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JUNE 23 – JULY 2 | AIGIALEIA
● “Works of Humanity” – An ode to inspiration, effort, and creativity
● Summer begins in Aigialeia with a journey of taste, art, and experience
For the 12th consecutive year, the beloved and established festival “OINOXENIA,” known as the Oinoxenia Festival 2025, a significant event for the region of Aigialeia and beyond, up to Kalavryta, celebrates its 12-year presence. From June 23 to July 2, 2025, the Oinoxenia Festival 2025 offers numerous compelling reasons to visit the area.
Experience the Oinoxenia Festival 2025
The festival program for the Oinoxenia Festival 2025 features wine tastings, winery visits, musical events in the vineyards, guided tours of archaeological sites, wine and food pairings, professional workshops, and cultural activities such as musical performances, screenings, tributes to local gastronomic products, and visual art exhibitions.
This year, the Oinoxenia Festival 2025 is dedicated to People and their Works—the dedication of the vine grower, the sensitivity of the artist, the consistency of the creator. Hands, ideas, and actions come to the forefront—everything that shapes the culture of a place during the Oinoxenia Festival 2025.
The Oinoxenia Festival 2025 promises a rich and multifaceted celebration that embraces all aspects of human creativity and culture, offering unique experiences, entertainment, knowledge, and activities amidst the idyllic landscapes of Aigialeia’s mountains and coastline.
A rich and multifaceted festival embracing all aspects of human creativity and culture, offering unique experiences, entertainment, knowledge, and activity amidst the idyllic landscapes of Aigialeia’s mountains and coastline.
Discover the essence of the region at the Oinoxenia Festival 2025, where tradition meets modernity.
MONDAY 23/6 – Evening
Start: 20:30
PRE-OPENING EVENT OF THE OINOXENIA FESTIVAL
Courtyard of the Aigio Multipurpose Conference Centre
A bridge between Aigialeia’s two major festivals: The 4th Aigio International Short Film Festival “THEODOROS ANGELOPOULOS” closes on June 22, and the multi-themed OINOXENIA festival opens on June 24. On Monday, June 23, OINOXENIA takes the baton and screens films about wine, gastronomy, and rural life.
Additional Information:
Festival Organiser: Development Enterprise of Aigialeia Municipality (AEDIA)
Festival Artistic Director: Christos Papageorgiou (musician, composer, pianist)
Information & Reservations:
- Website: www.oinoxenia.gr
- Phone: +30 26910 31118
- Email: [email protected]
TUESDAY 24/6 – Morning
Start: 10:00 – 13:00
GUIDED TOUR of the Ministry of Culture excavation at the Sanctuary of Helikonean Poseidon
Excavation directors Anastasia Gadolou and Erofili Kolia guide visitors through the ongoing excavation in Nikoleika, Aigialeia.
Tours at 10:00, 11:00, 12:00, and 13:00.
Parking at Nikoleika square on the old Diakopto–Aigio National Road.
The Oinoxenia Festival 2025 will host numerous engaging activities.
TUESDAY 24/6 – Evening
OPENING CEREMONY
MUSIC IN THE VINEYARDS – “Musical Transformations”
Vineyards in the village of Arravonitsa, above Selianitika – Synania
20:00 Arrival and wine tasting among the vineyards of Aigialeia’s hills.
Stroll through the picturesque village of Arravonitsa and enjoy its traditional square café.
20:45 Greetings
21:00 Magical concert with two pianos, drums, double bass, oud, and voice amid the mystical vineyard landscape with panoramic views of the Corinthian Gulf.
Featured artists: Pianists Christos Papageorgiou and Anastasios Pappas, with Takis Kapogiannis (double bass), Serafim Bellos (drums), Alekos Vretos (oud), and the evocative soprano of the Greek National Opera, Gina Foteinopoulou.
A jazz-club-style concert spanning over 70 years of music, including fusions of Western and Eastern musical roots with works by Vretos and Ara Dinkjian.
