Katogi Averoff: The Metsovo vineyard is Intangible Cultural Heritage of Greece

The Ministry of Culture, through the Directorate of Newer Cultural Heritage, has been applying the Convention for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage (UNESCO, 2003) in Greece since 2006.

This year, the vineyard and wine traditions of Metsovo — Katogi Averoff — was approved and registered in the National Index of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Greece.

The vineyard, the tradition associated with viticulture, and the use of its products are inextricably linked to Metsovo's cultural physiognomy and productive identity.

The replanting of the vineyard by Evangelos Averoff in 1958-1959 was a key project for its rescue.

Since then, the vineyard has been maintained and cultivated with special care, while projects to preserve it have been implemented, such as the construction of small terraces made of natural materials that limit soil erosion.

The highlight of the vineyard

The vineyard constantly comes to the fore through the promotion of its wines.

In fact, some wines carrying the Protected Geographical Indication "Metsovo" function as local credentials because they successfully convey the elements of the mountain vineyard through their aromatic and taste characteristics, which make them unique.

The annual harvest

Every year at the beginning of autumn, this special vineyard, Yniets, which in the Vlach dialect means vineyard, prepares for harvest.

This year, especially since the season started very early, most varieties have already been harvested, and some, like the Cabernet Sauvignon, are ripening on the vines for a little while longer.

Both people and animals in the area are alert. Birds and brown bears wait to taste the grapes, and for many days, the work is intense and occupies all the staff of the winery.

After all, the harvest in Metsovo is done manually, and the whole process of making the grapes become wine requires many hands. Hands of every age pass the baton to the next generation, keeping the tradition alive as a vital element of culture.

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