

  • Soil Type: Calcareous clay-limestone.

  • Viticulture: Sustainable and hand-harvested.

  • Annual Production: Approximately 80,000 bottles.

  • Fermentation Vessels: Stainless steel, French oak, and amphora (for experimental cuvées).

  • Aging: 4–18 months, depending on the wine.

  • Bottling: On-site, gravity-fed.

  • Export: Wines distributed throughout Greece and select export markets in Europe and the U.S.

  • Winemaker: Vassilis Tsikrikonis.

Strengths & Distinctive Qualities

  • Located near Mount Pangaion, an area historically renowned for viticulture since antiquity.

  • Balanced fusion of Greek and international varieties, offering freshness and typicity.

  • Sustainable viticulture with minimal inputs and manual vineyard care.

  • Focus on minerality and purity, particularly in whites like Assyrtiko.

  • High attention to detail from vine to bottle, ensuring consistency and finesse.

  • Expression of Northern Greece’s terroir: limestone soils, sea breezes, and cool mountain air.

  • Elegant, modern wines that remain true to their Greek roots while appealing to global palates.