Additional Information:
Festival Organiser: Development Enterprise of Aigialeia Municipality (AEDIA)
Festival Artistic Director: Christos Papageorgiou (musician, composer, pianist)
Information & Reservations:
- Website: www.oinoxenia.gr
- Phone: +30 26910 31118
- Email: [email protected]
WEDNESDAY 25/6 – Afternoon
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 25 – Evening
Opening: 21:00 | INAUGURATION
FAME Road Hub (Old Slaughterhouses)
Contemporary Art Exhibition: Works from the Collection of Michalis Gavrilos
The distinguished and singular figure in Greece’s contemporary art scene — “patron and tireless contributor to contemporary Greek art” — Michalis Gavrilos presents selected works from his private collection. The collection spans 55 years of artistic collaboration with some of Greece’s most important artists, beginning at Epikentro in Patras and extending to exhibitions of international museum caliber, such as the Venice Biennale.
Two historic landmarks in Aigio, the Panagiotopoulos Mansion and the FAME Road Hub (Old Slaughterhouses), will host, from June 25th to the Festival’s conclusion on July 2nd, unique works by:
Giannis Psychopedis, Kostas Varotsos, Leda Papaconstantinou, Kostas Tsoclis, Pantelis Chandris, Achilleas Apergis, Giannis Dimitrakis, Giannis Gaitis, Alexis Akrithakis, Anny Kostopoulou, Giorgos Lappas, Giannis Bouteas, Dimitris Alithinos, and Pavlos.
These are among the most esteemed Greek artists with whom Michalis Gavrilos has closely collaborated throughout the years, both in the creation of their works and in organizing their exhibitions. Through these pieces, visitors will experience a micro-history of Greek contemporary art, shaped by personal, long-standing partnerships and showcasing artworks of remarkable complexity and significance.
Exhibition Curator: Michalis Gavrilos
Assistant Curator: Nanou Charitonidou
Venues:
FAME Road Hub (Old Slaughterhouses): Aigio Seafront
Panagiotopoulos Mansion: 23 Mitropoleos Street, Aigio
Opening Hours:
Both venues will be open daily: 10:30–13:00 & 20:00–22:002:00
THURSDAY 26/6 – Evening
Start: 20:00
OINOXENIA POLITEIA – Day 1
Courtyard of the Aigio Multipurpose Conference Centre
A thematic wine “city” is set up outdoors, evoking the ancient “Omarios Zeus” (Zeus the Gatherer), where historic assemblies once took place. Today, it hosts representatives from Peloponnesian wine, and tomorrow, the ITER VITIS Cultural Route of the Council of Europe.
Highlights of OINOXENIA POLITEIA:
- ODYSSEAS, an AI robot sommelier made in Aigio, answers wine questions.
- Tribute to Kernitsa sour cherries, a key local product.
- Virtual tour of vineyard and water trails using VR headsets.
- Audiovisual projection of wine’s history and modern art (by Penelope Masouri Archive).
- “Aigialeia’s Vineyard Landscape”, presented by Abythos Elementary School.
- Wine tasting from across the Peloponnese via the “WINE ROADS OF PELOPONNESE” cooperation project.
Partners include regional development agencies from Achaia, Parnon, Olympia, Messinia, and Northern Peloponnese.
THURSDAY 26/6 – EveningTHURSDAY, JUNE 26 – Evening
Courtyard of the Aigio Multicenter Conference Center
OINOXENIA POLITEIA – Day 1
Start: 20:00
Strolling through the Sanctuary of Omarios Zeus (Zeus the Gatherer)
Since ancient times, Aigio has hosted major assemblies: from the Trojan War campaign and the Achaean League to the historic Assembly of Vostitsa. Today, in this very place, we welcome the representatives of Peloponnesian wine, and tomorrow, the members of the Council of Europe’s Cultural Route for Wine, ITER VITIS.
In the beautifully illuminated and specially designed open-air courtyard of the Multicenter Conference Center, a “city” of thematic sections and happenings is created, forming a vibrant narrative and offering a unique experience of the region — its wine, gastronomy, and local products.
Some of the highlights of Oinoxenia Politeia:
- For the first time, Odysseus, the artificial intelligence robot fully developed by Microlab Robotics in Aigio, takes on the role of sommelier, answering questions from wine lovers and critics.
