“Every night, after the sunset behind Maenalus Mountain, the wind stops blowing and extreme calm surrounds us. The only sounds that can be heard are those made by little frogs living in the lakes around. On Sunday night, the ribbiting mixes with the sounds of the cars from far away, as they return to Athens.”

He does not do it for the money

Takis Boulougouris, a retired bank clerk from Tripolis, harvests 10 tons of non-fertilized moschophilero grape of excellent quality every year, in his vineyard in Fteri of Mantinea. The wine he produces is distinctively scented and of low alcohol content, so that it can be drunk fearlessly and pleasantly, without causing headaches or stomach anomalies.

Moschophilero requires much care and Takis has plenty of patience. “I’m not in it for the money, but because it pleases me. Every once in a while I buy new piece of machinery and I often suffer a little financial damage. I give grapes to selected wine makers, but I also produce my own wine every year. I drink a little and share the rest with my friends”.

At the towers (farmhouses) of Mantinea's plateau people don’t consume much wine. Actually it is less than a small bottle per couple per day. Arcadians are modest and frugal, they only eat to taste the food, not in big quantities; they just want to enjoy it.

A serene plateau

Takis, who was born and raised in the petty bourgeois and densely-built centre of Tripolis, knew nothing about fields and grapes in his early years. From the paperwork and the monotony of the bank, he suddenly moved into the virgin world of Mantinea's plateau and a whole new world of experiences opened up in front of him.

“This area is cold even in the summer mornings, as the place is wet by the night dew. You enjoy watching the spider webs that look like crystals due to the moisture on them. We are lulled by the little green frogs that snuggle into the gutters of our farmhouse. It almost seems that they get in there on purpose, in order to amplify their voice just like a bullhorn would. If you don’t nudge them, they never stop”.

The plateau of Mantinea is surrounded by tall mountains and it is one of the most peaceful places in Greece. Its inhabitants experience exciting winters with rain, snow and fog, but also shiny and cool summers with plenty of light and overwhelming colors.

Lucky man

Apart from his wife, his children and grandchildren, Takis has a bulldog named Bebis (Baby boy in Greek) at his home in Tripolis, a dog who loves going to the vineyards with his boss. When the dog hears the word “moschophilero”, it stands next to the family's farm car and makes a great fuss if they don't take him with them. Takis also has three motorcycles, a street-type for the road, an Enduro for the muddy fields and an old Chopper with a high steering wheel which he uses when he goes for a coffee at Tripolis square.

A dog, motorcycles, ferocious 4x4 vehicles, tractors, he has fulfilled most of a man’s dreams. None of those would have been achieved without the support of his wonderful wife, Jenny, who never says no to him; a woman who respects his adoration for the Rolling Stones and follows him wherever he may wander. He is indeed a very lucky man.
TEXT-PHOTOS: GEORGE ZAFEIROPOULOS
SOURCE: www.greecewithin.com

MORE PHOTOS

The imposing plateau of Mantinea.

His "tower" is really austere inside the vineyard.

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