His Serene Highness Prince Albert II has spent several days this week exploring the Greek island of Naxos, with its ancient vineyards, olive groves and rich cultural heritage taking centre stage during the visit…
According to Naxos Times, the Prince travelled to the island via Paros and was accompanied by Dr Vasilis Apostolopoulos, president of the Athens Medical Group and Monaco’s honorary consul in Greece. His tour included Koronos, Komiaki, Chalki and the ancient Temple of Demeter at Sangri.
A particular highlight was a meeting with French winemaker Loïc Pasquet, creator of Bordeaux’s celebrated Liber Pater and the extremely limited-production Naxos wine Tétradrachme. HSH Prince Albert II learned about the island’s ancient indigenous vines, including francs de pied vines growing on their own roots rather than grafted rootstock.
The subject has a strong Monaco connection. Pasquet founded the Francs de Pied association in the Principality to protect ungrafted vines and their viticultural heritage, an initiative supported by HSH Prince Albert II.
The Sovereign also visited the Kambones Estate, where ancient olive groves provided another glimpse into the agricultural history of Naxos, alongside its gastronomy and traditional practices.
Although HSH Prince Albert II was photographed wearing a Monaco Explorations shirt, Naxos Times stressed that the trip was not an official scientific mission. Instead, the long-planned visit reflected his personal interest in history, nature, environmental preservation and traditional agriculture.
Image: Ioannis Margaritis/Naxos Times