Estate Mega Spileo

The Mega Spilaio Estate is inextricably linked to the Monastery of Mega Spilaio, one of the most important religious monuments and landmarks in Greek history. It is the oldest active monastery in Greece and took its name from its location, built inside a large cave in Kalavryta, in the Vouraikos Gorge. The Monastery was built in 362 AD by the Thessalonian monk brothers, Symeon and Theodoros, at the spot where the Holy icon of the Virgin Mary was found, a work by the Evangelist Luke made of mastic and wax. Since then, it has operated continuously, serving as a beacon of Orthodoxy. The “Great Vineyard,” today’s Mega Spilaio Estate, was the monastery’s dependency from the mid-15th century. The monks used the vineyard for winemaking, and within the estate they built a winery, a dormitory, and a chapel. Harvesting and grape pressing took place in the vineyard, and then the monks transported the wine by mules to the monastery to be put into cellar barrels. Wine production held a very important place in the daily life and overall philosophy of the Monastery. During the Greek Revolution, fighters came to the Monastery to find refuge and to procure money, bread, cheese, and wine. Thereafter and until 1870, demand for food and wine increased significantly, while the population at the monastery exceeded 200 people. Many years later, around 1930, the number of monks decreased noticeably, resulting in a significant decline in vineyard cultivation, and by around 1960 all utilization of the Estate was abandoned due to the dramatic reduction in monks. In 1999, the “Great Vineyard” took on a new dimension when brothers Giannis and Theodoros Anastasiou took over the Estate through a long-term lease from the Monastery. With a vision to revive the historic vineyard, a team of experienced viticulturists and oenologists proceeded with replanting, prudent cultivation, and the production of quality wine, creating a fully integrated entity and a distinctive brand: the Mega Spilaio Estate.

Our wines come from grapes grown mainly in four vineyards in mountainous Achaia, with a total area of approximately 35 hectares and at an altitude from 800 to 1000 meters. The excellent local climate, the varied terrain, the exposures, and the altitude are some of the characteristics that make the area ideal for viticulture and the production of unique wines. The slopes of mountainous Achaia, and specifically the carefully selected vineyard sites of the Estate, are the ideal environment for most native and international varieties to thrive, making its vineyard one of the most important in the country. This unique terroir yields high-quality wines that have earned recognition from internationally renowned wine critics, while awards follow one after another. In the Estate’s 4 vineyards, Mavrodaphne, Mavro Kalavrytino, Malagousia, Assyrtiko, Lagorthi, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, etc. are cultivated. The location, together with the know-how and passion of the people who work in the vineyards, is the secret of our continually upward course!

With a precious heritage in its location, situated in the heart of the Chelmos-Vouraikos Geopark, one of the seven UNESCO Global Geoparks in Greece, Mega Spileo Estate has actively contributed to and ensured, from the very first moment of its modern operation, the sustainable development and protection of the area. Embracing the vision of sustainable agricultural development, the Estate implements best practices guided by the protection of biodiversity and the area’s unique natural wealth, respect for the centuries-old viticultural traditions of local communities, and the safeguarding of the necessary conditions for the prosperity of future generations. Our wines are made with a philosophy of minimal intervention, where possible, always with a focus on consistent quality and the satisfaction of our friends. We produce a wide range of products, including rare and experimental vinifications, available exclusively from the Estate’s shop.