About us
About us
The creation
Our story began about 30 years ago, when our father planted his first vines in the land where he was born and raised.
We vividly remember his dedication and love for the vineyard, as we actively participated in pruning and harvesting.
It’s said that Stratis, our father, made great wine—but he did so at home, without equipment, relying solely on his instinct and experience.
Years later, after studying in Heraklion and Athens, we felt the pull to return to our roots and embrace the product that had been a part of our childhood memories. This desire sparked the transformation that would change our lives.
We decided to focus on what we had-the land. But what did we have? Only two tractors and a few small vineyards.
And so, the memories shaped our emotions, fueling the thoughts and determination to create something new.
Thus, the Kourkoulou Winery was born-a winery built from the ground up, where tradition meets innovation.
The creation
Our story began about 30 years ago, when our father planted his first vines in the land where he was born and raised.
We vividly remember his dedication and love for the vineyard, as we actively participated in pruning and harvesting.
It’s said that Stratis, our father, made great wine—but he did so at home, without equipment, relying solely on his instinct and experience.
Years later, after studying in Heraklion and Athens, we felt the pull to return to our roots and embrace the product that had been a part of our childhood memories. This desire sparked the transformation that would change our lives.
We decided to focus on what we had-the land. But what did we have? Only two tractors and a few small vineyards.
And so, the memories shaped our emotions, fueling the thoughts and determination to create something new.
Thus, the Kourkoulou Winery was born-a winery built from the ground up, where tradition meets innovation.
IMPORTANT MOMENTS
Milestones
First plantings of Liatiko in “Logare” and “Vigla”.
Amateur and traditional vinification.
Construction of our small and family winery.
MARCH
Planting a vine with the white grape variety Vidiano.
AUGUST
First grape harvest for the winery.
FEBRUARY
First bottling of the 2017 harvest – two labels – Pentozali White and Rose.
JUNE
Our first guests, a group of 6 people from London.
SEPTEMBER
Vinification of another label, Mikro-Mikraki Rose.
FEBRUARY
First participation in the wine fair “Oinotika 2019” in Chania. Wine distribution in the prefecture of Chania.
JUNE
Planting 2 new vineyards with the white grape varieties Vilana and Moschato of Spina.
SEPTEMBER
Vinification of two more wine labels, Vidiano and Liatiko.
MAY
First export to the Netherlands.
APRIL
Available in Athens and northern Greece.
APRIL
We participated for the first time in the Thessaloniki International Wine Competition, where our Pentozali White wine was awarded a silver medal.
JUNE
Started exporting to Estonia.
FEBRUARY
Submitted five labels to the competition, all of which received awards. Notably, our Moschato Spinas 2022 vintage stood out, earning 96 points and a gold medal.
IMPORTANT MOMENTS
Milestones
First plantings of Liatiko in “Logare” and “Vigla”.
Amateur and traditional vinification.
Construction of our small and family winery.
MARCH
Planting a vine with the white grape variety Vidiano.
AUGUST
First grape harvest for the winery.
FEBRUARY
First bottling of the 2017 harvest – two labels – Pentozali White and Rose.
JUNE
Our first guests, a group of 6 people from London.
SEPTEMBER
Vinification of another label, Mikro-Mikraki Rose.
FEBRUARY
First participation in the wine fair “Oinotika 2019” in Chania. Wine distribution in the prefecture of Chania.
JUNE
Planting 2 new vineyards with the white grape varieties Vilana and Moschato of Spina.
SEPTEMBER
Vinification of two more wine labels, Vidiano and Liatiko.
MAY
First export to the Netherlands.
APRIL
Available in Athens and northern Greece.
APRIL
We participated for the first time in the Thessaloniki International Wine Competition, where our Pentozali White wine was awarded a silver medal.
JUNE
Started exporting to Estonia.
FEBRUARY
Submitted five labels to the competition, all of which received awards. Notably, our Moschato Spinas 2022 vintage stood out, earning 96 points and a gold medal.
The team
The team
CLOSE TO THE VINEYARDS
Stratis
A true multi-tasker and handyman, Stratis is a retired teacher who discovered his first love: cultivation. Deep down, he always dreamed of becoming an agricultural scientist. He found his calling in the soil, where he could be close to nature. A self- taught expert in organic viticulture, Stratis now tends to all the vineyards of the winery with passion and dedication.
