📍 Kefalonia

Kefalonia, or Cephalonia, is an island in the Ionian Sea off the west coast of Greece. It is known for wine from the white grape Robola, which grows on limestone slopes. The island is one of the Ionian Islands.

The island has several names: Robola of Cephalonia, Mavrodaphne of Cephalonia and Muscat of Cephalonia. Robola gives pale, fresh wines with high acidity, notes of citrus and a mineral touch. The highest vineyards lie on the slopes of Mount Ainos. Mavrodaphne is a red variety used for sweet wines. Muscat gives sweet aromatic ones.

Among the known places are Mantzavinata and Metaxata. The island is tied to the Ionian Islands as a group. Summers are hot and dry, and sea breezes cool the vineyards. Winemaking on Kefalonia is traditional, and small farms are often run by families. Part of the island's wine is made by small family farms that sell it mostly locally.