New Wines Of Greece

Back by popular demand and for the third year in a row, Wines of Greece return to Australia 19 - 26 June 2017 to showcase up to 80 of the country’s best and latest wines, showcasing up- and-coming regions and native varieties.

A series of trade and consumer tastings in Sydney, Melbourne and Adelaide including the most in-depth masterclasses ever on Greek wines led by Greece’s second-only and newest Master of Wine, Yiannis Karakasis MW will take place.

A huge range of wines including Greek indigenous varieties such as xinomavro, agiorgitiko and mavrotragano plus new-wave wines from the next generation of winemakers emerging from oldest culture of wine in the world will be showcased. With one of the world most diverse micro-climates and vast array of indigenous varieties, Greece produces wines with a true sense of place and is finally earning recognition across the world for wines that are truly unique.

Consumers will also have the opportunity to taste and meet the people behind the wines at two events, the Greek wine extravaganza, Oinofilia, at Melbourne’s Meat Market on Saturday, 24 June (held by the team behind Pinot Palooza and Game of Rhones) and at Georges on Waymouth in Adelaide on 21 June.

Wines of Greece President, Vangelis Argyris said the winemakers were looking forward to returning to Australia for the third time.

“There is unprecedented demand for Greek wines with a 30 per cent increase in sales in Australia over the last two years. Our native grape varieties are leading this demand and we’re hoping to bring some new varieties in June that haven’t been widely seen in Australia before.

“We are thrilled Australia has fell in love with Greek wines and so excited for this third tour in as many years.”

Wines of Greece is also running private masterclasses for retailers, distributors, hotels and restaurant groups throughout their time in the country. To express your interest in these private tutorials contact [email protected]. Leading the educational elements of the tour will be Yiannis Karakasis MW, Greece’s second-only and youngest Master of Wine, alongside Grigoris Michailos.

TRADE EVENTS

Sydney

When:               Monday, 19 June, 12 - 4pm (trade tasting), 1:30 - 3pm (trade masterclass)

Where:             Rooms II and III, Establishment, 252 George Street, Sydney

Details:             Trade tasting and masterclass (invites attached)

Melbourne

When:               Monday, 26 June, 2:30 - 4pm

Where:             Garden Room, Crown Towers, 8 Whiteman Street, Southbank

Details:             Trade tasting and masterclass (invites and details attached)

Adelaide:
When:               Wednesday, 21 June, 2:30 - 4pm

Where:             Georges on Waymouth, 20 Waymouth Street, Adelaide

Details:             Masterclass (invite attached)

CONSUMER EVENTS

Melbourne – Oinofilia by Bottle Shop Concepts

When:               Saturday, 24 June, 11am – 5pm

Where:             Meat Market, 5 Blackwood Street, Melbourne

Details:             Tickets available here.

Adelaide – Five course dinner with matching Greek wines and the chance to meet the winemakers

When:                  Wednesday, 21 June, 6pm

Where:                 Georges on Waymouth

Details:                 Reservations available from Georges on Waymouth 08 8211 6960

For more information on Wines of Greece please visit www.winesofgreece.org, follow them on Twitter @DrinkGreekWine, or like them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/winesofgreece.

#DrinkGreekWine

For any RSVPS, media enquiries, interview opportunities or images, contact Liquid Ideas:

Juliana Sedgers / [email protected] / 02 9667 4211 / 0424 655 340

Nicole Warwick / [email protected] / 02 9667 4211 / 0404 219 966

For any trade enquiries, contact:

Lizzy Thomas / [email protected] / 02 9667 4211 / 0400 922 919

It’s all Greek to you?  Below are a few fun facts.

In the vineyard…

Fortunately for Greek growers and winemakers, harvest in Greece is not subject to the dramatic yearly variations that many of their neighbours to the north experience.  Greece is virtually surrounded by water with one of the largest coastlines in the world (considering its small size and the 1200+ islands that make it up), and this moderating climatic influence is a major factor in keeping Greek vintages fairly consistent from year to year, as well as an abundance of sunshine and relatively low humidity.  Greece, the third most mountainous country in Europe, is also home to a very diverse range of microclimates and soils which are perfect for producing wines that show a true sense of place. Of course, there are always seasonal differences to contend with every year but 2016 was a good year with mild weather conditions and low humidity and has all the hallmarks of a great vintage.


Where to buy greek wines:

NEW SOUTH WALES