About This Event
[euphoria]: a state of intense happiness and wellbeing, often accompanied by a sense of exhilaration and elation.
Elevate your appreciation for wine and philosophy with this exclusive retreat led by the world’s most influential wine critic, Jancis Robinson, and Konstantinos Lazarakis, the first Master of Wine from Greece and the broader region of Southern Europe. Set against the backdrop of Dexamenes Seaside Hotel—a luxurious haven transformed from a postwar winery—this experience, in strategic alliance with WSPC, promises an unforgettable journey into the heart of wine culture.
Indulge in a harmonious blend of wine education, philosophy, and relaxation, offering a holistic exploration of wine’s essence. Immerse yourself in the local culture and wine-making traditions of the Peloponnese region with a visit to a renowned winery. Participate in two wine masterclasses with Jancis and Konstantinos, learning about the history of wine and engaging in discussions and evaluations of various Greek and international labels. Enlightening philosophical discussions, facilitated by Professor Edith Hall and inspired by the ancient Greek symposium, will be held each day, focusing on different thematic explorations.
Combining the pleasures of fine wine with deep philosophical insights, this retreat is designed to nourish both mind and spirit. It aims to harmonize sensory pleasures and intellectual stimulation, leading to a state of euphoria—a profound sense of well-being and contentment.
Join us in raising a glass to the timeless allure of wine, where every sip is a celebration of life. This three-day retreat, starting on May 16, promises an unforgettable escape for wine enthusiasts, leaving you deeply connected to the essence of wine and its soulful journey.
In strategic alliance with WSPC
Retreat leaders
Jancis Robinson: Jancis was voted the world’s most influential wine critic in various polls in the US, France, and internationally in 2018, though she describes herself as a wine writer. She founded JancisRobinson.com in 2000 and sold it to US digital publisher Recurrent Ventures in 2021. She is now the editor in chief and main contributor. Since 1990, she has been the wine correspondent for the Financial Times, writing every Saturday.
She is the founder-editor of The Oxford Companion to Wine and co-author of The World Atlas of Wine and Wine Grapes, each recognized as a standard reference worldwide. The 24-Hour Wine Expert (2017) is her practical guide to wine. In 1984, she was the first non-trade person to pass the Master of Wine exams and in 2003 was awarded an OBE by the Queen, advising her cellar from 2004 to 2022. She remains a member of the Royal Household Wine Committee.
In April 2016, she received France’s Officier du Mérite Agricole, the German VDP’s highest honor, and her fourth James Beard Award in the US. She now has six, including being the only wine writer in the James Beard Cookbook Hall of Fame. In 2018, she launched her ideal wine glass and in 2021 became a trustee of the Gérard Basset Foundation to increase diversity in wine, spirits, and hospitality through education.
An Oxford graduate in Maths and Philosophy, she lives for wine in all its diversity, favoring balance and subtlety over mass, and has campaigned for sustainability in wine since 2006.
Konstantinos Lazarakis MW: Konstantinos, born in Piraeus, studied Mechanical Engineering at NTUA and Jazz Music at Aeolian School. In 2002, at 32, he became Greece’s first Master of Wine, joining a global circle of wine influencers. During his MW exams, he earned two awards: the “Bollinger Medal” for blind tasting and the “Villa Maria Award” for Viticulture excellence, becoming the 13th recipient in the Institute’s history.
In 2004, he founded WSPC®, the Greek branch of the Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET®). By 2009, WSPC® won the Riedel Award/WSET® Educator of the Year among 34 branches. His book “The Wines of Greece” (2005, Mitchell Beazley) was a top-4 nominee for the “Andre Simon Memorial Award 2006.” An updated edition followed in 2018.
In 2006, he received the ‘Noval Award’ as “the MW Communicator of the Year.” He served nine years on the IMW Council and chaired its Trips Committee for the same period. In 2012, the Austrian Wine Academy named him “Honorary Weinakademiker,” the 13th honoree for contributions to wine education.
Additional titles include “Fine & Rare Wine Specialist” and “Diplôme D’Honneur Des Grands Crus Classés en 1885 – Médoc & Sauternes,” representing “Vins de Bordeaux.”
As GM of “AIOLOS S.A.” and co-owner of “Wine Wonders LLC,” he consults for wine producers and works with sectors like aviation and HO.RE.CA., including TEMES S.A. and Aegean Airlines. Since 2000, he has contributed to “Hugh Johnson’s Pocket Wine Book” and writes for “Proto Thema” and “GRAPE.” He presides over the “Thessaloniki International Wine & Spirits Competition” and co-organized the “Balkan International Wine & Spirits Competition.”
He is a member of the “International Food & Wine Society” and its “Wine Committee.”
