Founded in 1979, Semeli is a leading Greek winery and one of the country’s most significant wine-related developments. With deep roots in time-honored traditions and our eyes on the future, we produce wines of exceptional quality offering consumers best value for money.

The Semeli Estate winery is located at a high altitude, amidst the low yielding vineyards of the hilly Koutsi region, one of the most celebrated “crus” of legendary Nemea in the Peloponnese. In this unique grape-growing microclimate crop levels are low and fruit and natural acids in positive balance.

The sunny Mediterranean climate and the extraordinary terroir, combined with the expert craftsmanship of our winemakers and the successful blending of indigenous and international varieties, result in wines of distinct character that have earned the respect of experts and captured the hearts of wine lovers worldwide.

Having established a strong brand name in the Greek market, we sought new opportunities in the global arena. Today, with 15% of our revenue coming from exports mainly to the USA and the UK, our growth is driven by three key factors: leveraging our excellent human resources, consistently boosting exports and building long term relationships with our customers by ensuring that our wines top their best buy lists.

The Winery

Built in 2003, the Semeli winery is a modern, stylishly designed facility set amidst vineyards at an altitude of 660m with a long established reputation of producing vintage grapes.

Our state-of-the-art winery reflects our holistic approach to modern winemaking, blending traditional values with non-mechanical production methods and the latest advances in viticulture. Extending over an area of 45,000sq.ft., the Semeli winery uses a gravity-fed process that takes full advantage of the sloping terrain and can produce up to 2 million bottles annually. From pressing to barreling and then on to bottling, the entire process relies on the force of gravity instead of pumps, resulting in nearly zero defects and producing top notch wines. Moreover, by reducing grape temperature to 7-8˚C prior to crushing and then carefully controlling both temperature and humidity throughout the facility, we are able to minimize oxidation and promote fermentation under ideal conditions.

All Semeli wines are made exclusively from our own grapes and those from neighboring vineyards under long-term partnership agreements. This allows for continuous quality control throughout the growing season – an absolute must for consistently producing great wines.

A forward-looking winery, Semeli was among the first to focus on the growing trend of wine tourism.  In the midst of our vineyards, surrounded by stunning natural beauty, our eight elegantly appointed guestrooms offer ideal lodging for travelers wishing to explore firsthand the fascinating world of viticulture and winemaking. Moreover, our spacious tasting hall is a perfect venue for business meetings, gala dinners and wedding receptions, while our large outdoor area is ideal for al fresco banquets and other exclusive celebrations.

The Semeli winery also offers easy access to world-famous archaeological sites and historic or cultural landmarks, including the ancient theater of Epidaurus, the mighty citadel of Mycenae and the charming neoclassical town of Nafplio.

Our Varieties

Great wines come from high-caliber grapes. To make high quality wines, we harness the full potential of some of Greece’s most exciting indigenous grape varieties including vibrant and versatile Agiorgitiko, delicious and grapy Moschofilero, elegant Roditis and aromatic Malagousia.

These native varieties are often blended with locally grown Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and Gewurztraminer, producing wines with compelling complexity, depth of flavor, superb balance and delightful finish.

They wrote about us

Semeli wines have garnered strong reviews by respected wine writers and critics from both sides of the Atlantic.

Writing for the New York Times, Eric Asimov ranked our 2011 Mountain Sun among his favorite Greek wines noting that it is “clean and refreshing with pretty citrus and mineral flavors.”

British wine expert Robert Joseph wrote that the dry, herby rosé from our Semeli winery in Nemea stands comparison with the best of Provence, noting that “Semeli also makes two of my favorite Greek reds, the cherryish Orinos Helios Nemea and the claret-like Chateau Semeli.”

In the Washington Post, Dave McIntyre writing about our Mantinia Nassiakos noted “bright and flowery, it has ripe tree-fruit flavors that taste of the sun and a nice mineral core that roots it to the Earth. Every sip evokes a smile.”

UK’s Decanter magazine recommended Mantinia Nassiakos among its 10 great value Greek white wine choices, noting “both floral and vivacious, and fantastic value; a medium-bodied smooth palate, with a pleasant lift on the finish.”