“Where there is no wine there is no love”
Euripides c. 480 – c. 406 BC
Travel around Kefalonia and you will see vineyards on the mountainous slopes, the wineries of local producers, and selections of local wines in bars, restaurants and shops. Wine is an extremely important commodity of Kefalonia and it is celebrated culturally with traditional festivities.
Each region harvests their grapes at different times. Usually the harvest starts in the north of the island, and then peaks in August in the central regions and then comes to an end in Agonas and Pylaros regions. In my area of Pylaros grape harvesting finishes around mid-September, roughly a month later.
Collection of the grapes used for the most famous award winning Kefalonian wine Robola begin around the start of August in the area of Omala. Large annual celebrations take place – since 1978 there has been a Robola Wine Festival held every year, on the first weekend after August 15th to celebration of the new production. The villages of Fragata and Valsamata in the Omala Valley have a two day panagyri where locals and visitors have the opportunity join in the festivities such as dancing until late into the night and trying local dishes such as goat stew… and to drink as much free Robola wine as they please!
The Festival of Grape Harvest and Moustalevria is held at Agia Paraskevi, Troianata, in the heart of the Robola wine area. The festival is one of the most important events of the year in the wine region and illustrates the cultural heritage of the area, specifically the harvest of the famous grapes which make Robola wine, the grape pressing and the production of moustalevria. Although much Robola wine production is mechanised there are still families continuing the old traditions such as “treading” grapes. In the north of the island traditional grape pressing (by foot) is a joyful occasion with live music. The grapes are usually pressed the same day as collection.
I’ve been fortunate enough to join in the harvest with the locals both at Dilinata and Fragata where families work together to collect the grapes and then celebrate their hard work with a bountiful meal together.
There are many wine producers on the island ranging from local small-holdings to larger, and increasingly more famous, wineries such as the Robola Co-Operative and Gentilini, Petrakopoulos, Divino Wines & Vinegar, where you can visit for wine tastings and find out more about the grape varieties and production. Organised wine tasting tours are fun and informative (also you don’t need to worry about driving) you can move between wineries with a knowledgeable guide. For more detail about our wines, and other drinks have a look here.