A delegation of Greek wine producers is heading to Vienna. From 25 May to 27 May, they will present their wines at the HOFBURG Vienna under this year’s VieVinum guest country spotlight.

For a long time, the wines of Greece were relatively unrecognised. But today, this popular vacation destination is considered as one of the most exciting hotspots of the international wine scene. This is thanks to the increasing number of wineries focusing on indigenous grape varieties and producing world-class wines from them. Driving this trend is a young generation who, after studying oenology or gaining work experience in other countries, are bringing with them new perspectives and, above all, an appreciation for the unique terroir of their Greek homeland. These efforts are bearing fruit, with white grape varieties such as Assyrtiko, Malagousia, Muscat d'Alexandrie and Savatiano (Retsina), and red varieties including Agiorgitiko and Xinomavro, found more and more frequently on wine lists of renowned restaurants and wine bars.

Volcanic rock, limestone or granite

Greece is considered as the first viticultural center of Europe. Many grape varieties that once reached the coasts of Italy and France – and spread from there - had been sent from Greek ports. Today, around 300 grape varieties are cultivated in vineyards covering around 110,000 hectares. And, after a period of international focus, indigenous varieties are once again gaining in importance. The vineyards are planted at up to 800 meters above sea level, predominantly on soils of volcanic rock, limestone and granite. The proximity of many wine-growing zones to the coast is distinctive, with the vines and soils being caressed by salty sea breezes. This gives the wines a taut, mineral character that makes them particularly appealing.

 The wines of VieVinum’s guest country, Greece, can be tasted in the Rittersaal or at the Masterclass on Sunday, 27 May 2024, from 15:15 to 16:30, in the Künstlerzimmer.