Private Tour in Lake and Gastronomic Delight with Xinomavro Wine

The Private Tour in Lake and Gastronomic Delight with Xinomavro Wine offers an engaging journey through the scenic landscapes and culinary excellence of Amyntaio in Western Macedonia. Priced at $202.38 per person, this 6 to 8-hour experience combines visits to three stunning lakes, three top wineries, and optional dining at acclaimed local restaurants. It’s perfect for those seeking a personalized exploration of Greece’s natural beauty, wine, and food, with private transportation and wine tastings included. While the tour’s highlights make it a compelling choice, keep in mind that lunch or dinner at the restaurants is not included in the price.

This tour is designed for travellers who appreciate scenic landscapes, quality wines, and authentic Greek cuisine, offering a leisurely pace with plenty of time at each stop. The private setting ensures a tailored experience, and the admission fees are already covered for the winery visits and lakes. The tour also provides pickup service, making the logistics easy, though it’s best suited for those comfortable with moderate walking and outdoor exploration.

Key Points

• Private, personalized experience exploring lakes, wineries, and local cuisine
• Includes wine tastings at renowned vineyards like Alpha Estate, Ktima Karanika, and Amyntas
• Visit three lakes: Lake Vegoritida, Lake Petron, and Zazari Lake, all protected under NATURA 2000
• Stops at award-winning restaurants (not included in the price) for optional dining
• Perfect for nature lovers, wine enthusiasts, and food connoisseurs
• Tours are fully customizable with group discounts available

Exploring Amyntaio’s Lakes and Natural Beauty

This tour begins with visits to three lakes in the Amyntaio region, each offering unique scenery and ecological importance. Lake Vegoritida, the third deepest in Greece reaching up to 50 meters, is part of the NATURA 2000 network, ensuring its protected status. It’s a location that showcases the raw power of nature with expansive waters and mountain views.

Next, the seductive winter landscape of Lake Petron draws attention. One of the four lakes connecting Amyndeon, it hosts 130 bird species, some quite rare, making it a refuge for wildlife. The surrounding natural beauty and peaceful atmosphere provide a perfect backdrop for quiet reflection or photography.

The third stop, Zazari Lake, may be less known but equally impressive. Located in southern Florina, Zazari is an officially protected body of water and a highlight for its exceptional natural beauty. Visitors gain insight into the significance of this small but vital ecosystem, part of the NATURA 2000 network for Macedonia and northern Greece.

Visiting Top Wineries: Alpha Estate, Ktima Karanika, and Asept

A key feature of this tour is the visit to three distinguished wineries in the Amyndeion viticultural zone. Alpha Estate impresses with its contemporary design and commitment to quality. Its one-hour visit offers insight into the production process and the chance to taste their signature wines.

Ktima Karanika is positioned on a slope by Lake Vegoritida and features a three-level winery. Its scenic location between villages adds to the sense of authenticity, and the tasting allows visitors to explore the nuances of local grape varieties.

The Amyntas Winery, with over 65 years of history, holds the distinction of producing Greece’s only PDO for rosé sparkling wines. Its legacy and unique winemaking techniques make it a standout stop, offering an hour-long visit that emphasizes its role in Greek wine history.

Wine Tastings and the Art of Xinomavro

Each winery visit culminates in tastings of Xinomavro wines, the grape variety that Amyntaio is renowned for worldwide. Visitors discover how the region’s terroir influences the flavors, creating wines that are both complex and memorable. The fees are included in the tour price, ensuring no hidden costs for these experiences.

The Asept Winery, with a 65-year history, is distinguished as the only PDO producer of rosé sparkling wines in Greece, certified since 1972. Its unique contribution to Greek winemaking adds depth to the tasting experience.

Culinary Options at Local Restaurants

While lunch or dinner at Naoumidis, Kontosoros, or Thomas is not included in the tour price, these three acclaimed establishments are available for an optional meal. Naoumidis, located next to Lake Vegoritida, offers dishes made from ingredients cultivated on-site, emphasizing local flavors.

Kontosoros provides a warm environment dedicated to celebrating local cuisine and wines, ensuring a relaxed culinary experience. These stops are ideal for those wishing to extend their knowledge of regional gastronomy and complement the wine tastings with authentic Greek dishes.

Logistics and Practical Details

The tour offers pickup service, simplifying transportation logistics from Thessaloniki. A dedicated air-conditioned vehicle and private transportation are included, ensuring a comfortable journey throughout the day.

Wine tasting fees are covered, but travelers should plan for lunch or dinner separately if they wish to dine at the recommended restaurants. The tour duration of approximately 6 to 8 hours allows for a relaxed exploration with ample time at each stop. The tour is suitable for most travelers, with most participants able to enjoy the experience and service animals are allowed.

Why This Tour Stands Out

What makes this tour particularly appealing is its focus on combining natural scenery, fine wines, and local gastronomy in a private, flexible setting. The visits to lakes and protected natural areas emphasize the region’s ecological importance, while the wine tastings showcase Amyntaio’s reputation for high-quality Xinomavro wines.

The positive reviews highlight knowledgeable guides, stunning scenery, and excellent wine selections. Travelers appreciate the well-organized itinerary, the chance to explore off-the-beaten-path lakes, and the opportunity to enjoy award-winning wines in a relaxed environment.

Final Thoughts on the Amyntaio Private Tour

This private experience offers excellent value for those interested in Greece’s natural landscapes and wine heritage. The full-day itinerary balances scenic lakes, prestigious wineries, and optional culinary stops, making it ideal for nature lovers, wine aficionados, and foodies.

While the lakes and wineries are the main attractions, the tour also provides a comfortable, private setting with all tasting fees included. The flexibility for group discounts and the easy logistics make it accessible and convenient.

For travelers eager to see a lesser-known region of Greece with authentic hospitality, stunning vistas, and top-tier wines, this tour offers a memorable, enriching experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is lunch included in this tour?
No, lunch or dinner at the recommended restaurants is not included. You can choose to dine at Naoumidis, Kontosoros, or Thomas as an optional add-on.

How long does the tour last?
The tour lasts approximately 6 to 8 hours, providing a relaxed pace to enjoy lakes, wineries, and optional meals.

What is included in the price?
The price covers all winery tasting fees, private transportation, and admission to lakes. The pick-up service is also included.

Can I participate if I don’t drink wine?
Yes, you can still enjoy the scenic lakes and the natural surroundings. The wine tastings are optional but included in the price.

Are children or travelers with mobility issues able to join?
Most travelers can participate, and service animals are allowed. Moderate walking and outdoor stops are part of the experience.

What are the main highlights of this tour?
Highlights include visiting three lakes protected under NATURA 2000, tasting wines at three famous wineries, and exploring Amyntaio’s unique landscape.

Is this tour suitable for a group?
Yes, group discounts are available, and it is a private tour, making it flexible for families, friends, or small groups.

What makes Amyntaio’s wines special?
Amyntaio is renowned for its Xinomavro wines and its PDO for rosé sparkling wines, the only one certified in Greece since 1972.

Can I customize this tour?
While the standard package is outlined, the private nature allows some flexibility, especially with group discounts and optional stops for food.

How do I book this tour?
You can confirm your booking with Justelene project, the tour provider, via the contact details provided in the source.