- Spotlight on local products from Aigialeia and Kalavryta:
This year’s featured product: Kernitsa’s Petrokerasa cherries. - Virtual Tour of Vineyard & Water Trails (Ziria – Seliana):
Using head-mounted displays (HMD) and VR360 projection technology. - Photo and Multimedia Presentation:
Combining the history and evolution of wine with contemporary visual arts (Pinelopi Masouri Archive). - “The Vineyard Landscape of Aigialeia”:
The Primary School of Avythos recognizes and describes the unique landscape of the raisin vineyards. - Tastings of representative wines from across the Peloponnese:
In collaboration with the informal network “Peloponnese Wine Routes,” focusing on the exchange of know-how, best practices, and enhancing the region’s wine tourism identity as part of the Interregional Cooperation Plan “Peloponnese Wine Routes.” - Participation of representatives from partner regions and Local Action Groups (LAGs):
ACHAIA-DEVELOPMENT SA, PARNON DEVELOPMENT SA, OLYMPIA DEVELOPMENT SA, MESSINIA DEVELOPMENT SA, NORTHERN PELOPONNESE DEVELOPMENT SA.
THURSDAY, JUNE 26 – Evening
Start: 20:30
Lianos Olive Mill
Olive Oil: The Secrets of Its Flavour
Maria Katsouli, Wine and Olive Oil Sommelier and Director of ATHENAIOOC, will guide us through the secrets of olive oil’s flavour in an interactive tasting seminar based on the official quality classification criteria for olive oil.
We will learn about the potential pitfalls that may be hidden behind product labels, enabling us to make informed purchasing decisions. Are we using olive oil correctly? Are we storing it properly? Does it pair well with Roditis wine?
Maria Katsouli will answer these questions and many more, aiming to maximise our enjoyment of this precious product. Together, we will taste a variety of olive oils from all over Greece, paired with carefully selected flavours.
Reservations required.
Tel.: +30 6932702169, +30 26910 31118
FRIDAY, JUNE 27 – Morning
OINOXENIA POLITEIA – Day 2
Start: 09:00 – 14:30
2nd Annual Meeting of the Greek Route of the Council of Europe’s ITER VITIS Wine Route
The members of the ITER VITIS Cultural Route, in the presence of its president Ms. Emanuela Panke, will present their actions to date during the meeting and set the objectives for the upcoming period. They will experience firsthand the Oinoxenia institution and actively participate in the festival and Oinoxenia Politeia — in the very same location where the assemblies of the Achaean League were held twice a year!
The ITER VITIS Cultural Route aims to highlight, promote, and utilize vine-growing and winemaking locations through the mapping and preservation of historic vineyards, winemaking methods, and the entire tangible and intangible heritage associated with them. It also promotes scientific research, environmental awareness, and the development of sustainable forms of cultural tourism.
The International Relations & EU Directorate / International Relations Department of the Ministry of Culture serves as the contact point for the Council of Europe’s Cultural Routes Program.
FRIDAY, JUNE 27 – Evening
OINOXENIA POLITEIA – Day 2
Start: 20:00
Courtyard of the Aigio Multicenter Conference Center
In the beautifully illuminated and specially designed open-air courtyard of the Multicenter Conference Center, new activities are added to Oinoxenia Politeia, offering a unique journey and a special experience for the region — its wine, gastronomy, and local products.
Highlights of Oinoxenia Politeia:
We conclude the evening with a unique performance:
The Argentine tango school Tango Expression and the young rebetiko music ensemble Mousiko Doma combine their arts, highlighting the beauty of this encounter while maintaining the authenticity of each tradition.
Open Masterclass with special guest, distinguished wine and spirits journalist and critic, Theodoros Lelekas, on the theme: “The Human Side of Terroir.”
Theodoros Lelekas has served as Vice-President of the International Federation of Wine and Spirits Journalists (FIJEV) and is a board member of the British Circle of Wine Writers. He is recognized among the Top 100 Wine Influencers.