Contributor
Edith Hall: Edith holds a Chair in Classics at Durham University. She has previously taught at Oxford, Cambridge, Reading and London Universities as well as lecturing across four continents. She is a regular broadcaster on BBC television and radio, acts as consultant to professional theatres including the National Theatre in London, the Royal Shakespeare Company, and the Epidauros Festival. She was the first woman to be awarded the Erasmus Prize of the European Academy, is a Fellow of the British Academy and holds honorary doctorates from Durham and Athens Universities. The more than thirty books she has published include eight on ancient Greek and Roman theatre and their continuing influence today.
About the location
The Peloponnese, a geographical region of mainland Greece situated in the southern part of the country, is renowned for its captivating blend of natural beauty and historical significance. Surrounded by the sea and framed by majestic mountains, it boasts fascinating archaeological sites and charming traditional villages, offering a diverse range of attractions all year round.
From rugged landscapes to delectable cuisine and pristine beaches to rich cultural heritage and warm hospitality, the Peloponnesian Peninsula presents an irresistible allure, yet remains relatively unspoiled by tourism. With its proximity to Athens and a plethora of appealing resorts and sightseeing opportunities, the Peloponnese is a coveted destination for travelers of all kinds.
About the hotel
Have you ever stayed in a wine tank? Nestled on the pristine coastline of Kourouta Beach near Amaliada, the Dexamenes Seaside Hotel is a unique, conscious-luxury resort. This former post-war winery has been transformed into an award-winning architectural marvel, recognized globally for its exceptional Adaptive Reuse and Regenerative Architecture.
Dexamenes is a standout example of upcycling, converting historic wine tanks into luxurious suites. The resort prioritizes sustainability by integrating reclaimed materials, from bricks and concrete to repurposed water pipelines and furniture, into its design.
Situated in the unspoiled western Peloponnese, Dexamenes is the perfect base for sun-seekers and wine enthusiasts, with an abundance of local wineries to explore. The hotel seamlessly blends eco-conscious practices with luxury, offering exquisite dining, rejuvenating wellness services, and state-of-the-art amenities to cater to the needs of discerning guests.
Indicative Schedule
Disclaimer: The schedule will be finalized shortly.
Please note that the final wine-related themes will be tailored to the participants' level of knowledge and will be announced at a later date.
Take a look at the event highlights for more information.
Start your
journey
Event Highlights
– Expert Leadership: Retreat led by Jancis Robinson, the world’s most influential wine critic, and Konstantinos Lazarakis, Greece’s first Master of Wine.
– Thematic Historic Venue: Dexamenes Hotel, a former postwar winery transformed into a luxurious haven.
– In-depth wine education masterclasses with wine tasting.
– Immersion in the local culture and wine-making traditions of the Peloponnese region.
– A visit to an acclaimed winery in the region.
– Enlightening discussions inspired by the ancient Greek symposium, with daily thematic explorations with Professor Edith Hall.
– In strategic alliance with WSPC.
Prices
1800€/per person
in Double Occ. room
Prices
2800€/per person
in Single Occ. room
Flexible
payment plan
what’s included
- Two Wine Masterclasses with Jancis Robinson & Konstantinos Lazarakis.
- All sessions with Edith Hall
- 2-night accommodation at Dexamenes Hotel
- All breakfast meals
- All dinner meals
what’s not included
- Airfare to/from Greece
- Arrival and departure land transfers in Greece
- Lunch, soft drinks, beverages
- Climate Change Resilience Tax 7 Euros per room per night payable by the guests directly to the hotel
- Whatever is not mentioned clearly in the inclusions
more info
We strongly advise you to book flexible airfare tickets and flights with fewer carbon emissions to contribute to environmental protection, as it is our responsibility to safeguard our environment
Payment Plan: Available – contact us at info@travelgems.com for details.
Language: English
Private Transfer: Available upon request
Non-participants / Accompanying Guests: Specific rates are available—please contact us at info@travelgems.com for more information
Cancellation Policy: 30% Deposit amount is non-refundable | Should you wish to cancel your participation one month or less before the start of the retreat, 100% of cancellation fees are applied.
Important Info: In case there are Covid-19 restrictions or restrictions related to any other pandemic that prevent guests from traveling the total amount paid will be refunded.
Dietary Needs: Should you have any special dietary needs/allergies, kindly let us know in advance in order to be able to better accommodate you in the best possible way.
Transport: For your convenience, here are the nearest airports and ports for the Wine & Philosophy Retreat at Dexamenes Seaside Hotel, along with approximate travel times:
Nearest Airports:
- Athens International Airport: Book a 3-hour transfer to Dexamenes.
- Kalamata International Airport: Book a 1 hour and 40-minute transfer to Dexamenes.
Nearest Ports:
- Patras Port: Book a 1-hour transfer to Dexamenes.
- Katakolo Port: Book a 20-minute transfer to Dexamenes.
Please contact info@travelgems.com for further information or assistance.
