Enotourism in Greece 'sparkles' internationally

Enotourism, a relatively new form of tourism, hatches opportunities for culture explorations and captivating local experiences like no other.

Text curation: Katerina Karsioti

Among the best countries in the world for enotourism, Greece was ranked 9th.

Enotourism, as a special form of tourism, is internationally one of the most popular experiences selected by even more visitors in a place. In recent years, in Europe, it has not only grown in percentage but it constantly expands its base something extremely optimistic.

From Great Britain, Napa, California to Spanish province of Rioja, Briones, Bordeaux, Tuscany and of course Greece, enotourism experience unfolds a narrative vast, versatile and multi-dimensional with local culture, gastronomy and natural scenery to be in the foreground. Through wine, visitors come into direct contact and interaction with the entire region. Needless to say that wine is the “passport” to a plethora of pleasures.

But what does this practically mean?

This entails a quite interesting “fan” spreading year after year. After all, enotourism is not just a walk in an estate, tasting of local wines along with the varieties that represent a country.

Visiting a vineyard can be combined with a variety of activities such as educational programs and seminars next to a captivating natural landscape, with a wine tour that will also include a captivating afternoon lunch next to the vines, hiking and cycling and of course yoga combined with surpassed and authentic live cooking but also workshops and cultural events. The vineyard is a common “place”, a cradle that evokes memories, emotions and culture. It “embraces” any kind of action and elevates them to their greatness.

Its growth around the world varies from country to country. It began to grow in California, America, and was established in the mid-70s in France. As an alternative form of tourism, it began to develop significantly in the mid-2000s in Spain. In our country, its development commenced in recent years with the rise of wine production and the creation of organized wineries with modern facilities to accommodate visitors.

In general, as an alternative form of tourism, is presently highly developed in all wine-producing countries of the world. Linking wine production with tourism is probably the best way to promote the product itself so that people can accustomed to it, learn about the grape varieties of each region and be able to distinguish the characteristics of each label.

The fact that visitors become familiarised with wine production, the varieties that grow in every part of the world, see firsthand the process of distinguishing the organoleptic characteristics or combining a dish with a favorite wine, is mesmerising and utterly captivating let alone experiential.

Εnotourism in Greece “fascinates” on a global scale

Greece is one of the best countries in the world for wine tourism, as research ascertained that with a total of 220 grape varieties available, ranks 18th worldwide and 9th in Europe.

To inspire travel and wine lovers and help people decide on their next holiday, Compare the Market compiled a list of the top wine destinations. The study analysed the regions based on the following seven factors:

Number of grape varieties
Vineyard area (hectares)
Wine consumption (1,000 hectoliters)
Wine production (1,000 hectolitres)
Review rating for the most popular wine
Price of the most popular wine
World ranking of the most popular bottle of wine

The research concluded – as one would expect – that the world’s top wine tourism destination is France. The top five are completed by Italy, the USA, Spain and Australia.

According to the research, the most popular Greek wine is Εstate Argyros Assyrtiko, with a price of 33.66 Euros.

Ranking of the top 20 European countries

Ranking	Grape varieties	Vineyard area	Wine consumption	Most popular wine	Most popular wine(in Euros)
1. France	380	794336	24714	Chateau Mouton Rothschild	694
2. Italy	453	713146	22800	Tenuta San Guido Sassicaia Bolgheri	328,44
3. Spain	154	966442	10700	Vega Sicilia unico Gran Reserva	468,87
4. Portugal	344	194713	5390	Taylor Fladgate Vintage Port	104,46
5. Germany	152	103079	19800	Egon Muller Scharzhofberger Riesling Kabinett	155,52
6. Turkey	709	435846	748	Urla Sarapcilik ‘Vourla’	18,57
7. Switzerland	223	14704	2553	Weingut Daniel & Marta Gantenbein Pinot Noir	227,47
8. Austria	79	48491	2256	Weingut Franz Hirtzberger Singerriedel Riesling Smaragd	105,61
9. Greece	220	109489	1966	Estate Argyros Assyrtiko	33,66
10. Romania	230	191181	3900	Cotnari Grasa de Cotnari	32,5
11. Croatia	361	213111	1019	Matsuko Vina Dingac	18,57
12. Hungary	140	67477	2143	Gere Attila Pinceszete Kopar Cuvée	32,5
13. United Kingdom	49	234	13034	Chapel Down Brut	32,5
14. Serbia	0	21328	800	Matalj Vinarija Kremen Kamen Cabernet Sauvignon	81,24
15. Bulgaria	121	67055	879	Minkov Brothers Oak Tree Red	22.05
16. Slovenia	118	15630	800	Movia Veliko Rdece- Rosso	42.94
17. Bosnie-Herzegovine	341	4679	111	Podrumi Monastira Tvrdos Vranac	18.57
18. North Macedonia	0	25796	150	Tikves Winery Barovo Vineyards Red	25.53
19. Poland	0	0	1220	Winnica Turnau Solaris	13.93
20. Cyprus	114	7826	148	Kthma Keo Cabernet Sauvignon- Lefkada, Limassol	10.45

Commenting on the research, Adrian Taylor, Managing Director of General Insurance at Compare the Market, declares: “With so many countries producing their own unique types of wine, it’s no surprise that visiting vineyards and tasting local fruit have become such popular activities that many people choose to embark on during their holidays.”

He goes on to say that “If you’re planning to visit one of our recommendations on your next trip, make sure you choose the right travel insurance before you leave to ensure you can travel confidently knowing you’re covered. In addition, make sure you check your policy’s limits and exclusions, as some may not cover you for loss or damage to your belongings while intoxicated.”

What British businesses refer about enotourism

British wine tour companies have clearly fully understood the huge demand for this special form of tourism.

Adam Stebbings from the Smooth Red agency explains: “There are wine lovers who know a lot and want to learn more, Americans familiar with Californian wine who want to discover Europe – and those who just want to indulge in a weekend of great food and drinks. There are those however, who prefer first and upmost wine and subsequently tourism. We offer everything from car tours in the vineyards to hot air balloon flights over the Ligira Valley”.

Jenna Jones from the Grape Escapes agency adds that, “They do cooking classes in Saint-Émilion, wine blending classes in Bordeaux and offer golf programs in the vineyards of Provence. “We are passionate about wine”, she subjoins, “but we apprehend that nowadays tourists are looking for experiences”.