For the first time, Odysseus, the artificial intelligence robot, fully developed by Microlab Robotics in Aigio, takes on the role of sommelier, answering questions from wine lovers and critics.
Art Installation: “Words … Images … Colors … for Wine”
Capturing the flavors of wine through painting is an emotional challenge that involves translating taste and aroma into color, texture, and form. This workshop aims to depict the taste of wine through art.
Workshop Director: Maria Argyropoulou, Cultural Sociologist, Special Teaching Staff, Department of Tourism Management, University of Patras.
Spotlight on characteristic products of Aigialeia and Kalavryta:
This year, Kernitsa’s Petrokerasa cherries take over from last year’s “Salmeniko Tomato” (Oinoxenia 2024).
Virtual Tour of the vineyard and water hiking trails (Ziria – Seliana), using head-mounted displays (HMD) and VR360 projection.
Photo and Multimedia Presentation that combines the history and evolution of wine with contemporary visual art (Pinelopi Masouri Archive).
Gastronomic Event featuring two traditional dishes from Aigialeia and Kalavryta, prepared by Aigio-based chefs Konstantina Voulgari-Kontesopoulou and Eleni Tsagri-Kougia.
Tastings of representative wines from Aigialeia offered by the wineries of the Oinoxenia Quality Network.
SATURDAY 28/6 SATURDAY JUNE 28 & SUNDAY JUNE 29 – Morning
Start: 10:00 – 13:00
WINE-COMICS: CREATE YOUR OWN COMIC ABOUT WINE
Old Hospital of Aigio (Alekos Megaris)
For a second year, animator and illustrator Maria Loukia Mitrakou will work with groups of children aged 7-12, who will envision vineyard scenes and wine aromas together with her, to create their own comic book. Participants will develop their own storyline and bring their story to life on paper using techniques they will learn in the educational workshop. At the end of the workshop, each child will have the opportunity to take home the comic they created.
Maximum number of participants: 20.
Registration and contact: Ms. Smaragda Tsachrelia, +30 6947529556
SATURDAY JUNE 28 – Evening
TETRAMYTHOS WINERY
Start: 21:00
On this final Saturday evening of June, an imaginary gastronomic line connects the south, center, and north of the Peloponnese, culminating at Tetramythos Winery.
Perry Panagiotakopoulos (Wine Kiosk) curates the evening; the team of Villa Incognito (Sotiris Kouros, Giorgos Siougioultzis) from the heart of Arcadia will craft dishes narrating the story and heritage of their land. The wines of the evening will be served by Iakinthi Tyrovolia DIPWSET (Villa Incognito) together with the Wine Kiosk team.
The evening will be accompanied by live music with the ensemble ViolinPiano & Giorgos Georgopoulos — a musical journey crossing the Bosporus straits, bathed in the light of the Aegean islands, touched by the sea breeze from the Asia Minor coasts, and ending at the port of Piraeus, where everything merged, shaping the folk song that has accompanied generations to this day. From Tountas to Markos Vamvakaris, from Tsitsanis to Zambetas and Akis Panou — a path through traditional, rebetiko, and folk music that reaches up to the present day.
Performers:
Giorgos Georgopoulos: Bouzouki – Vocals
Glafkos Smarinakis: Violin – Vocals
Haroula Tsalpara: Piano – Vocals
SATURDAY, JUNE 28 – Evening
MUSICAL STAIRS
Start: 20:00 – 22:30
The much-loved musical and wine walk on the stone stairways connecting the three levels of the city — linking Aigio’s centre to its coastal zone — is once again organised with exceptional care.
The year 2025 has been designated as the Year of Mikis Theodorakis. At six (6) different points along the Aigio stairways — from Filopoimenos Street and the FAME Road Hub building (Old Slaughterhouse) to Konstantinoupoleos Street — six (6) musical groups will accompany us with iconic works of Theodorakis, other great composers, as well as their own creations, taking the large audience on a journey through the unique artistry of the participating musicians.
Each location will also serve as a wine tasting corner. Wines will be offered by the member wineries of the Network, carefully selected to complement the music being performed, harmoniously engaging all our senses.
Special commemorative wine tasting glasses and discount vouchers will be provided for select seaside dining establishments.
