Page 4 - Greek Wine HistoryEng

Greek Wine, Culture, Civilization, Gastronomy
Greek wine, culture and gastronomy have coincided for centuries that this “wise” in alcohol content
beverage has become a part of Greek DNA, connected with material and spiritual civilization.

Wine has been an important part of Greek culture for over 4000 years as it’s indicated from the
numerous archaeological discoveries throughout Greece. A major part in the Greek mythology with its
own God, Dionysus, a figure created to appreciate the joy of life.

The ancient Greeks knew well the nutritional value of wine as it became an inseparable part of their
daily regimen. They loved to organize intellectual gatherings called “symposia” where they would eat
and talk about philosophical subjects while drinking wine.

Our ancestors very soon realized the important influence of the local ecosystem on the characteristics of
wine. They even traded their wines throughout the ancient world inside sealed amphorae and even
created their own Appellations of Origin to keep and honor their hidden treasure.
Gastronomy and the Mediterranean diet both origined from Greece. The extraordinary and profoundly
tasty traditional Greek cuisine and the local dishes are closely tied with the leading and unique products
of the land, and are traditionally accompanied by wine.

The list of unique Greek products can continue forever. Some of them as botargo, beneficial herbs
(dried), Greek yogurt, which has already conquered the world, the unique olive oil and olives, honey,
the incredible rusks and different cheeses amongst them the exclusively Greek feta, the unique Mastic
of Chios, Florina peppers, beans and other vegetables as well as the entirely unique in taste and texture
fish and sea food of the Greek seas which for many are undiscovered and enchanting taste pleasures.

Thanks to the Greek grape varieties there are so many different aromatic and taste proposals offered by
Greek wines delightfully match many national cuisines of the world, boosting the satisfaction they offer.
Until today Greek wine can be found in some of the best restaurants of the world, like a hidden treasure
and wine lovers everywhere have the opportunity to experience this in Greece, on the same lands were
all history took place.
The opportunity of combining all this with the appareled scenery and experiences that Greece has to
offer, the gastronomic wealth of this cosmopolitan country, or just the feeling of enjoying a bottle of
excellent Greek wine in the sun can make this journey unforgettable.

Greek Grape Varieties
There are hundreds of Greek grape varieties. This means that Greek
wine production is not limited to a few grape varieties, like in other
vineyards of the world. However the Greek vineyard is one of those
that not only have many varieties to present, but also very
interesting ones. It is also a good host for many international grape
varieties as well, starring the classic international ones like
Chardonnay, Sauvignon blanc, Cabernet sauvignon, Merlot and
Syrah. Either in single varietal wines, blended amongst them, with
other foreign ones or with Greek ones, they give interesting and mainly unique results.