WOMEN IN WINE
In view of March 8th, International Women’s Day, we thought it was the perfect moment for you to meet dynamic Greek women winemakers who have set the bar for wine creativity incredibly high and have made the world of wine even more fascinating! After all, the Bee Gees were already declaring it back in the 1960s, singing “wine and women”!
Chloe Chatzivariti: “The woman who tamed Xinomavro”
Chloe Chatzivariti is one of the most restless spirits in winemaking, and her wines carry an honest and genuine character. Coming from a winemaking family, she felt the weight of a predetermined path from a young age—so much so that for a few years she almost rejected it. But wine didn’t leave her alone. After studying agronomy, she encountered it again during her master’s degree and decided to pursue it on her own terms. Through her travels around the world, she came into contact with the principles of great winemaking and set a clear goal: to produce authentic wines that express the terroir in its purest form. When she returned to the family winery, her experimentation with Xinomavro earned her a place on the list of top wines in Noble Rot magazine. Today, the “rebellious” Xinomavro bows before her, and Goumenissa has become synonymous with her name. This was followed by the Migma Pet Nat and Migma Pet Nat Rosé project natural sparkling wines that she managed to make part of our everyday life. If you recognize their names, Chloe’s signature is right beside them.
Melina Tassiou: “The Lady of Thrace!”
Melina Tassiou is the woman who revived Thrace’s wine identity by founding Ktima Kikones in 2004, the first modern winery in the region of Rodopi. With studies in Agronomy and specialization as an Oenologist (D.N.O. Bordeaux), she brought to Maroneia a rare blend of expertise: scientific quality control from Bordeaux, viticultural practices inspired by Australia, and traditional winemaking rooted in Burgundy. Her philosophy is based on minimal intervention, with human hands replacing machines and sensory evaluation guiding every critical decision. Aiming to revive Thrace’s historic wine zone, she created wines that clearly express the terroir of Maroneia and have earned recognition from wine lovers in Greece and abroad most notably the 2018 Ippeas. Her work stands as a reference point for the region and for all who believe that wine is culture, place, and personal signature.
Vasiliki Akriotou: “The mountaineer of rosé”
After many entrepreneurial ventures, Vasiliki Akriotou made her dream come true and has now been active in the wine sector for over 20 years. Her first contact with winemaking came in 1987 as an Oenology student in Athens. After her studies, she worked in major wineries across Central Greece, gaining extensive experience in every stage of production. She quickly recognized the profound impact a small winery can have on society and the local economy. Using grapes from Viotia and Central Evia, in 2015 she decided to channel her vast experience into her own wine series, Oreivatis (“Mountaineer”), wh ich includes Oreivatis Red, Oreivatis Rosé, and Oreivatis Savvatiano Old Vines. The name is no coincidence it symbolizes the uphill, demanding journey required to craft high‑quality wines. The Oreivatis Rosé made a particular impression, with many comparing it to the great rosés of Provence.
Roxani Matsa: “The luminous lady of Mesogeia”
No introductions needed here when you hear the name Roxani, it refers to one person. For the luminous lady of Mesogeia, viticulture and winemaking were written into her DNA. A descendant of Alexandros Cambas, she inherited the vineyards of Kantza and continued the family tradition. The path was not easy, but with determination and tireless dedication, she became a true worker of the vineyard. Her market debut came with the Savvatiano variety under the wing of Boutari Winery, completely transforming the public perception of the grape. Her greatest challenge, however, was the rescue and revival of Malagousia a challenge she won. In 2001, the Greek Wine Press Association honored her work by awarding her the title Wine Personality of the Year. Rightfully crowned the “mother of Malagousia”, her wines sweep awards every year, and the variety is now inseparably linked to her name. Roxani Matsa’s legacy in Greek viticulture and winemaking is profound, making her the woman with the most significant story in the field.
Eymorfia Kostaki: “Childhood dreams do come true!”
At a really young age, Eymorfia Kostaki has already carved an admirable path in the wine world—a journey that began in the vineyards of Samos where she grew up. Her first contact with viticulture came through her father, Ioannis Kostakis, who cultivated vineyards and passed on to her a love for the land and its fruit. She studied Chemistry at the University of Athens and then followed her dream abroad, joining the Vinifera Euromaster program with studies in France, Italy, and California, where she also completed her thesis. With deep knowledge, international experience, and dedication to the art of winemaking, she is now a candidate for the Master of Wine title. Her goal is to create elegant, pure wines such as Dry 2023 and her Pet Nat that capture the essence of place and her personal journey. A woman who, on the occasion of International Women’s Day, reminds us that persistence, knowledge, and passion can transform a childhood memory into a brilliant professional path.
The Botilia.gr Team
