The Ekho Wines project is a groundbreaking venture focused on reviving old vines from areas of historical significance. “It’s a journey into the past, reflected in the present,” says Lefteris Anagnostou, oenologist and co-founder of Ekho Wines. With extensive experience in Santorini wines, Anagnostou reveals that this idea had been on his mind for years before laying its foundation in 2020.
“The project aims to re-explore historically significant wine regions in Greece and reinterpret their essence through the vinification of specific plots,” Anagnostou explains. “These regions have deep-rooted connections to viticulture and winemaking, often lost over centuries. Many of these areas once produced wines celebrated in ancient times. The historical ties are our guiding thread, while the old, own-rooted vines—both known and obscure varieties—serve as our tools for bringing these traditions into the modern era.”
Naxos was the starting point for Ekho Wines, a place Anagnostou describes as a breathtaking and untamed landscape. The island boasts a wealth of old vines, some over 120 years old, growing on steep terraces that are often inaccessible. “Since 2018, I’ve been collaborating with Konstantinos Makridimitris, owner of the Oenohoros wineshop and a local producer. Together, we’ve been exploring the island, searching for vines, and, quite frankly, just running around,” Anagnostou shares.
Naxos, an unexplored viticultural territory, holds a treasure trove of unique grape varieties, many of which remain unfamiliar to the broader wine community. Among these is Karaibraim, a white variety intriguingly misclassified as a black grape in historical records. Other varieties include Potamisi, Aidani (and its variations like Moscaidano), Bastardiko, and Tzemeri—both of which are virtually unknown. Better-known varieties such as Assyrtiko, Fokiano, and Mandilaria also thrive on the island. Most of these vines are own-rooted bush vines, with some sprawling close to the ground.
The vines are rooted in diverse soils, predominantly clay-loam, except in the northern regions near Apeiranthos, Philoti, and Kommiaki, where sandy soils dominate. These areas are steeped in mythology, with Apeiranthos even considered the birthplace of Dionysus, the god of wine.
“We source grapes from contracted growers with whom we’ve built strong, long-term relationships,” Anagnostou explains. However, he warns that many abandoned vineyards are at risk of disappearing. For now, the winemaking process takes place off the island, but plans are underway to establish a local winery on Naxos.
Through Ekho Wines, Anagnostou and his team aim to honor Greece’s rich winemaking heritage while presenting it with a contemporary vision. By reviving forgotten vines and reconnecting with the historical essence of these regions, they are crafting a bridge between the ancient and the modern, ensuring that these remarkable traditions are not lost to time.