When summer ends, Naoussa changes pace. The air smells of grape must, the plane trees along the Arapitsa start turning gold and the evenings grow cool enough to make you long for a fireplace. For many of our guests, it is the most beautiful season of the year.
Harvest season
From late September and through October, the vineyards around the town fill with people. Xinomavro is a late-ripening variety, and its harvest is the busiest time of year for the wineries. If you arrange a visit during this period, you will see up close how grapes become wine — and understand why Naoussa is so bound to the vine.
Flavours of the season
Autumn usually opens with the Street Food Festival – Wine Edition in early September, in the Municipal Park. Then the table turns more “wintry”: homemade pies, chestnuts, the year’s new wine and mountain tea. In the meze taverns of the town centre you will find local cheeses and dishes that pair perfectly with a glass of Xinomavro.
The colours of Mount Vermio
The easiest walk is in Agios Nikolaos Park, a few minutes from the hotel: the centuries-old plane trees turn gold and red and the paths are carpeted with leaves. If you want something more mountainous, drive up towards Seli or 3-5 Pigadia. The road winds through forests that in October and November become a painting in yellow, orange and red.
And in the evening, by the fireplace
After a day outdoors, nothing compares with our lounge by the fireplace, a glass of wine and the view over the plain. And for those already thinking of winter, the ski resorts of Mount Vermio usually open in December, depending on the snow.
Would you like to experience it for yourself? Book your stay at Driades, just a few minutes from the centre of Naoussa.