The long-standing tradition and development prospects of modern wine production in Attica were at the heart of the event “The Wines of Attica – The Renaissance of an Iconic Vineyard”
The pivotal role of the Attica vineyard as an integral part of Attica’s productive, cultural, and developmental identity, as well as the regional authority’s firm commitment to providing multifaceted and substantial support to wine producers, was highlighted by Regional Governor Nikos Hardalias during his speech at the event “The Wines of Attica – The Renaissance of an Iconic Vineyard.” The event was held as part of the Region’s cohesive strategy for the international promotion of Attica wines.
The Regional Governor emphasized that the Region of Attica is giving substantial space and priority to a sector which, as he characteristically noted, “is not simply a link in the chain of production – it is a link in the chain of our identity.” As he stressed, the Attica vineyard connects the region’s centuries-old history with contemporary creation, innovation, and extroversion.
Referring to the enduring importance of viticulture in Attica, Mr. Hardalias pointed out that from antiquity to the present day, the region’s wines have traveled internationally, carrying with them culture, knowledge, and tradition. “Behind this journey are our people – the vine growers, the winemakers, the families who cultivate the land with effort and love, keeping our roots alive while opening pathways to the future,” he stated.
Presenting sector data, the Regional Governor noted that wine production in Attica is currently valued at approximately €0.95 million, representing 4.5% of total Greek wine production. As he underlined, “the figure may seem small, but behind it lies enormous potential – a sector that is growing, modernizing, exporting, and generating value across the entire local economy.”
The Region of Attica Standing by Winemakers
Mr. Hardalias presented the Region’s targeted interventions to support the sector, stressing that from the very beginning, priority was given to strengthening the people of production “with planning, consistency, clear objectives, and measurable results.”
In the field of international outreach, he noted that the Region of Attica included, for the first time in its annual promotion program, major international wine exhibitions such as Wine Paris and ProWein. At the same time, targeted European promotional programs were implemented in major markets, delivering positive results: a 32% increase in awareness of Attica retsina and a 17% boost in the export momentum of participating businesses.
As the Regional Governor emphasized, “all of this is not announcements – it is actions in progress,” adding that a new Three-Year Extroversion Program is already being planned, with an expansion of activities in Europe, Asia, and America.
Wine, Culture, and Experience – The Brand of Attica
Mr. Hardalias made special reference to linking the Attica vineyard with tourism and the overall brand of Attica. “Wine is not just an economic indicator. It is culture. It is a way of life,” he said, presenting the concept of “Athens Wine Routes,” which transforms viticultural heritage into a comprehensive visitor experience.
The goal of the initiative, as he explained, is to position Attica as a metropolitan region that combines history, nature, gastronomy, and modern urban experience, with the Attica vineyard acting as a “natural ambassador of hospitality and identity.”
Infrastructure, Innovation, and Synergies
The Regional Governor stressed that development is not limited to promotion, but is supported by infrastructure and partnerships. He referred to the irrigation project covering 2,500 stremmas of vineyards and olive groves in Keratea, as well as modernization initiatives for wineries through Rural Development Programs.
He further emphasized that a central role in this strategy is played by the Attica Agri-Food Partnership, with the Union of Wine Producers of the Attica Vineyard (EN.O.A.A.) as a key partner, as “only through cooperation, knowledge, and synergies can we move forward,” as he characteristically stated.
Concluding his speech, Mr. Hardalias underlined that the Region of Attica is investing steadily and with strategic planning in a unified productive ecosystem that connects the primary sector with processing, tourism, and culture. “Our philosophy is clear: we do not remember the people of production only when there is a problem. We stand by them every day. Attica can do it. And when we join forces, we prove it in practice – every day, in every sector,” the Regional Governor concluded.
Attica Wine: A Journey of Creation from Antiquity to the Future
As part of the conference, which was moderated by MW Master of Wine Yiannis Karakasis, distinguished winemakers shared their experience and views on the “quiet revolution” taking place in Attica’s wine production in recent years, the innovative strategies adopted by new generations of producers shaping the path of Attica wine toward the future, as well as the added value of Savvatiano, the “protagonist” of the Attica vineyard.
The Regional Governor of Attica was accompanied by the Deputy Advisor for Agricultural Economy and Veterinary Affairs, Dimitra Angelaki, the Special Secretary of the Region of Attica, Elena Rapti, and the Deputy Director of the Regional Governor’s Office, Dimitris Tarazonas.
