The visionary winemaker behind Greece’s most innovative culinary travel platform

Transforming decades of winemaking into a bold international project that showcases authentic culinary culture, local producers, and the richness of Greek gastronomy.

For more than three decades, Alexandros Megapanos has been deeply connected to Greek winemaking — but what began in the vineyards soon evolved into something much larger. Today, he leads one of the most ambitious digital projects showcasing Greece’s culinary heritage: Gastronomy Tours.

With over 30 years of experience as an oenologist and winery owner in Pikermi, Attica, Megapanos initially set out to solve a simple but persistent problem. Visitors were eager to experience authentic wineries, yet reliable information was difficult to find. What started as a platform dedicated solely to wine producers gradually expanded as he realized how many food artisans, small makers, and local experiences across Greece remained hidden from travelers.

“I often met visitors who were fascinated by things we take for granted,” he recalls. “Once, an American guest asked me what kind of tree produces lemons.” That moment revealed to him how much everyday life in Greece can feel new and exciting to outsiders — and how much cultural value remains unexplored.

Launched in 2017, Gastronomy Tours now hosts almost 500 producers and experience providers. Available as both a website and a mobile app, the platform allows travelers to discover wineries, cheese makers, farms, beekeepers, bakeries, distilleries, as well as cooking classes, foraging activities, and other hands-on experiences. A location-based search function helps users find authentic gastronomic activities wherever they travel.

A distinctive element of the platform is its curated calendar of local festivals, traditional feasts (panigyria), wine exhibitions, and regional celebrations where gastronomy plays a central role. These listings help travelers discover cultural events they would otherwise never know about and highlight how strongly food traditions are woven into everyday life in Greece.

The rise of experience-driven travel has only strengthened the platform’s relevance. Even in destinations known for cosmopolitan tourism, like Mykonos, visitors increasingly want to understand local products such as louza and learn about traditional production methods — experiences that give their trips greater depth and authenticity.

The platform naturally attracts travelers with a higher disposable income, typically curious explorers aged 30 and above who enjoy tasting, learning, and supporting local producers.

In its early stages, Gastronomy Tours relied on Megapanos’s personal contacts in the wine industry. Over time, however, the onboarding process became fully digital. Producers can now submit their profiles online with photos and videos, and the team evaluates whether each venue is suitable for hosting visitors, based on clear and fair criteria.

While the platform already has strong roots in Greece, Megapanos’s ambition extends further. His long-term vision is for Gastronomy Tours to evolve into an international platform — a point of reference where producers from France, the UK, the U.S. and beyond can present their wineries, dairies, farms, and culinary experiences, something like the “TripAdvisor of gastronomy”. 

Collaborations with travel agencies are also being developed, enabling agents to make bookings for clients directly through the platform and widening its reach even more.

As Gastronomy Tours continues to grow, it highlights the richness of Greece’s gastronomic culture and connects travelers with the people, products, and traditions that define each region. Through this project, Alexandros Megapanos is not only promoting culinary tourism — he is helping shape a more meaningful way of experiencing a country.