Two distinguished journalists and opinion leaders from the United Kingdom and Australia, with a significant presence in wine journalism, wine tourism and gastronomy, took part in an organised press/familiarisation trip to explore the distinct gastronomic identity and rich wine culture of Central Macedonia in northern Greece.
Organised by the regional administration of Central Macedonia, the trip took place between July 26 and 31, 2026, and was attended by Andrew Catchpole, editor-in-chief of the leading British magazine “Harpers Wine & Spirit”, and Michael Lazarou, a wine critic and content creator based in Melbourne, Australia (@wine.by.michael).
The two guests are highly influential, with a wide impact in wine and gastronomic journalism and on social media, focusing on discovering new wine and gastronomic proposals and highlighting excellent wines and flavours from their countries and around the world, authorities said in a relevant announcement.
Upon their arrival in Thessaloniki, the two guest journalists visited the PGI wine-making zone of Mount Athos and spent the night at the Holy Great Monastery of Vatopedi. In the following days, Catchpole and Lazarou visited the regions of Halkidiki, Serres and Pella.
The two guests visited local wineries and historical sites, including the Holy Monastery of Timios Prodromos in Serres, the archaeological museum of Pella and the recently restored Palace of Pella, following in the footsteps of Alexander the Great and Philip II. Furthermore, they enjoyed the nature of Mount Voras, visited the Pozar Baths and concluded their trip with dinner and a night walk along the beach of Thessaloniki.
Vicky Hatzivasiliou, Deputy Regional Governor for Tourism, said that viticulture, wine production and wine tourism are “not only dynamic sectors of economic activity, with a significant contribution to the local economy and employment. It is mainly a cultural heritage that connects us with our rich historical past.”
She added: “Vineyards are an integral part of the Macedonian landscape and local wines constitute one of the main elements of our gastronomic identity. With the hospitality of the two distinguished representatives of wine journalism, we are delighted to have the opportunity to share with the public of the United Kingdom and Australia the unique wine tourism and gastronomic product of Central Macedonia.”
Dining and Cooking