Messinia is set to come alive with the flavors and aromas of its legendary vineyards and ancient wine routes as it hosts the second annual Messinia Terroirs Wine Festival. Scheduled to take place from June 14 to 16, 2024, the festival will be held at the interactive, multicultural space of Navarino Agora at the luxury Costa Navarino resort, in the southwest Peloponnese.

This year’s festival continues the initiative to revive and promote the rich wine-making tradition of the Messinian region, a tradition that spans centuries. The Messinia Terroirs program, spearheaded by the Captain Vassilis & Carmen Constantakopoulos Foundation, aims to highlight the multifaceted character of the local vineyards and foster a renewed appreciation for the region’s unique wines.

Visitors to the festival can look forward to a diverse array of activities. Wine presentations and tastings will allow attendees to explore the unique flavors of Messinian wines, while master classes and seminars—offered in both Greek and English—will provide in-depth knowledge for both professionals and enthusiasts. Interactive events will cater to all ages, including wine painting programs, dance performances, and music from classical and contemporary repertoires.

A highlight of the festival is the special four-hands wine pairing event on Saturday, June 15, at the Parelia restaurant in W Costa Navarino. This exclusive event will feature local flavors crafted by Executive Chef Dimitris Karampampas in collaboration with chef Yiannis Koumanis from the renowned Kalamata restaurant Versailles. Sommelier Nikolas Giannopoulos DipWSET will expertly pair these dishes with wines from Messinian producers, offering a unique culinary experience.

Navarino Agora’s dining venues will also join the celebration with specially curated menus and local delicacies designed to complement the festival wines, enhancing the overall gastronomic and cultural experience.

The festival, supported by Costa Navarino, the Messinia Chamber of Commerce, the Municipality of Pylos-Nestor, ENOAP, and EDOAO, promises to be a significant event for the region. Cellier, a sponsor of the wine promotion and tasting activities, will play a crucial role in showcasing the best of Messinian wines.

With limited slots available for some of the specialized programs, interested participants are encouraged to register promptly once the detailed schedule is released.

The Captain Vassilis & Carmen Constantakopoulos Foundation

Established in 2011 in honor of Captain Vassilis and Carmen Constantakopoulos, the Captain Vassilis & Carmen Constantakopoulos Foundation (IKBKK) is dedicated to making Messinia a model of sustainable development.

The Foundation supports and promotes initiatives related to research, education, and the local community, with a focus on agricultural development, culture, and the environment.

For more information about the Foundation’s activities, contact Dionysis Papadatos, MBA, Head of Action Coordination, at (+30) 27230.283.53 or (+30) 694.959.3333.