🍷The island of Kea (Tzia), located in the northern Cyclades, offers a lesser-known yet deeply rewarding wine experience. Its dry climate, sloping terrain, and rich soil provide ideal conditions for cultivating native Greek grape varieties such as Mandilaria, Assyrtiko, and Savatiano. Kea’s wineries are small, family-run, and deeply committed to sustainable agriculture and low-intervention winemaking. A visit to these estates is more than just a tasting—it’s a journey through tradition, nature, and local identity.

1. Red Tractor Farm – Near Korissia

Description:

Located just outside the island’s main port of Korissia, Red Tractor Farm is a family-owned estate that blends sustainable agriculture, boutique hospitality, and small-batch wine production. This is one of the most accessible and authentic places to explore Kea’s viticultural heritage.

What to Expect:

• Wine tastings paired with local treats like homemade biscuits and olive oil.
• A walk through the vineyard and farm gardens.
• Eco-friendly guest accommodations in traditional Cycladic style.

Why It’s Sustainable:

• Uses organic farming methods without synthetic pesticides.
• Grows native grapes adapted to Kea’s dry environment.
• Practices low-intervention, artisanal winemaking.
• Integrates biodiversity through the cultivation of figs, almonds, and acorns alongside vines.

Location: Near Korissia, Kea

Website: Red Tractor Farm

2. Local Wine Tastings with Aglaia Kremezi – Ioulida Area

Description:

Although not a vineyard, the culinary workshops and tastings hosted by renowned food writer Aglaia Kremezi highlight the full potential of Kea’s local wines. Aglaia partners with island producers and vineyards to showcase sustainable products in her gastronomic experiences.

What to Expect:

• Wine tastings paired with traditional dishes and local cheeses.
• Insights into food and wine pairing with native Kean ingredients.
• Outdoor tastings in a peaceful garden setting near Ioulida.

Why It’s Sustainable:

• Supports local farmers and winemakers.
• Promotes organic, seasonal, and traditional Cycladic ingredients.
• Encourages mindful tourism and cultural preservation.

Location: Near Ioulida (by reservation)

Website: Aglaia Kremezi – Kea Artisanal

3. Traditional Wine Pressing & Tastings – Agrotourism Experience in Pera Meria

Description:

In the rural inland region of Pera Meria, local farmers continue to make wine the traditional way, using hand-harvested grapes and age-old pressing techniques. While not a formal winery, this seasonal experience offers visitors a rare glimpse into the island’s vinification heritage.

What to Expect:

• Participate in traditional grape pressing (August–September).
• Taste house-made red and white wines alongside meze (local appetizers).
• Learn about Kea’s agricultural cycles and ancient wine customs from local elders.

Why It’s Sustainable:

• Grapes grown without irrigation or chemicals, relying on native biodiversity.
• Manual pressing and fermentation using old oak barrels.
• Wine production is small-scale and shared within the community or sold locally.

Location: Pera Meria, Kea (contact local guesthouses for arrangements)

Website: Not available (local guesthouses or the Kea Agrotourism Network can assist)

🍇🌱Conclusion:

Wine tasting on Kea is a gateway into the island’s agricultural soul. Whether you’re sampling organic wines on a family farm, enjoying a curated tasting in a hillside garden, or participating in traditional grape pressing in Pera Meria, each experience offers a deep connection to the island’s natural beauty and vinicultural traditions. By supporting these local, sustainable initiatives, visitors help preserve Kea’s winemaking heritage—one sip at a time.