Papras Bio Wines

An organic viticulture veteran, crafting organic sparkling wines on the southern slopes of mount Olympus

Papras Bio Wines is operated by the Papras family. Stergios Papras, the family’s oenologist, was the local co-op’s president and oenologist from 1979 until recently, who gave the region its current fame in regards to the Black Muscat of Tyrnavos grape, and the quality production of tsipouro. It is no coincidence that Tyrnavos is the only town of Greece with a PDO appellation (highest tier) for a distilled product.

Stergios Papras, has always been an advocate for organic viticulture, and his vineyards have been certified organic since 1990 (the first year this was possible for Greece). His brother, Thomas, and his son, personally tend to the vineyards. The focus is on fresh, organic, sparkling and still wines, with the indigenous grapes of the area, mainly Black Muscat of Tyrnavos, and Roditis, the rosy-skinned and second most planted grape of Greece.

The unique terroir of Tyrnavos, sitting on one of the few plains of Greece, under the tallest mountain of the country, mount Olympus, provide optimal conditions for sparkling and highly aromatic wines.

  • Winery: Papras Bio Wines
  • Focus: Sparkling wines and the local Black Muscat of Tyrnavos grape
  • Region: Tyrnavos (Thessaly)
  • Year founded: 2012
  • Size: 4.5 hectares
  • Grapes: Black Muscat of Tyrnavos / Roditis / Batiki / Cabernet Sauvignon / Merlot
  • Viticulture: Organic (certified)
  • Climate: Mediterranean climate with mild Winters and dry Summers
  • Soil: Mainly limestone, with good straining properties, and a PH of 7-7.8.
  • Vine age: Planted between 1997 and 2002
  • Altitude: 110m
  • Distance from coast: 40 miles
  • Percentage of estate owned grapes: 100%

Tyrnavos is sitting on the south slopes of the mythical mount Olympus, on the region of Thessaly in Greece. The proximity to the mountain, and the river that encircles the town of 16,800 people, define its terroir. Tyrnavos is mainly known for its production of tsipouro and ouzo, and is considered the birthplace of ouzo. Tyrnavos is also famous for a Dionysian carnival celebration named “Bourani”, which is known for its celebration of phallic symbols.