THE POWER OF POSITIVE DRINKING IN GREECE

WINE NOT?

Greece, a reason to drink

If you’re going to drink wine, Greece is the right place. Earliest evidence of wine producing has been dated to 6,500 years ago. They must have gotten it right by now!

They created the god Dionysus to celebrate the positive drinking aspects of wine. He was not only the god of wine, but of ecstasy. The Romans held Greek wine in high regard and Bacchus became their version of the Greek deity. Their followers were the goat-footed satyrs and Maenads, wild women who danced energetically during his festivals.

I mean, you can’t get more positive than that!!!

TERROIRS GALORE 

Maenads galore

Not to get into the minutiae of the wines of Greece, but there are around 200 vine varieties throughout the country, from the northern reaches of Thrace, to the Peloponnese and Ionian Islands to the Aegean Islands to Crete. From crisp whites to complex reds there are bottles for everyone in this diverse wine loving country.

Janet is happy.

PINING FOR MORE

One type of wine we’ll try, but more than likely will avoid in Greece is Retsina. Although considered a part of Greek culture, the infusion of pine resin gives these whites a unique (or barely palatable) flavor.

Why?

You would think that with all the vineyards throughout Greece pine resin would not be tolerated, but the tradition stems from ancient times when amphorae were plugged with pine resin to prevent oxygen from spoiling the wine. Glass is impermeable. Retsina is an acquired taste. I’m holding out for Xinomavro, a complex red comparable to an Italian Barolo, or an Agiorgitiko, a full-bodied red comparable to a Merlot.

BEER HERE

Greece may be famous for her wine, but beer has been produced there since 2,000 BC and today there is a thriving microbrewery culture with something close to 100 breweries scattered across the mainland and islands.

Again, not to get into the minutiae of beer swilling here is a great list of beers from Greece: GREEK BEER LISTING

OKAY OUZO TOO

This anise flavored aperitif is popular all over the world and will probably be found on every table in Greece. Similar to the Italian sambuca, it is best served cold on ice.

There will be plenty of positive drinking soirees while in Greece to keep my lovely Maenad Janet and this satyr happy.

No drinking and driving, not even a donkey.

Thanks for reading

Love Janet and greg

© 2026 by Gregory Dunaj