Join us to discover Greece’s rich tapestry of indigenous grape varieties and wine styles!
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Taste the αφρόκρεμα (crème de la crème) of Greece’s treasure trove of indigenous grapes and diverse terroirs.
The Greek Wine Federation and Westbury Communications are offering the TRADE an exclusive tasting of 90 exquisite wines from the diverse and historic wine regions of Macedonia, Epirus, Central Greece, Peloponnese, Cephalonia, Samos, Santorini, Syros, Paros, and Crete.
Two special tastings will take place in Edinburgh (16th September) and Manchester (17th September). Registration pages can be found here:
Why Scottish and Northern England buyers should attend the tastings
The wines on display at these self-pour trade tastings will highlight top wines handpicked by 45 esteemed Greek wineries, highlighting indigenous varieties including Agiorgitiko, Assyrtiko, Kydonitsa, Liatiko, Malagousia, Mavrodaphne, Robola, Roditis, Savatiano, Vidiano and Xinomavro.
There will also be 12 new wineries to discover and seven of the featured wineries are currently seeking representation in the UK — offering a unique opportunity for industry professionals.
You can expect to taste:
- Over 25 distinct indigenous Greek varieties.
- Exceptional single-vineyard Xinomavros and unique retsinas from Macedonia.
- Rare, native varieties from Central Greece.
- Aged Agiorgitikos from the Peloponnese.
- 100+ year old vines from Santorini.
- Amphora aged wines from the island of Syros.
- Aged sweet wines from the islands.
- Lesser-known Cretan varieties.
About Greek wine
Greece is one of the oldest wine-producing regions in the world and among the first wine-producing territories in Europe. The earliest evidence of Greek wine dates back to 6,500 years ago when wine was produced on a household or communal basis.
As trading became extensive, it was transported across the Mediterranean with high prestige in Italy under the Roman Empire. In the medieval period, wines exported from Monemvasia, and other Greek ports fetched soaring prices in northern Europe.
More recently, a new wave of modern winemaking has had restaurateurs and retailers alike, seeking out more of these fresh perfumed whites and distinctive reds created from a treasure trove of indigenous grapes.
Some of the oldest vines on the planet are found in the Aegean offering incredible concentration and complexity.
Pioneering winemakers are leading the movement – constantly pushing boundaries. The UK has woken up to recognise these amazing wines and consumer love of the Mediterranean diet and Greek wines is not relenting with restaurants and bars popping up across the country.
The success of the UK’s first Greek Wine Month
In June, the UK’s first Greek Wine Month saw retailers and hospitality report unprecedented growth when they sparked genuine curiosity amongst consumers regarding the unique flavours and rich heritage of ancient Greek wine regions.
The first Greek Wine Month saw UK sales more than triple. Participating retailers and restaurants reported that sales skyrocketed, increasing by 277% compared to June 2023 and by 207% compared to May 2024 overall.
“The impact was particularly striking among local independent wine shops, with some experiencing a more-than-fivefold increase in sales during the month,” says Westbury Communications managing director Sue Harris.
The campaign’s success was driven by a variety of promotional activities. Hundreds of new Greek wine SKUs were added to shelves across over 60 stores nationwide, with many retailers doubling their stock of campaign wines. In-store samples, online engagement through social media and email marketing, and dedicated Greek wine displays were key features of the promotion.
Many retailers also organised ticketed tastings, which saw several hundred enthusiastic consumers attending throughout June. These events provided an opportunity for wine lovers to explore the diverse range of Greek wines and learn about the unique indigenous grape varieties and terroirs of Greece.
“Some of the retailers and restaurants reported huge excitement around the wines coming out of Greece, with consumers fully engaged during Greek wine tastings or samplings,” says Harris.
“The overwhelming success of the UK’s first Greek Wine Month has exceeded our expectations and demonstrated the immense potential for Greek wines in the British market. This campaign has not only boosted sales but also cultivated a genuine curiosity among consumers for the unique flavours and rich heritage of Greek wines.”
Campaign director and Oenologist Sofia Perpera echoed this sentiment: “After 18 months of focused efforts in the UK market with 44 participating wineries, we’ve seen a remarkable increase in the interest for Greek wine. Greece’s treasure trove of indigenous grapes and diverse terroir is producing wines with a true sense of place – a key attribute for the UK market.”
Greek Wine Highlights Tasting – Edinburgh will take place on September 16th from 10:00am-18:00pm at Smith & Gertrude, Stockbridge, 26 Hamilton Place, Edinburgh, EH3 5AU. To find out more click here for the Registration Form.
Greek Wine Highlights Tasting –Manchester will take place on September 17th from 10:00am-18:00pm at Blossom Street Social, 51 Blossom Street, Ancoats, Manchester, M4 6AJ. To find out more click here for the Registration Form.
For the full list of participating wineries and to learn more, please visit: Wines of Greece.
In partnership with Westbury Communications