His passion for wine and the millennia-old winemaking traditions of his homeland, led Nikolaos Zaharias to create a small winery in 1946 in Askri, in Central Greece, fulfilling his life-long dream. In 1967, his son, Athanasios Zaharias, entered the family business and brought with him dynamic and forward-thinking ideas, and gradually they transformed the small artisanal winery into a modern winery. In 2005, the year when ‘Muses Estate’ was created, it was time for the third generation Nikos, Stelios and Panayiotis, to take their place in the family business. Their skills, scientific knowledge and youthful ideas,
combined with the family tradition and experience further enriched Muses Estate.

From their vines grown on the slopes of the Valley of the Muses, at the foot of Mount Helicon, they aim to produce wines that are in perfect harmony with the ecosystem, and are representative of the historic terroir, as well as the family itself. They succeed: their exquisite wines are vibrant with mountain freshness that truly evoke the senses.

Sterea Ellada, located in central Greece, is a diverse and historic wine region that offers a unique blend of terroirs shaped by its varied landscape. The region stretches from mountainous areas to coastal plains, creating a range of microclimates ideal for viticulture. Its climate is predominantly Mediterranean, characterised by hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters, but higher altitudes bring cooler temperatures that help maintain grape acidity and freshness.

The soils in Sterea Ellada vary widely, from sandy and alluvial near the coast to rocky and limestone-rich in the uplands, providing excellent drainage and contributing to the complexity of the wines. Key grape varieties include the indigenous Savatiano, widely planted for its drought resistance and versatility, often used in the production of the famous retsina wines. Additionally, the region cultivates Assyrtiko, known for its crisp acidity and mineral notes, as well as international varieties like Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, which are increasingly gaining traction.

Viticultural challenges in Sterea Ellada include managing water stress during the hot summer months and protecting vines from occasional spring frost and hail. The region’s varied terrain also means vineyard work can be labour-intensive, especially on steeper slopes. Despite these obstacles, Sterea Ellada continues to produce wines that reflect its rich history and diverse environments, steadily growing its reputation on the international stage.

Sauvignon Blanc is a highly aromatic white grape variety that originated in the Loire Valley of France, where it still thrives in appellations like Sancerre and Pouilly-Fumé. Its name is derived from the French words sauvage (wild) and blanc (white), reflecting its vigorous growth and bright, zesty character.

Viticulturally, Sauvignon Blanc is an early-ripening variety that prefers cooler climates, where it retains its hallmark acidity and intense aromatics. It is sensitive to terroir, with soil and climate having a strong influence on flavour expression. The grape is prone to high yields and requires careful canopy management to preserve fruit quality and aromatic intensity.

Today, Sauvignon Blanc is grown globally, with significant plantings in France, New Zealand, Chile, South Africa, the United States (notably California), and Australia. New Zealand’s Marlborough region has become especially renowned for producing vibrant, intensely aromatic examples.

Sauvignon Blanc is known for its crisp acidity and lively flavours, typically showcasing notes of gooseberry, green apple, lime, passion fruit, and fresh herbs. In cooler regions, it leans towards grassy and citrusy, while warmer climates bring out tropical fruit. Styles range from unoaked and fresh to barrel-aged and textural, and it’s also used in sweet wines, such as Sauternes when blended with Sémillon.

Mouhtaro is a rare, indigenous red grape variety originating from the region of Central Greece, particularly around the town of Thebes in the Valley of the Muses, within the wider Sterea Ellada area. With a long but nearly forgotten history, Mouhtaro has recently been revived by a handful of dedicated producers focused on preserving native Greek varieties.

Viticulturally, Mouhtaro is a hardy grape that thrives in continental climates with warm days and cool nights. It ripens relatively late, benefiting from well-drained soils, particularly limestone and clay, which help concentrate its flavours. The grape is naturally vigorous and requires careful vineyard management to control yields and enhance quality.

Today, Mouhtaro is planted almost exclusively in Greece, with only a few hectares under vine, making it extremely limited in production. Despite its rarity, it shows great potential for both varietal wines and blends.

Mouhtaro typically produces medium to full-bodied red wines with vibrant acidity, moderate tannins, and deep colour. Its aromatic profile includes red and black berries, violets, herbs, and often a hint of spice or earthiness. With careful oak ageing, it develops further complexity, making it suitable for ageing. Mouhtaro represents a unique expression of Greek terroir and a promising grape for future exploration.