Liknon
Liknon
Liknon
Liknon
Liknon
Liknon
Liknon
Liknon
Wines are an embodiment of the terroir. In the eastern Aegean Sea, the Greek island of Samos is renowned for its viticulture and a history of wine production and distillation that stretches back to antiquity. To this day, the Mediterranean climate, granite soil and semi-mountainous topography make the island an ideal home for sweet muscat grapes — a key ingredient in the production of Metaxa liquor. To help the time-honoured brand share and embrace its roots, Greek designers K-Studio have sensitively adapted a Metaxa vineyard, dubbed Liknon, to welcome guests into the productive landscape that kindles the drink’s distinctive aroma and character.
Situated beneath the village of Vourliotes — and 800 metres below sea level — a sloped 380-square-metre plot was subtly transformed to create a journey through the century-old vineyard.
Carefully tracing pre-existing paths across the terraces, K-Studio introduced new stone walls and steps, as well as a series of deeper cuts into the landscape, which host the full program of a visitor centre without the imposition of a new building. In lieu of remaking the terraced landscape, the designers opted to amplify its existing qualities, carving an immersive route through the site.
As visitors ascend the path — which features safe, evenly spaced stairs and handrails — the vineyard’s surprising program is gradually revealed. The first stop conveys guests into an underground room where a glass wall reveals a view of vine roots through layered terrain. Further along the trail, a cask cellar is tucked into the landscape, allowing tastings within a uniquely aromatic space. Finally, the Metaxa bar concludes the climb, its elegantly understated stone service counter emerging onto an outdoor terrace with a hanging vine-covered pergola. The result is a sensuous immersion into the terroir and its heritage — and a bold new paradigm for what a visitor centre can be.
Team Stavros Kotsikas and Marina Leventaki with Dimitris Karampatakis, Christos Spetseris, Achilleas Pliakos and Argyris Mavronikolas
Greek designers K-Studio have sensitively adapted a Metaxa vineyard to welcome guests into the productive landscape that kindles the drink’s distinctive aroma and character.
