Navitas Winery
I was born and raised in Thessaloniki, where both sides of my family have been involved in the wine business for generations. This background has instilled in me a deep connection to the industry. Initially, I pursued studies in psychology, ultimately earning two master’s degrees. Upon my return from London, I recognized the necessity of expanding my expertise; thus, I enrolled in a Master of Arts in Wine Business at the University of Adelaide. My experience at Navitas has allowed me to articulate my vision and comprehend my role within the wine sector. I consider myself fortunate to share this professional journey with an exceptional team.
Our vineyard is in Litochoro, specifically in the Topoliani area of Pieria in Northern Greece. The vineyard encompasses 16 hectares and reaches altitudes of up to 400 meters on the slopes of Mount Olympus. We take pride in being part of the PGI Pieria, an appellation established in 2008. This land has been owned by Maria’s father for over two decades, serving as a foundational asset and opening avenues for future growth. The vineyard is divided into three smaller autonomous parcels, creating a diverse mosaic of soils and altitudes for exploration. We maintain low yields, approximately 3,000 plants per hectare, and reduced planting density of 5,000 to 9,000 kg fresh grapes per hectare. The region benefits from a moderate Mediterranean climate characterized by sea breezes, protection from surrounding mountains, and substantial annual rainfall.
Our winery is conveniently located within a 25-minute drive from our most remote parcels, a significant logistical advantage that allows us to minimize energy-intensive transportation for our freshly hand-harvested grapes. We prioritize fruit selection; therefore, we sort the grapes twice—during harvest and upon arrival at our winery, utilizing a vibrating conveyor belt table to ensure quality.
From the outset, we have implemented sustainable practices in our vineyard. We cultivate site-specific cover crops and apply natural fertilizers from composted pruning leaves and grape pomace. Since the 2021 vintage, our wines have received official EU organic (BIO) certification.
Recognizing the importance of preventative measures, we established a weather station near our winery, which has become an essential asset in planning and resource conservation. We anticipate installing a second weather station within the next three years.
In parallel with our efforts to adapt vineyard practices, we are committed to advancing environmentally responsible wine production methods that yield tangible results. We continuously endeavour to set ambitious goals, accomplish them, and elevate our standards within the industry.
Wines available
Navitas Winery Mountcloud Rose Pieria Grenache 2023
Navitas Winery Terre de Zeus Pieria Malagousia 2023
