Introduction

We set off early in the morning from ena, heading toward Prosotsani, Drama — a place that beautifully combines the charm of the Greek landscape with a rich winemaking tradition.
Upon arriving at our destination, Mr. Nikos Karatzas, founder of Oenops Wines, welcomed us with a warm smile to the inviting premises of the winery. The space, adorned with clean lines that blend tradition with contemporary aesthetics, set the tone for the uniqueness of the wines we were about to experience.
With a glass of red from the Apla series — a wonderful blend of Xinomavro, Limniona, and Mavroudi — in hand, the story of the winery began to unfold. Mr. Karatzas shared his vision of creating a venture founded on collaboration with Greek vine growers, highlighting the potential of native Greek varieties and the authenticity of the Greek terroir.
The warm atmosphere, the aromatic notes of the wine, and the passion with which Mr. Karatzas described his journey made our visit an unforgettable experience.

The Starting Point of an Idea

Nikos Karatzas began his journey as a chemical engineer at the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki. Although chemistry always held a place in his life, winemaking appeared almost unexpectedly. At first, he hesitated, believing that a turn toward oenology might distance him from his core studies. However, the complexity of wine creation and the countless variables requiring control convinced him that oenology was not only deeply connected to chemistry — it could also offer him the inspiration he had been seeking.
He pursued oenology studies in Bordeaux, France, the “Mecca” of wine. Upon his return to Greece, he worked as a winemaker, production director, and later as CEO at a major winery.
He then took on the role of consultant to selected wineries, focusing on improving production and promoting the potential of Greek viticulture. Despite the success of this venture, he began to miss the action — the “hands-on” side of winemaking. That was the moment he decided to found Oenops Wines in 2015, one of the newest wineries in the Drama region.

Difficulties

The idea for Oenops Wines was born in 2015, during a particularly challenging period for Greek entrepreneurship. With capital controls creating a suffocating financial environment, Nikos Karatzas had to overcome significant obstacles, such as securing equipment and raw materials. Through patience, perseverance, and a clear strategy, he succeeded in laying solid foundations for his business.
However, the challenges didn’t end there. Shortly after the capital controls were lifted, the Covid-19 pandemic brought a new wave of difficulties, directly affecting the company, as wine is a product closely tied to social gatherings and the hospitality sector.
“Wine is not about mere living — it’s about well-being. When you go out with your friends and accompany the moment with wine, you experience eudaimonia, the good life — an element that completes and gives meaning to life itself.” 
Despite the adversities, Mr. Karatzas and his team adapted to the circumstances, remaining committed to quality and innovation. Today, Oenops Wines stands as a shining example of resilience and creativity, proving that even in times of crisis, passion, a sound strategy, and collaboration can lead to remarkable results.

The Vision of Oenops

The word “Oenops” means “one who has the appearance of wine”, an ancient Greek term that captures the essence and tradition of wine itself. Nikos Karatzas was inspired by the history of Greek winemaking and made collaboration with Greek vine growers the foundation of Oenops. The grapes used in the company’s wines come exclusively from carefully selected vineyards across Greece, cultivated with care and respect for the land by people who share the same vision for quality and a biological, minimal-intervention philosophy.
During our conversation, Mr. Karatzas shared the philosophy behind Oenops Wines, explaining that the name itself reflects the company’s commitment to producing authentic wines that highlight the Greek character. He spoke about the emphasis he places on the freshness and vibrant personality of the wines — qualities often described by international visitors as carrying the essence of an “Aegean breeze.”

"The wine series of Oenops Wines"

