Welcome to the Epirotiko Kellari

Our family’s involvement in the production and distribution of foodstuffs can be traced back to at least the mid-19th century. The surname Vaimaki, meaning "Mother of Olive Oil," reflects this longstanding heritage. By the late 19th century, our family, based in Paramythia, Thesprotia—an important commercial hub in northwestern Greece at the time—was actively engaged in the production of wine, raki, and vinegar, as well as the trade of olive oil. In addition to these endeavors, they operated a bakery and restaurant, further solidifying their presence in the local economy.

Apart from the restaurant, which ceased operations following the war, the remaining family enterprises flourished until the early 1970s. Our wine, in particular, garnered a prestigious gold medal at the 1955 International Exhibition in Thessaloniki. However, with changing lifestyles and an economic downturn, the manufacturing operations were the first to close, followed by the eventual shutdown of the bakery.

In the 1970s, Vasilis Vaimakis, a newly qualified chemist, chose to continue the family tradition of winemaking by pursuing a career as an oenologist. Over the years, he worked with several esteemed wineries across Greece, earning widespread respect for his expertise and craftsmanship. In the 1990s, he turned his attention to a neglected sector of the wine industry: vinegar production. Recognizing its traditional roots, which had long been overshadowed by industrialization, he sought to revitalize this artisanal product.

Vasilis established his vinegar production in Zitsa, Ioannina, one of Greece’s most renowned wine-producing regions, where he utilized local grape varieties. In 2005, he launched the first batches of his vinegar, which quickly garnered widespread acclaim from both connoisseurs and consumers alike. The business is managed personally by Vasilis, in partnership with his wife, Katerina. The product is marketed under the brand name Oxos – Traditional Vinegar of the Vaimaki Family. Oxos, the ancient Greek term for vinegar, reflects the product's deep-rooted tradition and heritage.