Sunday, September 29, 2024 The Greek government, in collaboration with the Ministries of Tourism, Rural Development, and Culture, is taking substantial steps to further promote wine tourism as an integral part of Greece’s tourism offering. Wine tourism is emerging as a vital pillar of the country’s tourism sector, significantly benefiting local communities and bolstering the economy. With over 1,700 wineries operating across the nation, 132 have upgraded their facilities to meet visitor-friendly standards, ensuring proper infrastructure, enhanced services, and trained staff.
The National Wine Tourism Committee, led by President Mary Triantafyllopoulou, is dedicated to integrating wine tourism more deeply into Greece’s tourism landscape. Greece’s food tourism culture, which involves tasting local products and visiting production facilities, is flourishing as a result. Key regions with high wine tourism activity include the Dodecanese, Cyclades, Crete, Kefalonia, Evia, and Nemea, where tourism tends to last six months.
However, efforts are underway to extend tourism year-round and spread the benefits to other areas. Visitors to Greece are increasingly booking winery visits in advance, drawn to the full experience of tasting wine, meeting local producers, and learning about the region’s history and traditions. Wine tourism also boosts other local industries by promoting products like cheese, honey, and more through tastings.
The impact of wine tourism extends beyond Gr.
