Nestled amidst the breathtaking landscapes of Metsovo and overlooking the majestic Pindos mountains, Imperator Winery stands as a testament to the rich heritage of winemaking that has been cultivated over centuries. Founded in 2017, this small monastic winery has swiftly risen to prominence, crafting wines that pay homage to tradition while embracing innovation. With an unwavering commitment to quality and a history steeped in viticulture, Imperator Winery has earned its place among the finest wine producers in Greece.
Imperator Winery is not simply a winery; it’s a continuation of a legacy that spans generations. The roots of this tradition can be traced back to the venerable monasteries of Voutsa and Agios Nikolaos. These monastic institutions have been revered for their genuine and quality wines, with written records dating as far back as 1795 attesting to their winemaking prowess. The very barrels that housed these historic wines still stand as a testament to the enduring commitment to viticulture, with a barrel from Agios Nikolaos’ cellars dating back to 1782. This legacy serves as an inspiration and a burden that Imperator Winery proudly carries forward.
At the heart of Imperator Winery’s success is their dedicated oenologist, Sophocles Petropoulos. With a fervent passion for winemaking, Petropoulos brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the table. Having studied oenology in Athens, pursued postgraduate studies in Australia, and earned a Ph.D. from the Agricultural University of Athens, he is a true connoisseur of the craft. With over a decade of experience working in Nemea wineries and consulting for Greek and Lebanese wineries, Petropoulos is a force to be reckoned with in the wine world.
Spanning a vast expanse of 85 acres, Imperator Winery boasts the largest and most mountainous monastic vineyards in Greece. This distinctive terroir, combined with the exclusive use of grapes solely from their own vineyards, imparts a distinct character and flavor profile to their wines. The vineyards, which stretch around the monasteries, are a breathtaking sight to behold. Here, a carefully curated selection of grape varieties flourishes, including Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Gewürztraminer, Vlachiko, and the exclusive local treasure, Vlachavona.
Imperator Winery’s dedication to quality and excellence is exemplified by their recent achievements. In the prestigious America Awards 2023 hosted by America Wines Paper (https://americawinespaper.com/), Imperator Winery proudly received two Gold Medal Awards for their exceptional wines. The Lacrima, 2021, White Wine, and the Imperator, Valia Calda, 2019, Red Wine garnered well-deserved recognition, further cementing the winery’s reputation as a producer of top-tier wines.
Imperator Winery stands as a shining example of the profound connection between history, tradition, and innovation in the world of winemaking. With a commitment to crafting genuine and quality wines deeply rooted in its monastic heritage, this Greek gem continues to captivate the palates of wine enthusiasts worldwide. Led by the visionary Sophocles Petropoulos and nurtured by the unmatched terroir of Metsovo, Imperator Winery is destined to leave an indelible mark on the global wine industry. While their doors may not yet be open to visitors, the wines of Imperator Winery invite you to savor a taste of Greece’s rich winemaking heritage with every sip.
