Wine in Greece is included in the five basic elements of the local diet along with water, salt, oil and cereals, since it has been always closely related to the culture and to the religion of the region.
The favorable soil and nice climatic conditions allowed the widespread cultivation of the vine in Greece in ancient times. The tradition of viticulture in Greece started in the Neolithic period, but its greatest growth occurs between the 13th and the 11th century BC.
The ancient Greeks loved wine and passionately served its god, Dionysus, a clever, lively and erotic creature. According to myth, Dionysus was abducted by Etruscan pirates on his way to Italy. He revealed his divine substance by planting a vine that climbed to the mast and turned the pirates into dolphins.
The history of modern Greek wine production and the development of bottled wine in Greece begins in the 1960s. Back that time, the first serious investments in facilities and mechanical equipment were made, resulting in the spectacular improvement of Greek wines in terms of technology.
