Greece

Greek wine almost went out of existence during the 400-year rule of the Ottoman Empire. Both wine consumption and winemaking were discouraged by the occupiers and therefore many winemakers were forced to abandon their Vineyards. And so over time, Greece lost its status as winemaking power. But at the beginning of the 1970s, a handful of winemakers, including Kir-Yianni whose wines you will find on the list at Artemis & Apollo, pushed hard to put back Greece back on the map as a world-class winemaking nation. Today, 80 per cent of the wineries are less than 20 years old.

Grapes

Greece is home to numerous indigenous grape varieties. Some of the most well-known include Assyrtiko, Agiorgitiko, Xinomavro, and Moschofilero. Each of these grapes produces distinct and characteristic wines.

Regions

Greece has several wine-producing regions, the most famous of which are:

• Santorini: Known for its Assyrtiko grape, which thrives in the island's volcanic soil and produces crisp and mineral-driven white wines.
• Nemea: Famous for Agiorgitiko, which is a red grape variety, and it's known for its fruity and versatile wines.
• Naoussa: Home to the Xinomavro grape, producing bold and tannic red wines often compared to Barolo from Italy.

Modern Wine Industry 

In recent years, the Greek wine industry has seen a revival and is producing high-quality wines that are gaining recognition internationally. Winemakers have embraced modern techniques while still respecting their ancient traditions.

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