Although established since 1937, the Wine Institute has operated as a scientific and research center on Greek wine since 1952, in collaboration with the Vine Institute. Directed by Stavroula Kourakou-Dragona, a former president of the International Organization of Vine and Wine (OIV), the Institute studied the viticultural characteristics of the main Greek grape varieties. The resulting data laid the ground for showcasing, protecting, and legally safeguarding the Protected Designation of Origin of Greek wines.