In the spring of 2013, Thessaloniki got its own vineyard: the city launched an urban viticulture space.
The aromatic Malagouzia and Golden Robola, the cosmopolitan Xinomavro, and the seductive Agiorgitiko were planted in an urban area, in a neighborhood that previously housed the Municipality’s mechanical workshop. The spirit of the landscape, inspiration, vision, and determination of the people of the Municipality of Thessaloniki, the generous contribution of Ktima Gerovassiliou (a renowned winery), combined with the expertise of the Viticulture Laboratory of the Faculty of Agriculture at the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (AUTH), and the passion of citizens and volunteers, led to the creation of Greece’s first organic urban vineyard on a two-acre plot.
The municipal department responsible is the Department of Environment and Green Space Management, which, with the support of the above-mentioned actors, maintains the vineyard. The vineyard soon became a gathering place for young and old alike, students and teachers, locals and foreigners. It is a place of music, dance and song, and gives the impression of the whole neighborhood “sitting at the same table.”
Our vineyard was born and bore fruit. Thanks to it, Gorgona, the wine of our city, stood out and continues to stand out year after year, just as our city has become recognized for its environmental and social awareness. The wine produced is used for community dinners and charity auctions, with all proceeds donated to good causes.
A wine that is not only good because it is delicious, but also because it is the result of beautiful effort—and above all, the result of community work.