Recently I visited the mountain village of Achladokampo where I always enjoy lots of wandering and culinary adventures with my dear friend Georgia, celebrating the joy of exploration, savoring good food and wines as well as sharing lots of beautiful experiences along the way. Georgia, who is a very skilled cook, creates both sweet and savory dishes that often connect to places we have visited – using ingredients, herbs and spices from the local markets or inspirations drawn from seasonal foods.
On my earlier visits we’ve checked out many wineries, farms and farmers markets and from all these outings we often document and share stories behind the dishes by writing down possible versions of the recipes or capturing photos of our favorite discoveries!
On my visit in November, each of us came up with a recipe; Georgia made a scrumptious Chocolate Almond Cake with whole Pears, and I roasted a small Pumpkin I found in Georgia’s kitchen and stuffed it with cheese fondue that merged the
On my recent journey, under lovely sunny winter skies, we traveled to Tripoli, which is both the capital of the Peloponnese region and the regional unit of Arcadia.
Here, Georgia led me around the town´s key attractions, and after a pleasant walkabout and a visit to one of the many cafes, where we tried some delicious local savory and sweet pies, we proceeded to the Bosinakis winery, known for its strong family winemaking tradition and high-quality wines. In fact, I had previously tasted some of their rosé and white wines at a gathering hosted by Georgia with friends, and since then, I had been eager to learn more about them... up close!
Upon our arrival at the Bosinakis winery, Katerina and Sotiris Bosinakis greeted us warmly. These siblings, dedicated to the family business, embody the winery's essence through their deep passion and commitment to producing high-quality wine.
During our winery tour, I discovered that their winemaking, based on years of expertise and the remarkable potential of Moschofilero, aims to let the grapes narrate their own story, emphasizing the unique characteristics of the terroir in each bottle.
The winemakers believe the true essence of the wine is found not only in the fermentation process but in the careful cultivation and nurturing of the grapes themselves. In the nearby villages of Steno, Lithovounia, and Agiorgitika Arkadias, where the microclimate is more favorable for the grapes than anywhere else in Mantinia, the family cultivates Moschofilero on low-yield vines. This meticulous approach to viticulture not only enhances the concentration of flavors but also ensures a richer complexity that is often sought by wine enthusiasts . . . including myself!
Needless to say, we departed from the winery with several bottles that I brought to Athens, eagerly anticipating sharing them with friends soon, complemented by delicious Greek cuisine!
Another memorable moment of my visit occurred the night before I left Achladokampo, when a close friend invited us to enjoy a traditional village-style Greek dinner. The meal included tasty beef chops and fries prepared in plenty of top-quality local olive oil in the home's fireplace, accompanied by a simple green salad with avocado, home-cured olives, and homemade wine!
It was a truly unforgettable feast where the bonds of friendship and the appreciation for great food and wine were beautifully intertwined.
I am truly grateful for all these joyful moments and enduring memories we created together. Many, many thanks . . . . and see you soon again!
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