Greece
Greece - Country Overview (Wine Context)
- Location: Southeastern Europe, at the southern end of the Balkan Peninsula, with extensive coastlines on the Aegean, Ionian, and Mediterranean Seas.
- Capital: Athens.
- Area: 131,957 square kilometres (50,949 square miles).
- Population (2025 est.): About 10.3 million people.
Wine and Viticulture Statistics
- Wine climate: Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild winters.
- Main wine regions: Macedonia, Thessaly, Central Greece, Peloponnese, Crete, Aegean Islands, Ionian Islands.
- Key wine areas: Naoussa, Nemea, Santorini, Mantinia, Drama, Crete.
- Vineyard area: Approximately 105,000 to 110,000 hectares.
- Annual wine production: Around 2.0 to 2.5 million hectolitres.
- Main native white grape varieties: Assyrtiko, Moschofilero, Savatiano, Athiri.
- Main native red grape varieties: Agiorgitiko, Xinomavro, Mandilaria.
- Wine styles: Dry aromatic whites, structured reds, rose wines, traditional and modern styles, limited sparkling wines.
Map of Greece
Greece
AegeanAttica
Central
Crete
Cyclades
Dodecanese
Epirus
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Africa Asia Europe North America South America Oceania World MapWine in Greece
Greece is located in Southern Europe at the crossroads of the Balkans and the eastern Mediterranean, bordered by Albania, North Macedonia, Bulgaria, Turkey, and the Aegean, Ionian, and Mediterranean Seas. Viticulture in Greece has one of the longest continuous histories in the world, shaped by mountainous terrain, numerous islands, and strong maritime influence.
Greek wine regions are distributed across the mainland and islands, with major production areas including Macedonia, Thessaly, Central Greece, Peloponnese, Crete, and the Aegean Islands. Climate conditions range from continental influences in the north to warm, dry Mediterranean conditions in the south and on the islands. Many vineyards are planted at elevation or near the sea, helping preserve acidity.
Greece is particularly known for its indigenous grape varieties, including Assyrtiko, Xinomavro, Agiorgitiko, Moschofilero, and Savvatiano. Wines produced include dry whites and reds, aromatic styles, and notable dessert and fortified wines, with strong emphasis on regional identity and traditional varieties.