Participating artists (alphabetically):
Aggela Antoniadi / Andreas Zafeiropoulos, Areti Dimoula, Vangelis Karantzas, Nikos Lytras, Michalis Vasileiou, Vasilis Skandamis, Giannis Karamanos, Elena Leoni, Angeliki Papandreou, Andreas Voudouris, Takis Tripsas– Morning
Start: 10:00 – 12:00
WINE TOUR
Visit and wine tasting at 2 selected wineries of the region, with transportation provided from Aigio.
Meeting point: Aigio Multipurpose Conference Centre parking lot
Reservations are required due to limited availability.
Phone: +30 26910 31118
SATURDAY 28/6 – Evening
Start: 21:00
MUSIC IN THE VINEYARDS – “Mediterranean Jazz Meets Greek Tradition”
“RIRA Vineyards” Estate – Neos Erineos
A jazz concert that blends Mediterranean influences with Greek traditional music.
With:
- Katerina Polemi (vocals & guitar)
- Christos Papageorgiou (piano)
- Takis Kapogiannis (double bass)
- Vassilis Podaras (drums)
- Nikos Chrysoulakis (trumpet)
- Costas Ladas (percussion)
A unique music night under the stars, among the vines, accompanied by local wines.
SUNDAY, JUNE 29 – Afternoon
Start: 18:00 – 21:00
(Seminar duration: 19:00 – 20:00)
Mega Spileo Estate – Kalavryta – “Click on Nature & Wine”
“Photography & Wine Tasting Seminar in the Vineyards of Mega Spileo Estate”
Discover the magic of photography and wine in a unique presentation at the historic vineyards of Mega Spileo Estate. Through the lens of your mobile phone and with a glass of wine in hand, explore the landscape, colors, and aromas of the vineyard and nature.
A complete photography and wine tasting experience guided by our team.
Suitable for beginners and advanced lovers of photography and wine.
SUNDAY, JUNE 29 – Evening
Start: 20:15
Liopetro Estate
“Works of Humans: The Reception of the Past”
Aigialeia as a Leading Force
An event of particular importance aiming to “shake off” the dust of the past and highlight the pioneering role of Aigialeia (formerly Eastern Achaia), guided by prominent invited historians and archaeologists.
Presenters and discussants on the historical significance of Aigialeia:
- Dr. Andreas Vordos, archaeologist at the Ephorate of Antiquities of Achaia and Director of the systematic excavation at Trapeza – ancient Rypes
- Dr. Michalis Petropoulos, honorary antiquities curator, Ministry of Culture
- Dr. Athanasios Rizakis, emeritus professor at Nancy University, France, and honorary Director of Research, National Research Foundation
Moderator: Angelos Rouvalis, honorary president of the Wine Quality Network “Oinoxeneia.”
Aigialeia emerges as a pioneering force of Achaean colonisation in Greater Greece, as well as of the Achaean League.
- Followed by the music concert “Echoes of Ancient Greek Music”
The Gaia duo, featuring soprano Marilena Chrysokhoidi and Giorgos Tampakis on the ancient Greek lyre (reconstructed based on existing information), aims to capture the unparalleled beauty of ancient Greek music through a unique concert.
Based on the extensive work of composer and researcher Nikos Xanthoulis, and drawing inspiration from studies, historical inscriptions, depictions, and texts, the duo presents a program of ancient Greek musical works that have been discovered and studied, combined with contemporary pieces.
The presentation of the musical works is accompanied by fascinating, often little-known information to the general public, as well as audiovisual material that enriches knowledge of ancient Greek music and brings forth the cultural context in which it developed.
MONDAY, JUNE 30 – Evening
Start: 20:15
Rouvalis Winery, Selinous, Aigio
ANCIENT KERYNEIA ON THE WINE ROUTE OF MAMOUSIA
Beneath the vineyards of rare beauty in Mamousia lies the city of ancient Keryneia, the great Sanctuary on the vineyard plateau, and the hidden ancient Theater on the mountain slope.