Η Oenops Wines έχει αναπτύξει τρεις μοναδικές οικογένειες κρασιών:
  • Η οικογένεια AplaThe Apla Family: Combines simplicity and finesse, offering wines that are perfect for accompanying special moments with loved ones. It is based on a blend of Greek grape varieties such as Assyrtiko, Malagousia, and Vidiano, expressing the authentic Greek character.
  • The Dots Family: Features single-varietal wines from Greek grape varieties. The design of the series is inspired by the illusion of dots, each representing the specific variety of the wine. Through minimal intervention, the pure character of each grape variety is beautifully showcased.
  • The Raw Family: Consists of single-varietal wines based on renowned grape varieties from Northern Greece, such as Xinomavro and Roditis. With zero interventions, these wines focus on the terroir, highlighting the authenticity and unique character of each vineyard.
  • Διεθνής αναγνώριση και βραβεύσεις
Η Oenops έχει κερδίσει διεθνή αναγνώριση για την εξαιρετική ποιότητα των κρασιών της, κατακτώντας κορυφαίες διακρίσεις σε παγκόσμιους διαγωνισμούς. Μεταξύ αυτών, Gold Medal at Berliner Wein Trophy (2024, 2021, 2019), Grand Gold Medal από τον διαγωνισμό Mundus Vini (2024, 2023), καθώς και υψηλές βαθμολογίες από κριτικούς όπως ο James Suckling (92+ βαθμοί), η Jancis Robinson (17 βαθμοί) και το Decanter (90-96 βαθμοί). Επιπλέον, έχει τιμηθεί με Χρυσό Μετάλλιο στον Διεθνή Διαγωνισμό Οίνου Θεσσαλονίκης, με βαθμολογία έως 95 πόντους.
Oenops has earned international recognition for the exceptional quality of its wines, receiving top distinctions in global competitions. Among these are a Gold Medal at the Berliner Wein Trophy (2024, 2021, 2019), a Grand Gold Medal from the Mundus Vini competition (2024, 2023), as well as high ratings from renowned critics such as James Suckling (92+ points), Jancis Robinson (17 points), and Decanter (90–96 points). Additionally, the winery has been awarded a Gold Medal at the Thessaloniki International Wine Competition, with scores reaching up to 95 points.

Collaboration with ena Development Consultants

Για την Oenops Wines, ο ρόλος του συμβούλου είναι κάτι πολύ περισσότερο από μια επαγγελματική συνεργασία – είναι μια σχέση εμπιστοσύνης, καθοδήγησης και υποστήριξης.
Όπως χαρακτηριστικά αναφέρει ο κ. Νίκος Καρατζάς:
 “The word ‘consultant’ means a lot to us. We need someone who will guide us, direct us, and help us move forward. In everything we’ve done together, there has been immediate action and response. Relationships are often tested in difficult times, and ena’s reaction was excellent, even in the most demanding circumstances.”
“Through their interaction with the consultants of ena, Mr. Karatzas and his team feel that they have a valuable partner by their side.”
 “We are a company built on collaboration, and everyone at Oenops shares the same mindset. I believe we share this with the ena team as well, and that gives us great confidence for the future.”
"Through ena's guidance, Oenops implemented important investment projects, such as the program '"Επενδύσεις σε Επιχειρήσεις Οινοπαραγωγής“, που της επέτρεψε να αυξήσει την παραγωγική της δυναμικότητα, να μειώσει το λειτουργικό κόστος, να βελτιώσει την ποιότητα των προϊόντων της και να αναδιαμορφώσει τον εκθεσιακό της χώρο. Επίσης, μέσω του Προγράμματος Νέων Θέσεων Εργασίας, δημιούργησε τρεις νέες θέσεις πτυχιούχων, ενισχύοντας την ομάδα της.

"Tour and Wine Tasting"

"The Oenops winery, always open to its visitors, offers the opportunity to experience up close the process of minimal-intervention winemaking. In its welcoming spaces, you can tour the facilities, explore each stage of production, and taste wines that showcase Greek grape varieties and the unique terroir. An experience that reveals the true essence of wine, blending tradition with innovation."

"A Suggestion for the Festive Table"

"The best wine is the one that adds value to your moments."
There is no perfect wine that can be recommended for everyone; however, for the Christmas table, Mr. Nikos Karatzas suggests the Apla wine family from Oenops Wines. These wines, with their simplicity and finesse, easily find their place in every home, adding value to the moments we share with our loved ones.
Στο Business Story συμμετείχαν ο Giannis Kaltsas, Σύμβουλος Ανάπτυξης Υπηρεσιών Αναπτυξιακού Νόμου και Ανάπτυξης Επιχειρήσεων, και η Maria Kariofilaki από το τμήμα Marketing.