Tell us a bit about the brand. What does it stand for? What was your goal in creating it?
While searching for a name for our company, we focused on words related to the vineyard. By chance, we came across the word Oinigos in an Ancient Greek dictionary—it means “wine merchant.” It suited us perfectly, so we chose it without hesitation.
How did you start? What challenges did you face?
The beginning was a conscious and targeted decision, as I had long been interested in getting involved with wine. When it finally became a reality, the circumstances at the time allowed the company to grow relatively smoothly and achieve remarkable results in its early years.
I believe our enthusiasm for the work, a little bit of luck, and the outstanding quality of our products—many of which reached Europe and America—played a major role in this success.
Consistency in quality, small-scale production, and realistic goals have helped maintain momentum in our efforts. In recent years, however, the sociopolitical landscape has brought the well-known challenges that we all face in our daily lives.
After the extensive economic and health crises, we had to rethink the structure and goals of our company, since everything is changing at an increasingly rapid pace.
Tell us about your products. What makes them different?
Our products are Limited Release, which means we only bottle what the vineyard naturally yields. Our olive trees are nearly 150 years old and produce low-acidity olive oil. Even in our vineyards—planted with select Greek grape varieties—we carry out green harvesting to ensure the final product reflects our quality standards.
Tell us about your raw materials.
Our raw materials—for both wine and olive oil—come exclusively from our privately owned vineyards and olive groves. We are the fourth generation to cultivate this land, which stands out for its exceptional soil and climate conditions. These allow us to produce high-quality raw materials that ensure the excellence of our final products.
Are there any products you particularly favor?
Each product has its own unique character. However, as a lover of red wines, I would highlight Porfyritis, made from the rare Avgoustiatis grape variety.
After aging for 14 months in French oak barrels, it develops a deep dark red color with intense aromas of ripe fruit.
Can Greek producers make a difference during times of crisis?
A crisis is always a crisis. No one can predict how the average consumer will respond in any given situation. Still, over the years, more and more customers are paying close attention to the quality and origin of their food. With that in mind, small Greek producers—who focus primarily on the quality of their products—can indeed stand out and make a difference.
Why did you choose to participate in and support the Wise Greece Initiative?
Because the core idea of Wise Greece represents exactly what I believe in. I fully support its mission of providing free food to families in extreme financial hardship.
Wise Greece also helps Greek producers promote their products and highlight their quality—something that is often incompatible with mass production methods.
