Cultivating grapes for winemaking purposes has been part of Greek history for thousands of years—one of the longest running wine cultures of any presently European entity. Since that time, it has flourished continuously throughout the entire country. Viticultural practices still employed today were developed according to the nuances of what suited each specific vineyard in order to delineate which plot was best suited for each respective grape variety.

Marrying ancient Greek traditional winemaking practices with the latest technology available today keeps Greek wines both unique and always maximizing their potential for quality. No other place in the world is home to greater experts on vinification, especially when it comes to grasping the intricacies of native Greek grapes.

Within the general context of European Union wine legistlation, Greece operates a similar qualitative and quantitative systems for wine production and labeling. This methodology was first introduced in Greece during the 1970s, which defined the criteria of the classification of Greek wines. It was one of the first of modern European wine laws to do so.

Apart from the up-and-coming Greek varieties and their flagships (Assyrtiko, Moschofilero, Agiorgitiko and Xinomavro) there are also practically hundreds of other Greek grape varieties. All are vinifiable, whether they go towards vinification of monovarietals or are used as part of wine blends. Whatever the case may be, they contribute their character and diversity to the wines they yield, showcasing them as one-of-a-kind.

Greece’s immense range of monuments, museums, and ancient archeological sites and natural attractions are an extension of Greek wine. A visit to Greece is a trip to authenticity. Hospitality in Greece lies at the heart of everyday life and nothing demonstrates this than sharing a meal there. In the heart is exactly where Greeks keep wine and people.

“Gastronomy” is a Greek word! Greek cuisine is based on seasonality, simplicity, continuity, regionality, and healthfulness. Greece is blessed with a wide gamut of humble ingredients that flourish in the perfect Mediterranean climate and the perfect wine to enjoy with them.

Wine research in modern Greece began in the 1970s with the rigorous academic and agricultural study of native varieties. The ensuing decades sparked the advent of the Greek wine revolution that gave way to the renaissance enjoyed today. Research in formal educational institutions, governmental ministries, and independent organizations elaborate in this work today, with the continual study of vine clones and vinification techniques in order to further contribute to optimizing winemaking in Greece.

Wines of Greece offer consumers such consistently high level of quality and distinction that they are easily embraced by both new wine drinkers and seasoned oenophiles alike. To taste Greek wine and fully understand it, it is crucial to serve it in the proper fashion that allows its full potential to be realized by those experiencing it, especially for the first time.