Greek winery Alpha Estate expands with Santorini acquisition

Alpha Estate, a winery based in Macedonia’s Amyndeon region, has expanded into another iconic PDO region of Greece through its acquisition of a winery in Santorini.

Alpha Estate will focus on production of the native Assyrtiko grape grown on volcanic soils at its new Santorini site, reinforcing its mission to produce terroir-driven, age-worthy Greek wines.

“The addition of our Santorini estate is much more than a strategic move — it’s a heartfelt step in our lifelong journey to honor Greece’s most iconic indigenous varieties,” said winemaker Angelo Iatridis. “With Xinomavro deeply rooted in the cool, high-altitude vineyards of Amyndeon, and now Assyrtiko thriving in its ancestral home of Santorini, we are bringing together two terroirs that define the soul of Greek wine.”

Alpha Estate produces indigenous varieties like Xinomavro and Malagouzia as well as international varieties at its estate in Amyndeon, the country’s coolest wine region. The Vermion, Vitsi and Voras mountains surround the Amyndeon region, protecting the vineyards from maritime influences as well as cold winds from the north. The estate has won numerous medals in db‘s Global Masters competitions for wines made with both local and international grape varieties (scroll down to find out more).

Planted on high-altitude vineyards surrounding the town of Amyndeon, the wine region is predominantly planted with Xinomavro vines, the only variety permitted under appellation law. However, several other varieties are planted throughout the region for use in the wider Florina and Macedonia regional appellations. Styles of Xinomavro are also wide ranging, from light, fruity reds to dry rosés that can be both still and sparkling.

Greek winery Alpha Estate expands with Santorini acquisition

Alpha Estate is dedicated to foregrounding terroir through its wines. Its Ecosystem series is intended to be a pure reflection of micro-terroir, featuring a selection of single-block wines fermented using indigenous yeasts isolated from the vineyard where the grapes were grown.

Makis Mavridis leads the vineyard operations for Alpha Estate, with a deep focus on precision viticulture through clonal selection to soil-specific farming practices.

The estate plans to take the same approach to its newly-acquired Santorini site.

“This union is driven by respect for tradition, love for the land, and a deep belief in the emotional power of authentic wines,” said Iatridis. “It strengthens our portfolio, but more importantly, it reinforces our commitment to telling the true story of Greece — through the vines, the soil, and the people who nurture them. It’s a cornerstone of our five-year plan, but also a personal dream coming to life.”

The estate continues to look towards the years to come. The next generation is already actively involved in shaping Alpha Estate’s future, with Angeliki Iatridou, Emorfili Mavridou, and Konstantina Mavridou continuing the vision with the same commitment to excellence and innovation.

Greek winery Alpha Estate expands with Santorini acquisition

Below you will find a selection of Alpha Estate wines which have shined in our international competitions:

Alpha Estate Red S.M.X

Producer: Alpha Estate
Region: Florina
Country: Greece
Vintage: 2022
Grape varieties: 60% Syrah, 20% Merlot, 20% Xinomavro
ABV: 14.5%
Approx. retail price: £34
Medal: Gold in the Spring Blind Tasting 2025

Alpha Estate, a 69ha vineyard in the Macedonia area of northwest Greece, is owned by viticulturist Makis Mavridis and oenologist Angelos Iatridis, and produces this intriguing blend of international varieties Syrah and Merlot with the indigenous Xinomavro. Deep ruby- coloured, the wine has bright raspberry, dark cherry and blackberry fruit with an undertone of vanilla oak. Just dry and vibrant, the mid-weight palate shows crisp acidity and silky tannins balancing the fruit and allspice and nutmeg accents adding complexity. A beautiful wine that would be a good pairing for a Moroccan lamb tagine. [Patricia Stefanowicz MW]

Alpha Estate Ecosystem Pinot Noir Single Block “Strofi”

Producer: Alpha Estate
Region: Florina
Country: Greece
Vintage: 2023
Grape varieties: 100% Pinot Noir
ABV: 14.5%
Approx. retail price: £33.50
Medal: Silver in the Global Pinot Noir Masters

From ambitious producers in Macedonia’s high-altitude vineyards in northwestern Greece comes this very intriguing Pinot Noir. Mid-ruby in colour with a cherry-hued rim, the wine shows jammy strawberry and red cherry fruit with smoky oak and cinnamon overlay. Mid-weight with lively acidity and grainy tannins, the palate is perhaps a little linear and with an earthy undertone. Fairly long, it is a wine that would match rabbit in a creamy-tomato sauce with white beans. [Patricia Stefanowicz MW]

Alpha Estate Alpha One

Producer: Alpha Estate
Region: Florina
Country: Greece
Vintage: 2019
Grape varieties: 60% Xinomavro, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot
ABV: 14.5%
Approx. retail price: £78
Medal: Silver in the Spring Blind Tasting 2025

Another very good wine from Alpha Estate, based in the Macedonia highlands of northwest Greece. Deep ruby-purple in colour, the wine shows masses of blackberry, bramble and cherry fruit with a chocolate-mint overlay. Richly-fruited, with racy acidity and sturdy tannins, the wine is full-bodied, powerful and lengthy. Perhaps a little robust and disjointed at present, but should come together with time. A good match now for sirloin, grilled rare. [Patricia Stefanowicz MW]

Alpha Estate Rosé

Producer: Alpha Estate
Region: Florina
Country: Greece
Vintage: 2024
Grape varieties: 100% Xinomavro
ABV: 13.5%
Approx. retail price: £25
Medal: Silver in the Global Rosé Masters 2025

This pretty, pale salmon pink rosé may be delicate in appearance but packs plenty of punch when it comes to its taste. Using the naturally fresh red grape Xinomavro, there’s plenty of crisp citrus on the finish, but also juicy, peachy notes at the beginning, with a touch of apricot too, complemented by orange blossom and a hint of capsicum. Lingering, intense, and lip-smacking, it would work well as a pre-dinner drink, but also as a wine for sipping with anything from souvlaki to fried zucchini and feta. [Patrick Schmitt MW]