Aoton Winery

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Aoton Winery is rooted in Peania, in the Mesogia plain of Attica, a historic winegrowing landscape just east of Athens where viticulture has shaped local life for thousands of years. The name Aoton comes from ancient Greek, meaning the finest example of its kind, an idea that reflects the winery’s dedication to expressing the grapes and traditions of its home.

The Gkinis family’s connection to wine in Peania stretches back five generations. The family’s original winery, known locally as the Patitiri, was the traditional place where grapes from their vineyards were brought for pressing. Today, oenologist Sotirios Gkinis carries that history forward at Aoton.

At the center of Aoton is Savatiano, the ancient white grape that has been cultivated in Attica for nearly 4,000 years. Long associated with the wines of the region, Savatiano is particularly well adapted to Attica’s demanding Mediterranean climate. Aoton continues to champion it alongside two other traditional Greek varieties, Roditis and Mandilaria, producing varietal wines as well as Retsina that speak directly to the identity of Mesogia.

The family organically farms six hectares of estate vineyards planted primarily to Savatiano, Roditis, and Mandilaria, along with a small amount of Cabernet Sauvignon. Yields are kept naturally low, and the vines grow in predominantly clay-sand soils with a slightly alkaline character. Summers are hot and dry, while winters remain mild, creating conditions that favor varieties accustomed to the region’s limited rainfall and intense summer heat.

One of the defining practices at Aoton is harvesting entirely at night. In the dry climate of Attica, nighttime temperatures provide a significant advantage: the grapes arrive at the winery cool, firm, and fresh rather than warmed by the daytime sun. This helps Sotirios preserve acidity and aromatics while allowing the fruit to reach the cellar in optimal condition.

The winery itself sits in the old village of Peania, surrounded by narrow streets and traditional Mesogian architecture. Here, Aoton feels inseparable from its surroundings. Vineyards, winery, family, and village remain part of the same continuum, reflecting a place where the relationship between people, vines, and wine is deeply rooted.