for curious, open-minded wine lovers
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Awards
“Greece is grateful to Nico Manessis for his leading role and devotion in the promotion of Greek wines abroad.” Evangelos Gerovassiliou, President of Wine Producers Association of the Northern Greece Vineyard (ENOABE),
When our son saw my award, he asked if I had received a wine Grammy. The award was given to me in appreciation of my efforts in promoting Greek wine, by the Wine Producers Association of the Northern Greece Vineyard (ENOABE). It was a complete surprise, because the letter informing me of this honour, six months earlier had never arrived. I only found out at a Thessaloniki book signing, when the manager of ENOABE told me, “You are rather quiet about the award.” As I stood dumbfounded he went on to tell me about the awards ceremony. Just a few weeks later I found myself standing in front of a large audience in Athens.
If there was one message that January afternoon, from the 300 or so people in attendance, it was the appreciation towards my crusade by one of the largest gatherings of farmers, winery owners and their teams. Besides ENOABE’s 28 wineries members, people had come from all other regions. Leading the way was a large contingent from the Peloponnese as well as a number of island vineyards. I was chuffed to say the least. It had not all been in vain.