Wine in Greece

Greece is truly blessed. A country of great cultural heritage widely recognized for one of the 7-Wonders, the Acropolis, and other famous architectural landmarks; legendary philosophers such as Aristotle and its infinite islands. The Greeks inherited a great deal from their predecessors. With all the ‘gifts’ the country has to offer, it’s no wonder the wonderful wines have been out shadowed for some time.

It has been calculated that Greece began the cultivation of vines around 15th century B.C. Though there is no accurate information as to the origin of the vines, whether they came from Phoenicia, Egypt, Crete, Naxos and spread throughout Greece; the fact remains that vine cultivation flourished and became essential to the economy.

In Ancient Greece, Dionysus (God of wild vegetation) was and almost exclusively been associated with this blessed product of grape. The wonderful grape infusion quickly spread throughout Southern Europe as the Greeks extended cultivation all around the country where the climate permitted. Soon wine became a complement to the domestic savings and for some, manufactured as the main source of income.

The production of wine differentiates from place to place according to the climate conditions, the variety, and the soil. Regions with extensive viticulture are: Peloponnesus, Crete, Central Greece, Evvoia, Macedonia, Thrace, Thessaly, Ionian Islands, Aegean Islands, Dodecanese and Epirus… Wine can be found everywhere in Greece!

We managed to find a Greek oenologist, who has been working and studying abroad for the last two years, and enquired about the wines of our country.

It is a common belief that Greece does not produce good quality wine. Is it a myth or reality?

Luckily it’s just a myth. Our country produces exceptional wines of excellent quality, and owes this to the wine culture, which has given a great number of awards to different Greek labels in various international exhibitions. However, marketing is an important factor in a country, since the difficult part is to convince other of the products’ quality. Quality should not be just real, but also perceived. Consequently, the need to consolidate a strong national identity in the global wine map is essential, something that has already started.

From your experience within the wine industry abroad, do you believe that the Greek wineries lack technological knowledge?

On the contrary, they are extremely substantial. In recent years there has been significant improvement in quality and a remodeling production in the Greek winemaking field. Even though the traditional stage of production is still found, the technological level of the Greek productive sector has been significantly improved. Modern Greek wineries use advanced technological equipment, aiming at the vigorous penetration in the global market.

Are there Greek varieties that excel abroad? If so, which are they?

There are many Greek varieties that managed to expand Greece’s commercial horizons due to their uniqueness. These varieties have rich taste and great scent potential. Assyrtiko Santorini is an excellent white variety, which has been universally awarded, as it now owns its prominence in the Mediterranean vineyard. In addition, Agiorgitiko is one of the largest indigenous red varieties in Europe. Finally, Xinomavro and Moschofilero have deservedly impressed consumers abroad, as they produce pretence wine.

What is the most well-known variety?

As a wine expert, I must admit that the ‘popular variety’ term, as far as the domestic market is concerned, is too general, too vague and does not exist, although I have been often asked. Each variety has its own distinct personality, its own characteristics and covers specific taste demands. Some are more common in the general public, as well as others are less. They all have their own specificity that distinguish and differentiate them among each other.

What is your favorite choice when it comes to Greek wines?

I always distinguish Xinomavro, a robust variety whose strong tannins give a great finish and excellent aging potential. Agiorgitiko also has a velvet taste and a rich bouquet. Finally, the unique Mavrotragano and Assyrtiko of Santorini with their delicate lemon aromas are two of my favorites as well.

What is wine for the Greeks?

For the Greek people, wine was always been the perfect luxury drink in almost every aspect of their life. It is ranked in the five primary elements of their nutrition, but has also invaded into culture for many years. Within the Greek society, wine participates in all activities, sharing with people moments of joy and sadness. We meet it in toasts, religion, history, tradition and the greek culture. It is an inextricable relationship which is continuously being evolved, without losing its roots. A reciprocal relationship in which both sides are tied together and mature over time, as it is found that the wine horizons of Greeks are widening and the range of their choices is expanding. The era of the tavern might not be something of the past, but now we see many wine bars and restaurants practicing the «art de la table». The Greeks are constantly requesting and always open to taste new things. The demands are being increased and consumers choose the wine quality, according to what they are about to enjoy.

Cycladia recommends the best wine deals on Santorini Island for this summer:

Katikies The Hotel, the famous multi awarded hotel with the breathtaking view in Caldera basin suggests you a “Santorinian Wine Experience” .

San Antonio, one of the most romantic hotels in Europe and one of the small luxury hotels of the word, invites you to experience “Culinary and Wine Adventures” .

La Maltese is always loyal in luxury and proposes you to enjoy a unique wine experience of “Small Luxury Hotels of The World Pleasures” as well as the exclusive offer of “Intro to the Art of Wine”.

Zannos Melathron, the well known Relais & Châteaux and awarded by the World Travel Awards, hotel in Pyrgos can presents you the “Greatest Wine Experience” with the special benefit of “Wine Sampling Event”.

Gold Suites, the newly established luxury 5 star hotel, located in the picturesque Imerovigli village, offers you to “Taste Santorini”.

Petit Palace is one of the most luxury hotels, nestled at the picturesque village of Messaria. This summer the hotel offers you a “Wine Tasting Experience” and reveals the 5 most famous Santorinian wine breeds.