Greece is famous for its small vineyards and its wines produced from local grape varieties, almost impossible to find in the rest of the world. A real feast for the taste buds !
Mythological representations
A brief history of the vineyard
Wine in Greece has a long history, and it appears in many of the Greek mythological representations.
Since it joined the European Union, Greece has experienced a modernization of its techniques, allowing it to produce in greater quantity, and to have a better control of its wines quality.
But despite all of this, the traditions remain, with many autochthonous grape varieties, small farms, and techniques such as vines in crowns in Santorini.
+200 indigenous grape varieties
There are more than 200 indigenous grape varieties on the territory, adapted to the climate and able to withstand the heat. They represent 90% of the wines produced. The best known are Agiorgitiko, Xinomavro in red, Assyrtiko, Malagousia, Rotidis in white.
To a lesser extent, European grape varieties such as Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Merlot, Syrah, etc. are also cultivated.
Also, due to the reduced need for phytosanitary treatments, Greece produces more and more wines from organic agriculture.
120,000 ha
Northern Greece (including Thrace, Macedonia and Epirus)
Central Greece and Attica
The Peloponnese and the Ionian Islands
Crete
The Aegean islands.
Extent of the vineyard
Today, Greek vineyards extend over some 120,000 hectares, shared by countless small producers. The farms remain relatively small in size.
