Naoussa is famous for its exceptional terroir, microclimate, grape varieties and passionate winemakers who produce wines with true character.
Our city rests on the foothills of the Vermio Mountain where Dionysus, the god of wine himself dwelt. He or the ancient Greeks perceived something about wine in the region to merit his presence there and maybe, who knows, even blessed the origins of viniculture itself.
In modern times, the first recorded evidence of viniculture dates to 1700, where its reputation spread far and wide for being the best wine in the Ottoman Empire. At that time, the Xinomavro, Negoska, Naousseiko, Sefka, Prekniariko, and other varieties of grapes were cultivated in the area's vineyards.
"The wine of Naoussa is to Macedonia what Burgundy wine is to France. It always sells at twice the price of other wines... It is transported to Thessaloniki and Serres, where it is consumed in large quantities. I am in a position to confirm that Naoussa wine is considered the best of all wines produced in the Ottoman Empire."
Cousinery, Voyage dans la Macedoine, 1831
The Naoussa PDO (Protected Designation of Origin) zone was established in 1971 and is the largest vineyard of Xinomavro in Northern Greece and includes Naoussa and the local communities of Trilofos, Fytia, Stenimachos, Kopanos, Lefkadia, Marina, Polla Nera, Giannakochori and Rodochori.
Naoussa was where the first modern Greek wine was bottled in 1905, the famous "Naoussa Boutari", while in 1971 the wine-growing region of Naoussa was identified as a Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) region, a symbol of its enduring winemaking heritage.
Here, Xinomavro has found an ideal terroir: The cool Mediterranean climate, mountain slopes and unspoiled nature. Local wines are known for their aromatic and complex character and durability. It is no wonder that Naoussa was declared International City of Wine and Vine in 1987 by the Organisation Internationale de la Vigne et du Vin (International Vine and Wine Organisation) and also considered to be the Greek wine with the best potential on the international stage.
"The wine of Naoussa is one of the best in Macedonia. The grapes from which this wine is produced have a dry tart taste, for this reason the wine of Naoussa may be consumed even four or five years after its vintage..."
Pouqueville, Voyage de la Grece,1826
The city’s vineyards cover an area of 600 hectares, which lie on the southeastern slopes of the Vermio Mountain (2052m) at altitudes between 80 and 350 meters and protected by the cold northern winds. The great diversity of clayey and calcareous soil, as well as perfect climate conditions such as green hills, natural springs, cold winters and warm summers, give Xinomavro and its vigorous red wines multiple expressions.
Explore legendary wineries offering guided vineyard walks, atmospheric cellar tours, and tastings of gracefully aged vintages!
BIBON, Greece’s first Wine Library, was established by the Boutaris Foundation in collaboration with the Veria Public Central Library and the non-profit organization Future Library. It is an interactive hub of knowledge, discovery, and collaboration that connects the rich history and sustainable future of Greek wine, bringing together tradition and scientific research, physical and augmented reality.
BIBON is located in a landmark building at 17 Chatzimalousi Street, a site of high symbolic, cultural, and architectural value, which served as the first residence and winery of the Ioannis Boutaris family in Naoussa until the mid-20th century.
BIBON’s first book catalogue on wine, viticulture, and wine culture is built on the invaluable collections donated by Dr. Stavroula Kourakou-Dragona and Yiannis Boutaris, and is steadily enriched. Students and researchers have access to specialized databases on viticulture and oenology, as well as Greek and international wine journals, while the creation of the Greek Wine Archive has already begun.
BIBON is supported by the Association of Winemakers and Winegrowers of Naoussa through an interactive wine tourism map, and by the Municipality of the Heroic City of Naoussa. BIBON’s first ambassador is Konstantinos Lazarakis MW, Greece’s first Master of Wine, who serves as the Library’s Book Curator and actively promotes the recognition of Greece’s first Wine Library worldwide.
But plenty of:
Rich history, untamed nature,
vibrant culture, and renowned wine.
You can’t miss it!