Mr. Giannis Angelopoulos, local history scholar and Director of the Ephorate of Antiquities of Aigio, talks about the historical continuity of the region, its development, and the outstanding figure Margos the Keryneian, possibly the most important native of Aigialeia to this day, as described in his debut book “Ancient Keryneia with a brief history of the Achaean League.”
MUSIC:
“Where the hands of the mystics met” – N. Gatsos
The crystalline voice of Anny Onofriou comes from solid mountains, stone sculptures with frozen waters, and travels endlessly through space and time. Together with the important composer Sophia Kamogianni, they persistently and sensitively uphold artistic values that move us, presenting a special musical program for tonight’s event.
Two guided tours of the gravity winery will take place: one upon arrival (20:30) and one after the concert ends.
MONDAY, JUNE 30 – KALAVRYTA
Start: 20:00 – 23:00
WORKSHOP FOR PROFESSIONALS, ORGANIZATIONS AND MEMBERS OF THE INFORMAL NETWORK “WINE ROUTES OF PELOPONNESE”
- Educational workshop for professionals and business managers who wish to participate in the informal network “WINE ROUTES OF PELOPONNESE.”
- Exploration of the terroir of the vineyards of Plagia in Aigialeia and Kalavryta through the recognition of the unique rock formations of the soil.
- The Chelmos-Vouraikos Geopark and the Soil Science Department of the University of Patras guide us through a unique exhibition of rock types from the wider mountainous region of Aigialeia and Kalavryta. These rocks, present in the vineyard root soils, enrich the produced wines with different trace elements.
- Tasting of the mountain wines from the wineries of the Oinoxeneia Quality Network will try to trace this terroir’s formation, guided by oenologist Mr. Tasos Drosiadis.
The event workshop is organised by ACHAIA-ANAPTYXIAKI S.A. within the framework of the Cooperation Plan “WINE ROUTES OF PELOPONNESE,” part of the CLLD/LEADER program, Sub-measure 19.3, of the RDP 2014-2020.
Presentation of the Local Gastronomic Community, the Interregional Cooperation Plan “Flavors of Select Greeks II: Greek Gastronomic Culture” – Awarding of Participation Diplomas in the tasting session.
TUESDAY 1/7 – Evening
Arrival time: 19:00
Wine Tasting and Music Night – M20 Winery
The M20 Winery invites you to discover wines from Aigialeia in a welcoming natural setting. Among the centuries-old olive trees surrounding the winery, you will have the opportunity to taste five distinct wines during a unique tasting evening curated by sommelier Fotis Stathopoulos.
After the tasting, there will be a music night with Queen & The Soul, a dynamic multi-instrumental duo that improvises and creates atmospheric electronic sounds, blending different music genres in their own unique style.
Participants:
Eleni Spyratou and Andreas Prountzos – Queen & The Soul
Fotis Stathopoulos – Genius in Gastronomy
Staikos Dimitrios – M20 Winery
Tasting start: 19:30
Music event start: 21:00
Due to limited seating, advance reservation is required at 699 523 4594.
WEDNESDAY 2/7 – Evening
CLOSING CEREMONY
Start: 20:00
Ancient Theater of Aigeira
Oinoxeneia 2025, together with the sports club “Athenodoros” and the municipalities of Aigialeia and Xylokastro, establish a torch relay from Derveni, Xylokastro to the Ancient Theater of Aigeira via Rozenon and Ano Aigialos, reviving the ancient tradition with lit torches, called Lampteria, held in honor of “Dionysus Lampteros” (the shining one), in ancient Pellene, the 12th city of the Achaean League.
The 12 athletes representing the 12 cities of the ancient league, accompanied by the audience, will enter the Ancient Theater of Aigeira where Oinoxeneia will welcome the participants and close with a music concert featuring two choirs from “POLYPHONIKI.”
The concert will feature:
- The Orchestra of Musical Expression “MUZICANTO” (Conductor: Giorgos Papageorgiou)
- The Mixed Choir (Conductor: Stavros Solomos)
They will present a diverse program in two parts:
- The first part will feature Greek composers with orchestra and solo voice compositions.
- The second part will include a choral music highlight from both domestic and international repertoire.
