Greece Prioritizes Development of Wine Tourism Segment

As part of ongoing efforts to promote Greece’s wine tourism options, the country’s tourism ministry is moving ahead with a number of actions announced on occasion of World Wine Tourism Day marked on the second Sunday of November.

Greek Tourism Minister Olga Kefalogianni at the Ktima Gerovassiliou.

In view of the tourism segment’s rising importance and the placement of Greek wines on the international wine map, the Greek tourism ministry announced earlier this year the creation of the first Wine Tourism Council which will be responsible for the development and promotion of the wine tourism segment.

Tourism Minister Olga Kefalogianni has pledged to support the initiative and relevant actions as well as the sustainable development of the segment, the promotion of Greece’s wine routes and marketing actions that will introduce the world to Greek wineries, wines and territories.

Marking World Wine Tourism Day, Kefalogianni visited one of the country’s many wineries awarded the Visitable Winery label, the Ktima Gerovassiliou outside Thessaloniki, which includes a museum, vineyards and winemaking facilities.

“Greek wines have a unique character on the international market. Wine tourism is a completely specialized tourism segment which combines primary production with the provision of hospitality, dining and guided tour services in wine-making or wine-producing facilities. Wine tourism is more than a visit. It’s the experience and an integral part of Greek culture,” she said.

Earlier this year, Greece was ranked among the Top 10 best countries for wine lovers, according to the Wine Lover’s Index 2023 released by Bounce.