Katogi Averoff hotel and winery joins the Aria Hotels collection to offer holidays in historic destination
Hotel in Metsovo offers wine tourism and nearby winter sports
The Katogi Averoff hotel and winery is the latest addition to Aria Hotels’ growing collection of boutique hotels and properties in unique locations throughout Greece. Situated in Metsovo in the northern Epirus region, this charming hotel and vineyard complex is perfect for a relaxing stay in the heart of this historic Greek wine area with its breathtaking scenery.
Designated ‘red’ or ‘white’ after different Katogi Averoff wines, the rooms are available in standard, superior and suite configurations and afford beautiful views of the local Epirote landscape, famous for the dramatic Pindus mountains. Superior rooms come with a private balcony; the suites sleep up to four people and incorporate period architectural features. The modern bathrooms are equipped with locally-sourced high quality amenities and decorated to complement the colours and design of the relaxing rooms.
Dining in the hotel restaurant is an integral part of the Katogi Averoff hotel experience, serving local dishes and ingredients cooked to centuries-old recipes and customs. Of particular note are the local cheeses Metsovone and Metsovela which pair perfectly with the native wines. The hotel participates in the national ‘Greek Breakfast’ initiative, promoting regionally-sourced delicacies.
Producing a wide array of white, red, rosé and sparkling wines, a visit to the winery with guided tour and tutored tasting is a must for any guest at the hotel. Resident experts offer insight into the production of wine along with viniculture education amidst the vines and vats of this old and established regional centre for the Greek wine industry. Wines from the Katogi Averoff winery are also available in the hotel’s bar and restaurant for guests to enjoy at leisure after the tasting tour. A visit during the annual harvest which takes places in October is particularly rewarding. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, Pinot Noir, Traminer and Vlachiko varieties are all grown here. This is the highest region in Greece for wine-growing and the Katogi Averoff vineyard is around a 10-minute drive from the hotel complex which includes the winery, boutique and production plant.
Lovers of history and culture will also appreciate the rich heritage of this town and region. The late politician and author, Evangelos Averoff, was a notable son of Metsovo and is honoured with a statue in the town square. His former apartment is open to view in the Tossizza Mansion. The Averoff Gallery, which he built to house his substantial private collection of Greek modern art from the 19th and early 20th centuries, is another local attraction. The area is also a popular destination for fans of winter sports, particularly skiing, making the Katogi Averoff hotel and winery an ideal year-round destination.
The closest airport is Ioannina National Airport (approximately 45-mininute drive) or a 2½- hour drive from Thessaloniki International Airport. Local day-trip ideas include Meteora (60 km), Sivota beaches (130 km), Vergina (150 km) and Thessaloniki (200 km).