Immigrate to Greece and taste Greek cuisine: When Odysseus faced the threat of death in the cave of the Cyclops, he ordered his men to gather wild grapes, stomped them to extract the juice, and brewed wine to intoxicate the Cyclops, allowing them to escape... This is the earliest record of winemaking in the "Homeric Epics."
Greece has had winemaking techniques for over 6000 years, and wine is closely linked to ancient Greek civilization. If we say, "Without wine, there is no history and culture of Europe," then Greece, as the cradle of Western civilization, is also a pioneer in the winemaking industry in Europe.
Greek wine is primarily wine made from grapes. In ancient Greece, wine was regarded as the source of human wisdom, and grapes were commonly seen in various decorations, vineyards, and various clay wine vessels filled with wine. The origin of ancient Greek tragedy is related to the commemoration of the wine god Dionysus.
As wine entered the commercial realm, Greece was the first to regulate the winemaking industry. Ancient Greece was the first country in the world to legally define the production and operation of wine. In Greece, whether rich or poor, wine is an essential part of every meal. They believe that good wine is not only nutritious but also softens blood vessels, making it the best health drink.
Greece is mountainous and has many islands, and due to the differences in climate and elevation across regions, it produces various types of grapes, resulting in a wide range of wine brands that cater to different tastes.
The oldest and most beloved wine in Greece is called Retsina. This is a light yellow wine made from high-quality grapes, with a small amount of pine resin added during the winemaking process, giving it a unique aroma when consumed. It is known as the "national wine of Greece." Greek wines such as dry red, dry white, rosé, and deep red vary in taste depending on their origin.
The wines from Central Greece and Evia account for one-third of the national wine production, with the main brands being Savatiano white wine and Roditis wine. Savatiano dry white wine is renowned for its purity and lightness and is also the source of Retsina wine. Currently, this wine accounts for 15% of Greece's total wine production.
The Thessaly region is Greece's main fertile plain, with a climate well-suited for grape cultivation. Influenced by the Olympus Mountains to the west and the Aegean Sea to the east, the climate varies greatly, and many brand wines are produced in the regions of Lappasani, Angelios, and Mycenicla, primarily producing white and light red Roditis wines.
Naoussa, located in northern Greece, has a cooler climate and produces the best red wines in Greece, locally referred to as "black juice," describing the color and density of the wine. This region has nearly 700 acres of vineyards that provide grapes for this wine.
The Peloponnese Peninsula is the region with the best climate in Greece, surrounded by sea on three sides, with the Epirus Mountains rising to the west. The "Agiorgitiko" grapes produced here are used to make the "Aemia" wine, which has won multiple awards in European wine competitions in 1989 and 1993. The wines from this region account for 25% of Greece's total production.
Greece produces approximately 132 million gallons of wine annually, ranking eighth in the European Union. The EU lists Retsina as Greece's most traditional wine, which sells very well. Greek wines are also certified by international wine associations, and there are over 55 varieties of Greek wines available in the American and European markets, consistently selling well and remaining competitive.
51% of Greece's vineyards are producing grapes for winemaking. Currently, Greece combines the most modern scientific methods with traditional techniques from previous centuries, resulting in wines that are flavorful and of high quality. Greek wines are ranked among the best in the world.
In recent years, trade between China and Greece has increased, and Greek wines have appeared in the Chinese wine market. With moderate prices and exceptional flavors, they are favored by the Chinese people. It is believed that more and more Greek wine companies will come to China in search of broader development opportunities.