Greek master of wine, Yiannis Karakasis, is back, marking the Wines of Greece’s fourth visit to Australia. By popular demand, the roadshow is now an annual event, gaining more exposure for Greece’s wine industry.

Until 25 June, the event is bringing Greece’s leading winemakers, along with a score of the country’s celebrated wines and the latest vintages, from famed terroirs and up-and-coming regions to Sydney and Melbourne.

Leading the educational elements of the tour will be Mr Karakasis alongside Grigoris Michailos.

Since 2014, Wines of Greece have noted a 20 per cent increase in sales in Australia, according to a survey conducted by the Hellenic Statistical Authority.

A great success, as more and more Hellenic wine labels are sold across the country at liquor stores and hospitality establishments, with many vintages available by the glass at acclaimed restaurants.

Epanomi, Gerovassiliou estate.

“Only a decade ago, few had heard about assyrtiko, Santorini or malagousia,” said Karakasis. “Today these terroirs and varieties are the centre of attention for many wine drinkers in Australia, which is a credit to the work of inspiring Greek winemakers and vignerons.”

The demand for Greek wines is increasing, a growth that now marks the Hellenic’s first masterclass in Brisbane, aside from the groups annual Melbourne, Sydney and Adelaide.
“Greece enjoys one of the most diverse winemaking landscapes in the world with a range of soil types from limestone in Nemea and Cephalonia, schist in Naoussa and Rapsani, to granite and volcanic soils in the Aegean islands,” Karakasis explained.

Greek wines champion a true sense of place, reflecting a diversity of microclimates and a wealth of indigenous varieties that are helping to cement Greece’s global reputation for producing some of the world’s most expressive wines.

This is exactly what the 2018 line-up of trade and consumer events is exploring: “Greece’s most exciting terroirs, indigenous varieties, the Greek rosé revolution and natural wines of Greece”.

Santorini Exo Gonia

Wines of Greece president Vangelis Argyris says the winemakers are looking forward to showcasing the extensive range of the country’s diverse wine styles and grape varietals, including Greece’s native xinomavro, agiorgitiko and limniona.

Greece has proven that it can compete with winemaking giants with to its terroir’s variety and idiosyncratic climate.

“Australia has one of the most vibrant wine cultures in the world and we’re ecstatic that the Australian palate has embraced and developed a thirst for Greek wines,” Argyris added.

“This year we’ve extended our Australian road trip to reach more Greek wine enthusiasts off the back of the amazing response last year.”

Meanwhile, due to popular demand and interest in the biodynamic farming and amphora ageing techniques used by several emerging Greek wine producers, more labels that focus on traditional techniques with minimal intervention will be introduced.

Wines of Greece is also running private masterclasses for retailers, distributors, hotels and restaurant groups while in Australia.

To express your interest in these private tutorials contact emmahutton@liquidideas.com.au

Kir-Yanni Estate, Yanakochori. Pictured here Yiannis Boutaris

Trade events
Oinofilia by REVEL trade tasting

Sydney
Saturday, 23 June, 11.00 am – 12 noon at Commune (901 Bourke St, Waterloo).
Melbourne
Sunday, 24 June, 11.00 am – 12 noon at Collingwood Town Hall (140 Hoddle St, Abbotsford).

Wine Masterclasses

Melbourne 
Monday 25 June
Masterclass 1: 10.30 – 11.45 am
Masterclass 2: 12.45 – 2.00 pm
Masterclass 3: 2.45 – 4.00 pm
Crown Towers (Garden Room, Level 1, 8 Whiteman St, Southbank).

Consumer events
Oinofilia by REVEL

Sydney
Saturday, 23 June, 11.00 am – 5.00 pm at Commune (901 Bourke St, Waterloo).

Melbourne 

Sunday, 24 June, 11.00 am – 5.00 pm at Collingwood Town Hall (140 Hoddle St, Abbotsford).

Tickets just for Melbourne are available at eventbrite.com.au/e/oinofiliawine-melbourne-2018-tickets-44860374588

Tickets to all events are available at https://oinofilia.wine/buy-tickets/

For more information on Wines of Greece visit www.winesofgreece.org