The first evidence of human life in the region of Ioannina found in Paleolithic Age (38,000 years ago). That was proved due to the stone tools that were found in Kastritsa cave. The city was founded in the 6th century by Justinian (Byzantine Emperor). The name of the city was probably derived from the Monastery of St. John the Baptist who was located in the castle area. During the 13th century, Ioannina used to be Epirus second largest urban center after Arta. Michael Komnenos Doukas was the founder of Despot who contributed to the establishment of prominent families in the city. Families had arrived from the city of Constantinople (Constantinople “fall” by the Crusaders, 1204). Until the Turkish conquest (1430) and although the city was under the Serbian and Italian control, it experienced a significant economic and spiritual growth.
Several other grapes are indigenous in Greece. When brought up in the right place by the right people they deliver excellent wines.
From the time of Ancient Greece and Rome visits have been made to vineyards. Since the early 19th century, however, visits to vineyards were part of package tours, which were mainly the prerogative of the aristocratic classes of the time.
Three things shape the personality of wines: grape variety, territory characteristics and winegrowers care.
Zagori is an area of great natural beauty and unique architecture in the Pindus Mountains in Epirus in Northwestern Greece. The area is of about 1.000 square kilometers and contains 46 villages. Zagoria villages is called by Greeks “Zagorochoria” meaning the villages behind the mountain.
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In 1989, Professor of Byzantine Studies, Helen Ahrweiler is appointed Chairman of the Cultural Centre Pompidou in Paris