The Co-operative was inaugurated in 1983 but the winery was actually built in 1984 and the first commercial vintage took place during that year. Increased production was one of the reasons that have led to the establishment of the Co-operative, which could act as a counterbalance for private companies. In 1984, the most radically designed winery in the Balkans was built at record speed, following brave endeavour from its members and support from the government. The Co-operative originally counted 330 members that grew 65% of the Naoussa viticultural zone. The aim was to ensure better income for farmers whose single variety was Xinomavro. New, up-to-date wine making technology combined with age-old tradition have created the V.Q.P.R.D. wines: Naoussa, Naoussa Reserve, Naoussa Grande Reserve
Meanwhile, research was in progress for production of new wines made from Xinomavro. This is how the Rose wine was created, which won distinction within the following year and was awarded first prize in the 9th European Salon of Wine.
After trial-and-error research on vinification methods, we spotted that Xinomavro was ideally suited to making white wines bearing excellent characteristics and in 1992 Imeros White was launched in the market.
In 1994, having one of the best vintages on record, we produced Damaskinos V.Q.P.R.D. wine, aged in new French oak barrels with high toasting. This particular wine gains most favourable comments, wins distinction in Germany at the PROWEIN FAIR in 2000 and receives the silver medal at the International Wine Fair of Thessaloniki in 2004.
Then the time comes for Dogmatikos White, sourced from Xinomavro, fermented at very low temperature (8-10oC) with the use of special wine yeast starter cultures. A wine full of character and class.
Meanwhile, new cultivars are planted by our vine growers, such as Roditis, Syrah and Merlot. As a result, the Co-op enriches its range of wines produced. In 2001 and 2003 the company releases Syrah 2000 Regional Wine of Macedonia and Imeros Red Regional Wine of Macedonia respectively. Imeros Red is sourced from 50% Xinomavro and 50% Syrah and has taken up a significant share of the market.
Grape varieties
The variety used for winemaking is mainly Xinomavro and, at a smaller percentage, those of Roditis, Syrah and Merlot.
Wines - Products
1. Naoussa PDO
(Damaskinos, Naoussa, Naoussa Grande Reserve)
2. Macedonian PGI wines
(Bios Hellenic, Cymban, Dogmatikos, Entechnos, Imeros Red, Imeros White, Makedonikos Red, Makedonikos Rose, Makedonikos White, Syrah)
3. Table wines
(Holy Eucharist, Ideodis Red, Ideodis White, Ideodis Rose, Ideodis Semisweet Red, Ideodis Semisweet White, Xrysanthi Retsina, Sangria Red, Sangria White, Taximi Red, Taximi White, Taximi Retsina)
4. Ouzo - distilled spirits
(Makedoniko Ouzo)
The vineyards
The co-operative owns a current acreage of 2,3 hectares (23 stremmata), 2 of which are planted with the Merlot variety and the rest 0,3 ha with the Xinomavro variety. Planting density is 3.300 plants per hectare.
The vines are linear, developed at double lanyard and allow of short pruning. The rootstock onto which Xinomavro has been grafted is the 110R whereas the 1103P has been used for the Merlot.
On a stretch of this land we practice organic farming, for experimental purposes, and the cultivation is certified as organic by DIO (authorized Organization).
Foundation, objectives and vision
In 1983, 330 vine growers of the Naoussa Appellation zone, decided to set up their own Co-operative so as to make better use of their crop and act as a counterbalance for private companies.
The VAENI Naoussa Co-op has made a name based on the fact that it can produce quality wines marketed at competitive prices, while there is continuous improvement of the product through advanced technology and emphasis on quality control.
The VAENI's policy is to maintain certain specifications for the production of its wine through which quality can meet customers' expectations. Meanwhile, wine production should always conform to the European and Greek wine legislation.
The aim of the company is to keep customers satisfied by providing them with consistent, high-quality wines.
The administration of the Co-op has decided to implement a quality system, based on International Standards and has obtained ISO 9001:2000 certification, in combination with the HACCP safety system (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control point). Through the above, the company provides factual assurance about the quality, reliability and safety of its products.
A determining factor for quality wine is the excellent quality of the grapes used, which are meticulously selected and supplied by carefully chosen vine growers. Moreover, there is continuous staff training and the company's qualified specialists guide the members/vine-growers in order to produce grapes of optimum quality levels.
Workers are motivated to perform their duties in the best possible way and always comply with the procedures. The company encourages any suggestions/recommendation from its staff -submitted to their supervisors-that might improve any production stage. Every single worker is considered to be an inseparable part of the production chain and therefore important for the quality of the finished product.