Siflogo

Viticulture and winemaking has been a family tradition and occupation for many generations. Its production is limited to a handful of “pure” wine bottles. The family has been farming organically (certified) the island’s indigenous grapes: Vertzami, Vardea, but also more obscure grapes, like Mavropatrino, Chlori, Thiako, Apsrovartzamo, Kokkinostafylo. The underground stone-built cellars are equipped with a few stainless steel tanks and old French oak barrels. The family has always been a stickler for tradition, and stubbornly chose the hard way of working manually, with no intervention, to preserve the expression of their place in their wines.

Dionysis Papanikolopoulos worked as a teacher for most of his life, and he has also published poetry books. After discussing with him, one understands his deep knowledge and sensitivity for his local heritage, culture and history, and his passionate effort to preserve through his own wines. -Eklektikon

About the Winemaker

Siflogo

Siflogo is a testament to the rich heritage of organic winemaking, founded in 1994 by Dionysis and Maria Papanikolopoulos in the picturesque village of Platystoma on Lefkada island. With viticulture ingrained in their family lineage, including son Vasilis poised to carry on the tradition, Siflogo is a labor of love that produces only a select few bottles of "pure" wine. Embracing the island's indigenous grapes like Vertzami and Vardea, as well as lesser-known varieties such as Mavropatrino and Chlori, Siflogo's vineyards at 500m altitude thrive on dry, limestone-rich soils untouched by chemicals. Every aspect of farming, from pruning to fertilization, is meticulously carried out by hand, resulting in low yields but exceptional quality.

The Region

Lefkada, Greece

Lefkada, a gem nestled in the Ionian Sea off the western coast of Greece, boasts a burgeoning scene in natural winemaking. Here, amidst the island's stunning landscapes and Mediterranean climate, natural wines of exceptional quality are crafted. The indigenous grape variety of Lefkada, Vertzami, along with other local varietals such as Vardea and Bekari, form the backbone of these wines, offering a unique and authentic expression of the terroir. Characterized by their vibrant acidity, pronounced minerality, and lively fruit flavors, Lefkada's natural wines are a testament to the dedication of its winemakers to sustainable viticulture and minimal intervention practices. Embracing the island's rich agricultural heritage and harnessing the power of modern techniques, Lefkada's natural wines invite exploration and appreciation, promising a sensory journey that captures the spirit of this enchanting Greek island.