Kassandria sits at the heart of the Kassandra Peninsula in Halkidiki. Once known as Valta, this picturesque town features cobblestone streets, 19th-century churches, and a peculiar town hall. The area is also famous for its vibrant weekend farmers' market, where locals sell olive oil, honey, and other regional products.
Shops here feature popular brands, while quaint cafes and taverns provide a relaxed setting to enjoy traditional Greek coffee, meze, or a hearty meal. But Kassandria is also a place where viticulture thrives, with Tzikas Vineyard offering a unique opportunity to explore the art of traditional Greek winemaking.
A couple of kilometers west of Kassandria, nestled amidst the region, which benefits from a unique microclimate, lies Tzikas Vineyard, a family-run winery spanning 25 acres and home to 13,000 vines. The vineyard showcases 13 grape varieties, including international favorites like Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, Grenache, Sauvignon Blanc, and Chardonnay, alongside indigenous Greek varieties such as Assyrtiko, Moscato, Malagouzia, Fokiano, Limnio, and the recently introduced Mavrodaphne.
For over four generations, the Tzikas family has cultivated their land using organic and biodynamic methods, producing high-quality wines without preservatives.
Visitors to Tzikas Vineyard are welcomed to take guided tours that highlight the family’s sustainable farming practices and the region’s exceptional climate. The vineyard benefits from cooling breezes from the Thermaic and Toronean Gulfs, combined with warm sunny days and cool nights—an ideal environment for cultivating grapes with distinctive flavor.
After walking through the vineyards, guests can explore the winery’s traditional facilities, where grapes are pressed, and fermentation is carried out using indigenous yeasts. Tzikas Vineyard's dedication to natural winemaking is evident in its standout wines. Among their labels, the Assyrtiko stands out, along with an orange wine crafted from Chardonnay and Malagouzia, fermented with skins for 20 days and aged in amphorae from Thrapsano, Crete.
The experience culminates in a wine tasting session where guests can sample a selection of five or ten wines, all dry, for a modest fee (€15 for five bottles, €25 for ten). It's a chance to savor the fruits of the Tzikas family’s labor and expertise. The wines, ranging from €15 to €45 per bottle on average, are available for purchase, allowing visitors to take home a taste of Halkidiki.
The family-run winery’s welcoming atmosphere and commitment to quality make it an exceptional stop for anyone looking to experience Halkidiki beyond its famous beaches. Reservations are advisable, as tours are often personalized and provide guests with an opportunity to engage directly with the family.