History & Heritage

The Estate

Since 1963

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A legacy rooted in time, with a vision for the future

In the heart of Sithonia, Porto Carras Estate is more than a winery, it is a destination that redefines the Greek wine experience.

Domaine Porto Carras is not simply a place where wine is produced. It is a living organism, an evolving ecosystem that creates, grows and tells stories through every vintage.

Here, tradition is not merely preserved, it is reinterpreted. Each bottle becomes a continuation of a legacy that began in the 1960s, when one of Europe's largest unified organic vineyards was established, driven by vision, boldness and a deep respect for the land.

This vineyard became a cradle of experimentation with both Greek and international varieties, which were subsequently developed and today stand as pillars of Greek wine production.

Here, Malagousia was rescued from near extinction and Assyrtiko was cultivated for the first time in a vineyard outside Santorini. These varieties have since spread across Greece and emerged as protagonists of the modern identity of Greek wines.

A special place within this legacy belongs to Limnio, the oldest recorded Greek grape variety, referenced as early as Aristotle. Porto Carras Estate played a pioneering role in its revival, contributing significantly to its return to the modern Greek vineyard.

With over 50 years of history, the estate's vineyards continue to be cultivated with respect for the terroir and an unwavering commitment to quality, capturing the essence of the land in every harvest.

Domaine Porto Carras

Our History

1963

Where legends are born

Giannis Carras, on a journey to Mount Athos, discovers Sithonia and is captivated by the purity of its landscape and the waters of the Toronean Gulf. In that moment, a vision takes shape — an idea destined to become a landmark for Greece.

1965

The beginning of a great creation

On the slopes of Meliton, where the mountain meets the sea, the first plantings begin at Porto Carras Grand Resort. Across 4,500 acres, one of Europe's largest organic vineyards takes shape — the result of pioneering design by the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki and the Institute of Vine and Wine. Nature remains untouched: forests protect the microclimate, and the vine acquires character, depth and balance.

1970

Architecture and winemaking in perfect harmony

The iconic winery is designed by Walter Gropius and becomes a landmark of Greek winemaking. With the pivotal contribution of Émile Peynaud, Cabernet Sauvignon expresses the Greek terroir with unprecedented precision and gains international recognition. Positioned at the heart of the vineyard, the winery ensures direct care of the grape and the preservation of its authentic quality.

1982

Recognition of identity

The region is designated as PDO Slopes of Meliton, confirming the uniqueness of the terroir. The wines of Sithonia gain prestige and standing, elegantly expressing the meeting point of mountain and sea.

Today

A living symbol

More than fifty years on, Porto Carras Grand Resort continues to stand as a living symbol of Greek viticulture — one of the largest organic vineyards in Europe. With deep respect for the heritage of this land and an unwavering dedication to research and evolution, every bottling becomes a carrier of history and, at the same time, an expression of contemporary creativity.

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Domaine Porto Carras

A wine loved by the world

Many prominent figures have tasted the wines of Domaine Porto Carras, among them Melina Mercouri, the then Prime Minister of Greece Konstantinos Karamanlis, the Rockefeller family, and Queen Juliana of the Netherlands.

The one who loved the Domaine the most was the renowned painter Salvador Dalí, who had a particular fondness for the Blanc de Blancs.

Come visit us

Book a guided tour or wine tasting at the estate and discover the story of our land in person.

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