Name: Tsigaridia Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 12
Cuisine: Greek
Ingredients: 2.5kg wild greens (leaks, poppy, hartwort, sorrel, spinach, chard); 1 bunch of celery, chopped; 1 bunch of parsley, chopped; oregano; fennel, chopped; 3 spring onions, sliced; ½ head garlic, crushed; 2 tomatoes chopped into cubes; 150g rice; 1 cup olive oil; salt; pepper; crusty bread, to serve

We knew we wanted to go wine tasting on Kefalonia. There is a unique Kefalonian variety called robola and we were very keen to try it. We drove our little 50cc scooter out to the most beautiful winery set halfway between Agostoli and Sammi, Orealios Gaea – Vine Growers of Robola. Situated right in the heart of the island and the Robola Wine-Growing Zone this winery is a cooperative. With a 300 member cooperative of growers from Omala and the surrounding areas (Troiannata, Vlachata, Mousata, Faraklata, Diklinata) created the Kefalonian Robola Wine Cooperative in 1982, in an attempt to protect and promote the vineyard’s potential.

The Orealis Gaea Winery wine tasting

We met Maria, our hostess who told us about the history of the cooperative and showed us the winery. We took part in an 8 wine flight and it was just incredible. Our favourite was the Robola Barrel which has been aged in a french oak barrel and is full-bodied yet soft on the palate. I have a weakness for a dessert wine and the one at Orealios Gaea is particularly good! The rose was a close favourite however all the wines were of a high quality. We quite happily listened to the differences between them all.

We were served a delicious patter of Tsidaridia. This is a local dish of green vegetables stewed, served on crunchy bread and topped with local cheese. It was completely delightful and perfectly paired with our wines.

The location of the winery

The scenery is stunning! We easily spent a couple of hours relaxing with our wines and enjoying the views. Eventually we had to leave, driving back through the gorgeous countryside. I highly recommend coming to experience the divine Orealios Gaea wines. You can purchase from their cellar door, we definitely took a couple of bottles with us!

We asked for the recipe and were kindly given it:

Yield: 12

Tsigaridia Recipe

This beautiful Greek dish is a perfect accompaniment to your next aperitivo. Best served on some crusty bread.

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 10 minutes

Additional Time 5 minutes

Total Time 30 minutes

Ingredients

2.5kg wild greens (leaks, poppy, hartwort, sorrel, spinach, chard)
1 bunch of celery, chopped
1 bunch of parsley, chopped
oregano
fennel, chopped
3 spring onions, sliced
½ head garlic, crushed
2 tomatoes chopped into cubes
150g rice
1 cup olive oil
salt
pepper
crusty bread, to serve

Instructions

1. Wash greens well then roughly chop.

2. Boil them for 5-7 minutes, drain well.
3. Heat the oil and fry the onions and garlic until soft and aromatic.

4. Add the herbs and tomatoes, then add the rice. Mix well and add enough water to boil the rice, about twice the volume of the rice.
5. Once boiling reduce the heat and simmer until the rice is tender.
6. Serve hot or warm, with crusty bread.

The winery is open throughout the year with tastings available between 9am and 3pm, you can book on their website here. Tastings of 6 or 8 wines start at 11 euro and include a traditional snack. You can hire a vehicle and drive yourself. If you want to enjoy without the hassle of driving you can book a great tour from Get Your Guide here.

Looking for more things to do on Kefalonia? Check out our Kefalonia travel guide here.