CLOSE TO PEOPLE
Xenia
You’ll surely meet Xenia at the winery, where she’ll greet you with a warm welcome. She’s passionate about the twofold nature of our product: the hard work that goes into its creation and the relaxed joy it brings when people enjoy it. That’s why she’s hands-on in the production area, but also loves to engage in conversation with our guests, making everyone feel at home.
BEHIND THE FACILITIES
Paul
Paul is the one who meticulously studied every piece of legislation to join and implement the Leader programme. As an engineer, he designed the plans for the building and, of course, he’s the one who truly comes alive when working on the facilities in the production area. Whether as an electrician, mechanic, or problem-solver, Paul’s hands-on approach ensures everything runs smoothly.
BEHIND THE STORIES
Nikos
Creative and communicative, Nikos is currently studying marketing and communication in Athens. During the summer, you’ll find him at the winery, leading guided tours and shaping the digital presence of the winery. With his artistic nature, he couldn’t resist taking charge of creating captivating photographic content for our social media, bringing the winery’s story to life online.
BEHIND THE FLAVOURS
Chrysoula
Chrysoula is the true inspiration behind the idea and creation of the winery. She’s the one who brings the flavours to life during wine tastings, but also the driving force behind the essential, everyday tasks that ensure the winery runs smoothly. Her dedication and hands-on approach are at the heart of everything we do.
BETWEEN THE DETAILS
Zacharenia
For 14 years, Zacharenia worked as an assistant to a pediatrician. However, in her spare time, she focuses on the crucial yet often unseen tasks that keep the winery running smoothly: ensuring the workplace is neat and clean, organizing documents for the accountant, and polishing glasses for the perfect presentation. Who says the owners only give orders? Zacharenia’s attention to detail is what makes everything shine.
CLOSE TO THE VINEYARDS
Stratis
A true multi-tasker and handyman, Stratis is a retired teacher who discovered his first love: cultivation. Deep down, he always dreamed of becoming an agricultural scientist. He found his calling in the soil, where he could be close to nature. A self- taught expert in organic viticulture, Stratis now tends to all the vineyards of the winery with passion and dedication.
CLOSE TO PEOPLE
Xenia
You’ll surely meet Xenia at the winery, where she’ll greet you with a warm welcome. She’s passionate about the twofold nature of our product: the hard work that goes into its creation and the relaxed joy it brings when people enjoy it. That’s why she’s hands-on in the production area, but also loves to engage in conversation with our guests, making everyone feel at home.
BEHIND THE FACILITIES
Paul
Paul is the one who meticulously studied every piece of legislation to join and implement the Leader programme. As an engineer, he designed the plans for the building and, of course, he’s the one who truly comes alive when working on the facilities in the production area. Whether as an electrician, mechanic, or problem-solver, Paul’s hands-on approach ensures everything runs smoothly.
BEHIND THE FLAVOURS
Chrysoula
Chrysoula is the true inspiration behind the idea and creation of the winery. She’s the one who brings the flavours to life during wine tastings, but also the driving force behind the essential, everyday tasks that ensure the winery runs smoothly. Her dedication and hands-on approach are at the heart of everything we do.
BETWEEN THE DETAILS
Zacharenia
For 14 years, Zacharenia worked as an assistant to a pediatrician. However, in her spare time, she focuses on the crucial yet often unseen tasks that keep the winery running smoothly: ensuring the workplace is neat and clean, organizing documents for the accountant, and polishing glasses for the perfect presentation. Who says the owners only give orders? Zacharenia’s attention to detail is what makes everything shine.
BEHIND THE STORIES
Nikos
Creative and communicative, Nikos is currently studying marketing and communication in Athens. During the summer, you’ll find him at the winery, leading guided tours and shaping the digital presence of the winery. With his artistic nature, he couldn’t resist taking charge of creating captivating photographic content for our social media, bringing the winery’s story to life online.
We believe in the power of teamwork. The harmonious collaboration of diverse individuals leads to multifaceted results. It’s like crafting the perfect blend!