A Culture & Wine Odyssey in Goumenissa & Pella

Pella is an ancient city located in Central Macedonia, Greece. It served as the capital of the ancient Greek kingdom of Macedon. Pella was probably founded at the beginning of the 4th century BC by Archelaus I as the new capital of Macedon, supplanting Aegae. The city was the birthplace of Philip II in 382 BC, and of Alexander the Great, his son, in 356 BC. Pella quickly became the largest and richest city in Macedonia and flourished particularly under the rule of Cassander and Antigonus II. In 168 BC the city was sacked by the Romans during the Third Macedonian War and entered a long period of decline, its importance eclipsed by that of the nearby Thessalonica.

Experience a once in a lifetime walk through the ruins of the ancient city and visit the Archaeological Museum, which is a reference point for the history of ancient Macedonia and, namely for the emblematic capital of the kingdom, where Alexander the Great was born.

A few kilometers north of Pella we find Goumenissa, a place with a long history in winemaking. Nowadays it is a PDO appellation but “Pelleos Oenos” was a very well known wine back in the Macedonian Dynasty.

A wine tour of the small, family-run wineries of the area, will immerse you to the rich history and tradition of winemaking of the Goumenissa region, which is truly fascinating. The story of how the winemakers' ancestors brought their legacy and love for winemaking from Ano Vodena in East Romilia (modern-day eastern Bulgaria) adds a unique aspect to the local wine culture. The fact that they were committed to bring root stocks wrapped in wet blankets during their immigration shows the importance of wine in their lives and their dedication in preserving their winemaking heritage.

As they also brought the "Kourbani" festival, dedicated to Saint Tryfon, the patron saint of wine growers, further highlights the deep connection between the people of the region and their vineyards. This festival likely holds a special place in the hearts of the community, celebrating not only their religious beliefs but also their cultural identity as wine growers.

Embark on an extraordinary journey into Macedonian culture and wine, nestled in the serene landscapes of rural Northern Greece, offering an unparalleled experience.