Ktima Akrani Winery: The Soul of Kos in Every Glass
Kos is known for its ancient history, beautiful landscapes, and now, its revived winemaking tradition—thanks to Ktima Akrani. Located on the slopes of Mount Dikaios, Ktima Akrani is more than a winery; it’s a heartfelt tribute to the island’s heritage, natural beauty, and the Greek spirit of philoxenia, or hospitality.
The story of the Ktima Akrani winery began in 1979, when a young couple, Antonis and Mary Triantafyllopoulou, settled on Kos and decided to make the island their home. Driven by a passion for wine, they dreamt of reviving the nearly extinct winemaking tradition on Kos. They found their inspiration in Miniera Asfendiou, a region once celebrated for its famous wines that were shipped throughout the Mediterranean and Black Sea.
In 1996, Antonis and Mary planted their first vineyard on a 17,000m² estate, with the help of Professor Dimitris Stavrakas, near the ancient vines of Miniera. Their first wines were bottled in 2003, and in 2007, Kos earned a place in the Greek Protected Designation of Origin, marking the island’s unique wine identity. Today, their oldest vines are over 25 years old, producing distinguished wines that honor the rich winemaking heritage of Kos.
A Name that Celebrates Friendship and Greek Heritage
The name “Akrani” means “beloved friend” or “companion” and reflects the deep relationships that the Triantafyllopoulou family has cultivated since beginning their winemaking journey. Rather than naming the winery after themselves, they chose Akrani to honor their friendships with local and international friends, artisans, and the countless visitors who have made the winery a cultural touchstone.
The word Ktima (meaning “estate”) signifies the winery’s Greek roots and the family’s dedication to cultivating rare Greek grape varieties on Kos. The Ktima Akrani logo is steeped in local mythology, depicting a unique friendship between Hercules and Chalkon, legendary figures who reconciled after conflict, symbolizing the winery’s commitment to creating harmony and connection through wine.
Wine and Philoxenia: A Tradition of Welcoming Guests
Since opening to the public in 2004, Ktima Akrani has become a destination for wine lovers and cultural enthusiasts alike. Here, visitors can explore the vineyards, view an impressive collection of Greek artwork, and experience the family’s winemaking philosophy firsthand. Wine tastings are accompanied by traditional Dodecanese dishes, and from the estate, visitors can enjoy stunning views of the neighboring islands Pserimos and Kalymnos.
The Akrani wine series is dedicated to the 700,000 visitors who have come to the winery over the years and those who will visit in the future. These wines are crafted to be accessible, full of flavor, and friendly—embodying the Akrani team’s commitment to hospitality.
A Commitment to Sustainability and Ecological Harmony
Ktima Akrani’s vineyards are a model of sustainable winemaking, guided by the principles of ecological engineering. They use no chemical herbicides, insecticides, or fungicides, instead relying on natural treatments and local biodiversity to nurture the vines. To control pests, they use extracts from aromatic Mediterranean plants, which also provide food for the local bees, enhancing the flavor of their honey. Native grasses are left to grow, attracting beneficial insects, and organic compost made from winemaking residues nourishes the soil.
The Akrani team believes in the philosophy, “Wine is made in the vineyard.” By maintaining deep-rooted, mature vines, they cultivate wines with unique flavors that truly express the terroir of Kos. This sustainable approach ensures that future generations will inherit not only fertile land but a thriving ecosystem.
Ktima Akrani represents a fusion of history, innovation, and ecological care—values that come together to create wines that are as authentic as Kos itself.
For more about Ktima Akrani and their dedication to Kos’s winemaking heritage, visit their website at https://www.ktimakrani.gr/en.
