Winery Monsieur Nicolas by G. KaramitrosWinery Monsieur Nicolas by G. Karamitros is a unique destination for wine and tradition lovers, nestled in the picturesque village of Messenikolas in the Municipality of Lake Plastira. With a winemaking history spanning four generations, the Karamitros family has dedicated itself to viticulture and enology, keeping alive and promoting the local grape variety “Mavro Messenikola” around the world.
Viticulture flourished for centuries around Messenikolas (23 km from Karditsa), dating back to the time when the village was still called “Polichna”. According to local tradition, both vine cultivation and winemaking in the region gained new momentum in the mid-15th century, when a French nobleman, Monsieur Nicolas, settled in the village.After completing his involvement in the Crusade under Charles VII of France, this gentleman, enchanted by the beauty of the region, chose it as his permanent residence. He played a decisive role in the systematic development of viticulture, bringing knowledge and experience from the French winemaking tradition. In return, the locals — and history itself — gave his name (“Monsieur Nicolas” – “Messenikolas”) to both the village and the region’s ancestral grape variety. The “Mavro Messenikola” variety and the PDO zone“Mavro Messenikola” is a rare and distinctive red grape variety that thrives exclusively in the broader area surrounding the village. It is a viticultural treasure with a long history, producing wines with deep color, aromas of red fruits, pepper and spices, and balanced acidity. The winery honors this local variety through both single-varietal labels and excellent blends with international varieties.It is worth noting that Messenikolas is one of the few Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) zones for red wines in Greece. The PDO Messenikolas designation applies exclusively to wines produced in the area from the Mavro Messenikola variety, combined with Syrah and Carignan in strictly defined proportions. These are wines with intense character, deep color, and aging potential, authentically expressing the terroir of the Thessalian Agrafa mountains. The region saw viticultural improvement following the creation of Plastiras lake, whose “intervention” led to a new, unique mountain microclimate.In addition to Mavro Messenikola, the winery also produces wines from other fine varieties — international (Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Carignan) and Greek (Roditis, Limniona, Malagousia, Assyrtiko, Muscat).Image The visitor experienceThe modern winery combines tradition with innovation. It was founded in 2000 by Mr. Giorgos Karamitros, whose exuberant personality is reflected not only in the very original wine names but also in the distinctively artistic wine labels.The winery owns 110 stremmas of private vineyards and collaborates with around 300 local vine growers. Its cellar, with naturally controlled temperature and French oak barrels, offers ideal conditions for wine aging. Its production capacity reaches 500,000 bottles annually, with exports to countries such as the USA, Canada, Australia, and Germany. Its wines have won numerous quality and design awards, confirming the winery’s commitment to excellence.Visitors have the opportunity to enjoy a highly engaging tour of the production and aging facilities, to learn about the winemaking process, and to choose from various tasting packages in a welcoming environment.Useful InformationVisiting hours: Saturday, Sunday, and holidays 11:00 – 17:00, weekdays by appointmentWinery address: Messenikolas, Karditsa, 430 67 KarditsaWine cellar address: Plastira 58, 431 00 KarditsaT/ +302441070871, +306937153183Email: info@winerymonsieurnicolas.grWebsite: www.winerymonsieurnicolas.gr Related TagsKARDITSA - The city of biking,PLASTIRAS LAKE - A Man-Made Wonder That Feels Eternal,
