The demarcated area for the production of PGI Ikaria (ΠΓΕ Ικαρία) wines comprises all the areas of the island of Ikaria which is located in the southern part of the North Aegean Sea. The zone includes vineyards planted between 50-800 meters above sea level. Pramnios Oenos, one of the most important wines of antiquity was produced in the island.

The characteristics
Ikaria has a typical Mediterranean climate and this means a temperate climate with relatively mild winters and hot summers. Only in the most mountainous vineyards, (Ikaria is a mountainous islands) do conditions become slightly cooler due to the higher altitude. A part of Ikaria’s territory is covered by Atheros (Pramnos) mountain range and the vineyards are extended on terraced steep slopes, overlooking the Ikarian Sea. The vineyards can be described as an amphitheatric balcony facing the Aegean and they constantly receive the beneficial effect of the winds that blow from the sea.

Types of wines:

• White dry, semi-dry, semi-sweet
• Rosé dry, semi-dry, semi-sweet
• Red dry, semi-dry, semi-sweet

The grape varieties
The local vineyard is dominated by grape varieties of the Aegean Sea. The most prominent grapes are the red Fokiano and the white Begleri. There are few patches with Assyrtiko in the local vineyards. Ikaria carries on a long-lasting tradition and there are still wines made in a very traditional way, with foot-treading the grapes in ancient pressing houses (patitiria) and hands-off winemaking.

Permitted grape varieties:

White Wines
Natives: Athiri, Assyrtiko, Begleri

Red Wines
Natives: Vaftra, Mandilaria, Fokiano

Rosé wines
Natives: Vaftra, Mandilaria, Fokiano, Begleri