Wine and its history go on display in Kapandriti
Dedicated entirely to wine history and science, the newly established Costa Lazaridi Wine Museum in Kapandriti, northern Attica, also holds a message of hope. The project proves that an appetite for creativity doesn?t always have to be sacrificed on the altar of success and that some people are able to keep their dreams alive, even in the current climate.
The museum showcases objects collected in the last 25 years by Costas Lazaridis, owner of one the largest vineyards in Greece. The permanent collection includes wine presses, pumps, bottles, distilling equipment, barrels and winemaking and harvest tools dating from the 16th century to the present, while the exhibits highlight all the different stages of the winemaking process, from the cultivation of grapes to bottling.
The items on display are complemented by information regarding wine and its production. For example, did you know that Santorini?s Assyrtiko is one of Europe?s very few grape varieties boasting a natural resistance to the phylloxera pest, which in the 19th century wiped out most of the continent?s vineyards?
The museum?s permanent collection is complemented by copies of archaeological finds, primarily pots and vases depicting wine production and the cult of Dionysus in ancient Greece, as well as a 350 BC marble wine press. Also on show is a reproduction of an ancient trireme — scaled down to one third of its original size — which sank in the 6th century BC, taking an entire load of amphorae filled with wine to the bottom of the sea. Another exhibit is a copy of an ancient inscription originally located on the northern Aegean island of Thassos. The inscription shows legislation regarding the commercialization and transportation of wine throughout the country in around the 4th century BC, essentially an early form of provenance certification. Meanwhile, in the museum?s basement, visitors can take a closer look at barrels as well as vintage Domaine Lazaridi bottles.
The new museum is part of the Oenotria Gi estate, which covers some 11 acres in the area of Kapandriti. Oenotria Gi also hosts wedding receptions and other events. The museum, which was recently inaugurated in the presence of influential French oenologist Michel Rolland, is open 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily and 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on weekends. Coming up soon are guided tours for schools based in the Attica region as well as foreign visitors.
Oenotria Gi, 2nd km of Kapandriti-Kalamos Road, Attica, tel 22950.52213/52214. For more information, visit www.domaine-lazaridi.gr.
