1980
The two friends (and electrical engineers colleagues) Yiannis Maltezos and Achilleas Lampsidis decide to try work within the viticulture by replanting Yianni’s family estate in Anavyssos, Attica, which was left behind due to phylloxera which destroyed it in 1956.
1981
After a long study, they decided to try international wine making varieties and thus (under the guidance of Mr. Thanasis Lakes) grafted the 25 hectares of red Cabernet Sauvignon & white Ugni blanc.
1982
With the help of French and German books, they have their first harvest at the winepress of Maltezos family, built next to their house since 1864. The next year, the positive appreciation of Mr. Sotiris Sotiropoulos of the Wine Institute for the quality of these wines, as well as the enthusiastic response of the first consumers (of course, mainly friends!), gave them the courage to continue as expert viticulture winegrowers. They gave the name “Strofilia” to their wines, from the traditional hand-operated wine press of the Maltezos family used in winemaking, and the first label is designed by the architect, Achilleas’ brother, George.
1985
In November, they dare to take the next step: they inaugurate together with Sami Gavrielidis (a friend of Achilleas from the Technical University of Athens), Takis Leventis (a friend of Yiannis from the Karlsruhe University) and the financing of the printing and publishing E.P.E FORM, the "Wine Bar STROFILIA" at Karytsi Square in the center of Athens. It is the first Greek wine bar, where - thanks to the enthusiastic response of the Athenians - the major upheaval in the wine market has been triggered by the appearance of the first "small producers" and their gradual prevalence in the quality market.
1988
They build in the vineyard of Anavyssos with their own hands (except for the concrete elements) their first winery. Its design includes, for the first time, forecasts for handling grape - must - wine with passive cooling systems. Their chemist friend, Stavros Koroneos, is observing the oenological department.