Exploring Greece’s Indigenous Variety Across Borders

This experience took place during the lockdown period.

During a time when physical gatherings were not possible, the Cinque network chose not to pause its activity, but to rethink how wine experiences could continue to exist, travel and connect people.

This virtual wine tasting was created exclusively for the Hellenic Alumni Association of the London School of Economics (LSE), offering alumni a guided journey through the Greek vineyard from their own homes.

A Carefully Designed Digital Tasting

Participants received curated tasting kits prepared specifically for the experience. Each sample was bottled in small format and delivered safely, allowing everyone to taste simultaneously, regardless of location.

The tasting was led by Ted Lelekas, who guided the group through Greek terroirs, grape varieties and winemaking approaches, transforming a digital meeting into a shared, focused wine experience.

What made the evening stand out was not only the wines themselves, but the clarity and consistency with which they were presented.

Precision Behind the Scenes

The preparation of the tasting kits was handled by the Cinque network under the guidance of Nikitas Prassas, oenologist and sommelier.

Using a specialized small-format bottling system and protective inert gas, each wine sample was bottled to preserve freshness, aromatic expression and stability. This ensured that the wines reached participants exactly as intended, without oxidation or alteration.

The process reflected applied oenological knowledge, combined with attention to presentation and branding — elements that are essential when wine is meant to travel beyond the bar.

Words That Captured the Experience

Reflecting on the tasting, Ted Lelekas shared his appreciation for the work behind it:

“Nikitas Prassas embodies the future of Greek wine in the best possible way.
Modest, tireless and deeply knowledgeable, his work in both bottling precision and branding is exceptional.
Thank you for creating such a high-quality tasting experience.”

These words highlighted not only individual craftsmanship, but the broader philosophy of the Cinque network.

What This Moment Represented

This virtual tasting was not a one-off solution to extraordinary circumstances.
It was a demonstration of capability.

It showed how the Cinque network can design and deliver wine experiences beyond physical spaces, align logistics with education, and maintain quality and identity even under challenging conditions.

The same structure that supported this alumni tasting continues to inform how Cinque approaches educational events, corporate experiences and curated wine journeys today.

A Reference Point for the Network

While this experience belongs to a specific moment in time, its significance remains current.

It reflects a network built on knowledge, trust and adaptability.
A network capable of supporting producers, educators and communities through well-designed wine experiences.

Because when wine is handled with intention and care, the experience does not depend on distance.
It depends on structure.