The Best Wine & Deli in Athens

Domaine Karanika

Nestled in the heart of Amyndeon (Amyntaion), Greece’s coolest wine-producing region, Domaine Karanika is a beacon of organic and biodynamic winemaking.

Founded by Laurens M. Hartman-Karanika and Annette van Kampen, a Dutch-Greek duo with a passion for natural wines, the winery was born from their dream of crafting world-class sparkling wines using the méthode traditionnelle. Their journey led them to Amyntaion, a terroir perfectly suited for their vision, where they set out to elevate Xinomavro, a native Greek grape, to new heights.

Domaine Karanika is committed to winemaking that respects both nature and tradition. The vineyards are certified organic, free from synthetic fertilizers and pesticides, and nurtured with natural compost and biodynamic treatments. Every step of the process, from hand-harvesting grapes to fermenting with native yeasts, is designed to highlight the purity of the fruit and the character of the land. The winery follows the rhythms of nature, aligning key production steps with biodynamic principles, such as bottling and disgorging according to lunar cycles.

A defining feature of Domaine Karanika is its unwavering dedication to the méthode traditionnelle. The sparkling wines undergo secondary fermentation in the bottle, and each one is meticulously riddled by hand for months to achieve its signature finesse. Their zero-dosage Extra Cuvee de Reserve is a standout, exemplifying the winery’s philosophy of minimal intervention and maximum expression of terroir. The use of Xinomavro for both sparkling and still wines showcases its versatility, producing elegant, structured wines with remarkable acidity and aging potential.

Amyndeon’s high-altitude vineyards, diverse soils, and proximity to lakes create a unique microclimate, allowing grapes to develop complexity and freshness. Domaine Karanika cultivates vines across seven different villages within the appellation, each contributing distinct characteristics to the final blends. Some of the vines remain ungrafted, a rarity in modern viticulture, further enhancing the authenticity of the wines.

Sustainability is at the core of Domaine Karanika’s operations. The winery employs eco-friendly practices such as solar energy for heating, natural cold stabilization in winter, and water recycling for vineyard irrigation. Manual labor replaces machinery whenever possible, minimizing carbon emissions. Even in packaging, the estate prioritizes sustainability, sorting and recycling materials while reducing waste.

Beyond winemaking, Domaine Karanika embraces a holistic approach, cultivating a biodynamic vegetable garden and supporting eco-tourism in the Amyndeon region. Visitors are invited to experience the winery’s philosophy firsthand, from walking through the vineyards to tasting wines that tell the story of the land and the people who nurture it.

Domaine Karanika stands as a testament to the harmony between tradition, sustainability, and innovation. By honoring the past while embracing forward-thinking practices, this Greek winery continues to redefine excellence in sparkling and still wines, offering an experience that is as authentic as it is exceptional.

Amyntaion Greece
1st km on the Vegora-Levea Road
T: +30 694 532 6267
Email: i[email protected]