Zafeirakis Estate

Overview & Philosophy

Zafeirakis Estate (Κτήμα Ζαφειράκη) is a family-owned winery located in Tyrnavos, in the region of Thessaly, Central Greece.
The Zafeirakis family has been involved in viticulture for more than four generations, cultivating vineyards in the foothills of Mount Olympus since the early 20th century.
Today, Christos Zafeirakis, an oenologist trained in Italy, leads the estate, combining deep local knowledge with a refined, sustainable approach to winemaking.
The philosophy of the winery centers on organic viticulture, low yields, and minimal intervention in the cellar, producing wines that highlight the terroir of Tyrnavos and the indigenous Limniona grape, which Christos helped to revive and elevate to international acclaim.
Zafeirakis wines are recognized for their balance, precision, and authenticity, expressing both scientific rigor and artisanal sensitivity.

Vineyards & Terroir

  • Location: The estate’s vineyards are located in Tyrnavos, at the foothills of Mount Olympus and near the Pinios River, in the heart of Thessaly.

  • Vineyard Area: Approximately 12 hectares of estate-owned vines.

  • Altitude: Between 150 and 250 meters above sea level.

  • Soils:

    • Clay-limestone with high calcium content, promoting minerality and natural acidity.

    • Excellent drainage and moderate fertility ensure balanced vine growth.

  • Climate:

    • Continental–Mediterranean, with hot, dry summers and cool nights.

    • Significant diurnal temperature variation favors aromatic development and freshness.

  • Farming:

    • Certified organic since 2005.

    • No chemical fertilizers or synthetic pesticides.

    • Manual canopy management and selective green harvesting.

    • Dry-farming practices in most parcels to promote vine resilience.

  • Harvest: Grapes are hand-harvested in small crates and sorted carefully before vinification.

Grape Varieties

Zafeirakis Estate cultivates a combination of native Greek and international varieties, with a particular emphasis on the Limniona grape, a signature of the Tyrnavos region.

Red Varieties:

  • Limniona – Indigenous to Thessaly; elegant, aromatic, and medium-bodied, with fine tannins and natural acidity.

  • Cabernet Sauvignon – Used in blends for structure and intensity.

  • Merlot – Adds roundness and depth to certain cuvées.

White Varieties:

  • Malagouzia – Aromatic and expressive, a flagship white variety for the estate.

  • Chardonnay – Grown in cooler plots for balance and finesse.

  • Assyrtiko – Recent plantings showing promising structure and minerality.

Winemaking Philosophy & Techniques

Christos Zafeirakis combines scientific precision with minimal intervention, crafting wines that are clean, balanced, and true to their origin.

  • Fermentation:

    • Spontaneous fermentation with indigenous yeasts for most cuvées.

    • Temperature-controlled fermentations to preserve freshness and aromatic purity.

  • Maceration:

    • Reds: 10–20 days depending on variety and style.

    • Whites: Gentle pressing and brief skin contact for aromatic extraction.

  • Aging:

    • Whites: 4–8 months on lees in stainless steel or neutral oak.

    • Reds: 12–24 months in French oak (mostly used barrels) or large foudres.

  • Fining / Filtration:

    • Minimal fining; light filtration before bottling.

  • Sulfur Use:

    • Used sparingly; some cuvées bottled with minimal or no sulfur.

  • Bottling:

    • On-site under inert gas; all wines rest before release to ensure balance and stability.

Signature Wines & Portfolio

Red Wines

  • Limniona (PGI Tyrnavos):
    100% Limniona from organic vineyards. Medium-bodied, fresh, and elegant with red fruit, herbs, and fine tannins. The estate’s flagship wine.

  • Limniona “Old Vines”:
    From vines over 50 years old. Aged 24 months in French oak and foudres; deep, complex, and structured.

  • Limniona “Young Vine” / “New Age”:
    Early-release version showcasing the grape’s bright fruit and vibrancy.

  • Cabernet–Merlot Blend:
    Aged 12 months in oak; ripe black fruit, spice, and balanced structure.

White Wines

  • Malagouzia (PGI Tyrnavos):
    Fresh, aromatic, and floral, with notes of peach, basil, and citrus zest. Fermented in stainless steel.

  • Assyrtiko Tyrnavos:
    Crisp and mineral, combining mountain freshness with structured acidity.

  • Chardonnay Barrel Fermented:
    Aged 6 months in oak; creamy, with balanced richness and minerality.

Rosé & Natural Wines

  • Limniona Rosé:
    From direct-pressed Limniona; pale pink, crisp, and savory with red fruit and herbal notes.

  • “Microcosmos” Natural Limniona:
    Wild-fermented, unfiltered, and bottled with minimal sulfur; expressive, textural, and alive with energy.

Technical & Operational Details

  • Region: Tyrnavos, Thessaly, Central Greece.

  • Vineyard Area: ~12 hectares (estate-owned).

  • Altitude: 150–250 meters.

  • Soil Type: Clay-limestone.

  • Viticulture: Certified organic; hand-harvested, low yields (~35 hl/ha).

  • Fermentation Vessels: Stainless steel, oak barrels, and large foudres.

  • Aging: 4–24 months depending on style.

  • Annual Production: Approximately 100,000 bottles.

  • Certification: Certified organic (BIO Hellas).

  • Export: Wines distributed internationally across Europe, North America, and Asia.

  • Winemaker: Christos Zafeirakis.

Strengths & Distinctive Qualities

  • Revival of Limniona, one of Greece’s most expressive indigenous red grapes, now emblematic of modern Thessaly.

  • Organic pioneer in Tyrnavos, committed to biodiversity and soil health.

  • Winemaking precision and balance, reflecting Christos’s oenological expertise and sensitivity.

  • Transparent expression of terroir, highlighting the cool climate and limestone soils of the region.

  • Elegant, ageworthy reds and aromatic whites that bridge classical structure and natural vitality.

  • Diverse range, from approachable everyday wines to complex, cellar-worthy bottlings.

  • International recognition as a benchmark producer of Limniona and a leader in Greece’s new generation of quality-driven wineries.