Title – Name
Semeli Estate
Scope / Sector / Industry
Wine tourism
Country / Region
Greece, Peloponnese
Why is it good practice?
The Semeli Estate is a good practice wine tourism business as it not only offers a variety of wine experiences to its visitors, but also contributes in practice to the protection of the environment, to combating climate change and to the development of the local community. It is a business that cares about the environment, coexists and works harmoniously with the local community and manages its internal environment in a way to ensure its development.
How is it applied?
The Estate’s vineyard is located at an altitude of 600m in Nemea of Peloponnese, and specifically on the slopes of the semi-mountainous community of Koutsi Corinthia. It covers an area of 250 acres and is complemented by other vineyards, which are located in the same community and belong to winegrowers who have entered into long-term cooperation contracts with the Semeli Estate. The privately-owned vineyard is planted mainly with Agiorgitiko grapes, since the Nemea region is famous for this particular grape variety, which has obtained a Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) certification. At the same time, selected international grape varieties have been planted.
The vineyard is complemented by gardens with shrubs, trees and olive trees, while at the same time an organic vegetable garden has been created, in which vegetables are grown and are used in the gastronomic experiences of the winery.
In addition to the vineyards, the winery, which has been operating since 2003, is housed in the privately-owned area of the Estate, in a 4,000 sq.m. building. In the Estate, there are also 9 luxury suites, which are offered only to the guests of the corporate events that take place in the winery.
In the context of promoting wine tradition and culture, the winery has designed and implements a set of experiences for its visitors, which are described below:
- Daily scheduled tours and wine presentations.
- Wine tastings, which include tasting representative Estate’s wine labels.
- Meal at the Estate’s bistrot, based on Peloponnesian Greek cuisine and beyond, using organically grown products (e.g. Corinthian sour trachanas, Feneos legumes and fava beans, Ziria feta cheese, Macedonian prosciutto, Greek farmed meat etc.). The experience is accompanied by Estate wines, following one of the wine pairing programs or choosing freely from the Estate’s old and newest wine labels.
- Picnic or relaxation in the vineyard with tasting programs and accompanying products from the Estate’s organic vegetable garden.
- Special viticulture and winemaking programs, such as participation in vineyard or winery operations.
- Organization of corporate events and utilization of the hospitality service offered.
In addition to the services provided by the winery, another important reason why Semeli Estate is a good practice wine tourism business is because it makes a significant effort to provide services in terms of sustainability. The minimum possible disturbance and the protection and promotion of the natural environment are basic values for its managers and concern all the activities of the company, from the production of the grapes to the export of the products and from the provision of wine tourism services to the training of the staff and relations with its partners.
Sustainability practices implemented on the Estate include:
- Investments in facilities and processes, with an emphasis on high energy efficiency and economy.
- Creation of a state-of-the-art cleaning system and safe management of production waste.
- Implementation of a regenerative viticulture program, with the aim of promoting biodiversity, restoring soil health and supporting natural carbon sequestration. In this way, high quality raw materials and low carbon wines are ensured.
Based on the above actions, the company has already achieved a neutral carbon footprint, thus contributing to the fight against climate change.
Alongside the above, the Estate, through its operation, seeks to support the local economy and emphasizes harmonious coexistence and the development of long-term and stable economic and social ties with every member of the local community of the wider Nemea region. For this purpose, it employs workers exclusively from the communities of the neighboring areas, while at the same time supporting the local agricultural element, either by advising on the cultivation of the vines or by rewarding the production of high quality grapes. At the same time, it implements Corporate Social Responsibility actions, which go beyond the limits of its basic operation and are implemented regularly, in cooperation with local public and private bodies, the local communities and the families of its employees.
It is important to mention that as part of its social responsibility, the Semeli Estate has made a significant effort to ensure that its reception and hospitality areas are accessible to visitors with disabilities.
Where is it applied?
The Semeli Estate is addressed to visitors who wish to get to know the local viticultural and winemaking tradition of Nemea through special wine experiences.
When did it applied?
Semeli Estate was founded in 1979.
Results
Semeli Estate has achieved important distinctions for its wines and more. In the context of implementing actions towards sustainability, the Semeli Estate has received in 2023 certification as a “CO2 Neutral Footprint Business” for its winery, guesthouses and company cars. Also for the years 2022-2024 it has received Silver Sustainability Certification with the overall business achievement to reach 68% (achievement: climate 76%, environmental 71%, social 56%).
Other Information
The official website of the Semeli Estate is: https://www.semeliestate.gr/
