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Achaia Clauss

ΑCHAIA CLAUSS, located on the namesake hill, was founded in 1861 by the Bavarian Gustav Clauss. On one of his trips, he got to know the region and was impressed by its stunning scenery. He initially bought a vineyard of just 15 acres and eventually built the Winecastle, still preserved until today.He created the sweet red wine Mavrodaphne of Patras in 1873 from his vineyard, after he had realized the potential of this variety and was already making excellent dry wine. Hence the order of the great Franz Liszt, who sent him a letter ordering some bottles of dry Mavrodaphne. Gustav Clauss is considered to be the inventor and establisher of the concept of Wine Tourism in Greece, following the visit of Austro-Hungarian Empress Sissi in 1885, in whose honor he even named a cellar (Imperial Cellar). Τhe year of 1899 was a milestone year, as Gustav Clauss brought a harvest from the mountain slopes of Kalavryta and bottled Demestica for the first time in Greece. Demestica became the ambassador of Greek winemaking methods, cutting across borders and rapidly spreading the reputation of Gustav’s winery around the world. In 1918 ACHAIA CLAUSS went under Greek ownership. Its facilities and winemaking methods are gradually modernized.

INFORMATION FOR VISITORS

  • Why it’s worth visiting:
    A true oasis, it passes on its beauty and history over time to its thousands of visitors and to those who love it and care for preserving its unique essence. ACHAIA CLAUSS is a milestone in our country’s history, stubbornly refusing to get old and keeping the feeling and scents of the adventures that took place in 1861 still fresh, back when the wild young bohemian Gustav Clauss shook up the ways, customs and urban status of that era, creating piece by piece the oldest Wine Ambassador of Greece in the world that left its mark on winemaking forever.
  • Open days & hours:
    Everyday 10:30-18:30
  • Tour:
    The team of Achaia Clauss offers two different tour programs that give the visitor the opportunity to travel through the centuries and taste the authentic aromas of Achaia. In the duration of these tours you will visit Cellar No9 inside of which are kept barrels with sweet mavrodaphne and you will learn the history of Achaia Clauss. Next you will continue to the exhibition «Varelatiko» where you will experience the art of barrel making of the past by the coopers of our winery. Continuing the tour you will have the opportunity to visit the Imperial Cellar and admire the vintage barrels containing sweet mavrodaphne dating back to 1873. Next stop is the Underground Wine Cellar where you will learn the right ways to properly age wine. Finally you will complete these tours with selected wine tasting at the Cava Danielis where you can also see the office of the founder of Achaia Clauss, Gustav Clauss and admire the beautiful view of Patras from the balcony of Bella Vista!
  • Tour duration:
    30-50 minutes
  • Tour languages:
    Greek, English
  • Tour cost:
    It depends on the tour and tasting program chosen by the visitor
  • Tasting room:
    The tasting room is fully equipped and can serve up to 30 people at the same time.
  • Number of wines tasted:
    4 glasses per person
  • Wine shop:
    Yes
  • eShop:
    Yes
  • Credit card:
    Yes
  • Label number:
    9
  • PDO Wines:
    Mavrodaphne of Patras, Muscat of Patras, Muscat Rio of Patras
  • Parking:
    Yes
  • Children reception:
    Achaia Clauss offers free entry for children under 18, but there is no dedicated area for them to occupy during the tour.
  • Free WiFi:
    Yes