One of the most delightful islands of the Aegean, Chios is celebrated for its natural beauty, lovely climate, and fascinating marvels of its artistic and architectural heritage.
Nea Moni, Chios’s renowned byzantine monastery decorated with outstanding 11th century mosaics, has been listed an UNESCO World Heritage site. The island’s evocative medieval attractions also include the castle-town of Anavatos and the best preserved mastihohoria villages, famous for their mastic, a resin of the lentisk tree grown nowhere else in the world.
With deep roots in history, artistic and agricultural heritage, and gastronomic tradition, Chios is one of the few remaining “undiscovered” gems of the Aegean that still hold on to the old-world charm.
A place of arcadian allure and rugged beauty strewn with primeval rocks, impressive cave formations, and mineral-rich thermal springs, northern Chios is a remarkable geological haven and a designated nature reserve.
Here, in Ano Meria, in this beautiful off-beaten region where the strong north winds give way to the light sea breeze, lies picturesque Amades—our home village. Perched on a steep slope surrounded by mountain peaks and embraced by wild olives, evergreen shrubs, and fragrant herbs, it gazes out at the sea and the open horizon.
Nature has been generous to Amades. Abundant crystal-clear waters give life to a healthy and fertile soil, while the sunlight, which constantly plays with the shapes and volumes of the mountainous landscape, makes them cast long and protective shadows over the crops. Here, on this verdant land, our vines and olive trees take root and grow, nourished by the fresh mountain air and the salty sea breeze.
The village has seen good days in the past. The streets were bustling with life and the orchards, olive trees, and vineyards were laden with fruit. Today, following a long period of abandonment and neglect due to labor shortages and emigration, the village is coming back to life. A growing number of people hailing from Amades choose to settle in their ancestral land and explore the opportunities offered by the increasing investments in the region.
The driving force behind the region’s economic and social revival is the Fotinos family. Deeply rooted in Amades, inspired by values that passed on from generation to generation, and guided by the vision and determination of Ioannis Fotinos, we have embarked on an investment program of regeneration and sustainable growth.
Our goal is to revitalize our land. To tend the old vineyards and olive groves which were left to the mercy of the winds and the ravages of time, save them from decay and loss, and restore them to productive use. We take full advantage of the latest advances in agriculture to enhance the landscape with new plantings, breathing life into a charismatic and fertile soil haunted by decades of abandonment and neglect.
Our efforts are also focused on highlighting the unique character of Chios’s
indigenous varieties, exploring their full potential, and creating new and exciting blends that would delight the modern palate. We want to offer fresh and inspiring insights into the two products that have shaped the culinary culture of the Greek world since ancient times—wine and olive oil.
Drawing from the roots that tether us to the land of Amades, we are committed to launching a thriving agrotourism destination nestled in the natural haven of northern Chios. Driven by time-honored values and a new vision nurtured in history and tradition, we adopt efficient forward-looking strategies to safeguard the environment and ensure the region’s long-term sustainable growth.
This self-sustaining ecosystem relies on the combined cultivation of olive trees and vines, fostering the development of unique products that honor the harmony and balance of nature and reflect the passion of the people who tend the land. Our plans include the construction of a state-of-the-art winery and olive mill, as well as the design of inspiring gastronomy and winetourism programs that will offer quality services and authentic experiences.
The Amades Rootings revival project is fueled by the passion and vision shared by everyone involved. We want to carry the torch across Chios, inspiring and motivating young people to join this collective effort and make a positive impact on their native land.
