Costa Navarino offers introduction to Greek wine culture
Costa Navarino offers its guests the opportunity to become acquainted with the Messinian and Greek wine culture, through a series of seminars and participation in the traditional wine harvesting process, which has been a significant part of people’s lives for centuries.
At Costa Navarino, Greece’s prime destination in the region of Messinia, guests can choose from The Romanos, a Luxury Collection Resort and The Westin Resort, Costa Navarino. During the stay, guests will experience the unique customs of the region and share the local knowledge of wine making. Through a short-distance trip to Navarino Vineyards at the nearby Mouzaki between mid-August and mid-October, participants learn how the grapes are traditionally grown and harvested, hand-pick the fruits and actively join the grape treading (taking place until mid-September). A picnic lunch set in an idyllic landscape features authentic dishes with home-grown products.
Costa Navarino has delved into the world of vinification, and is now presenting its first wines, which were created by Navarino Vineyards in collaboration with acclaimed Greek vintners. The destination’s organic vineyards are located in an area covering 55 hectares. These old vines grow in an area that has ideal climate –a main characteristic of this location- which due to its temperature variation between morning and night, the right elevation and level of humidity is fit for producing grapes distinguished for their excellence. The end result brings out the unique characteristics of the Messinian soil.
The series of wines aptly named 1827, due to the historical naval battle of Navarino, comprises of a white wine combining Chardonnay with Roditis, and a red Cabernet Sauvignon. The Kotyle series –its name inspired by a clay drinking cup known as King Nestor’s Cup- produces a white Chardonnay matured in a barrel for 4-5 months. The vineyards have already made an entrance to the wine lists of well-known restaurants and also recently presented their version of the traditional Greek spirit, tsipouro, which combines Ugni blanc and Roditis alepou.
The oenological experience at Costa Navarino, becomes complete through the participation in wine tasting seminars that take place under the guidance of acclaimed sommeliers and wine consultants. Following their visit to the vineyards, guests discover the history of wine and renowned varieties from all around Greece. During hourly seminars that take place daily at Enoteca, participants learn about the wine tasting techniques and the main characteristics of varieties which can be found not only in Messinia and Peloponnese, but also in other areas of Greece.
On specific dates, those visiting Costa Navarino will have the chance to take part in the seminars given by Konstantinos Lazarakis MW. The only Greek Master of Wine –and one of 297 in the world- will guide guests through a special journey of Greece’s rich oenological world. These seminars will take place on: 19-20-21/7, 23-24-25/8 & 6-7-8/9.
For this wholesome approach to the Greek wine world, guests can choose for their stay one of the two 5-star luxury awarded hotels, The Romanos, a Luxury Collection Resort and The Westin Resort, Costa Navarino. A gastronomical journey takes in venues such as Omega, which showcases menus and cooking classes based on the Omega diet with the creativity of acclaimed visiting chefs. The new menu at Eleon presents the best of Greek cuisine, Flame proposes grill dishes with locally sourced products and vegetables from Costa Navarino’s gardens, and many other venues with ethnic and international cuisine offer a vast culinary range. A plethora of athletic facilities, including outdoor, racquet and water sports like kite-surfing, kayaking and diving, along with Anazoe Spa’s signature treatments and the destination’s two signature golf courses, come together for a unique holiday experience.
Abercrombie & Kent is offering Costa Navarino’s wine harvesting package from £1,095 per person based on two people sharing. The price includes seven nights’ accommodation on a bed and breakfast basis at The Westin Resort, Costa Navarino and includes car hire and return flights via Athens, and a wine harvesting package for two people. abercrombiekent.co.uk
Chic Locations is offering Costa Navarino’s wine harvesting package from £937 per person based on two people sharing. The price includes seven nights’ accommodation on a bed and breakfast basis at The Westin Resort, Costa Navarino in a deluxe garden view room and includes transfers and flights from London Gatwick to Kalamata, and a wine harvesting package two people. This price includes a stay for seven pay for five nights deal. chiclocations.com