The aim of the “Wine Roads of Attica” initiative is to promote the Attica vineyards and the individuals dedicated to them, perpetuating the art of viticulture and winemaking that was first established in the region thousands of years ago.
Attica is surrounded by sea on three sides, while a series of mountains in the north define the borders and alter the otherwise flat topography. The climate is mostly dry Mediterranean, ideal for vine cultivation. The worship of Dionysus and the consumption of wine at symposia testify to the importance of vineyards and their products for ancient societies. The use of resin during the transportation of wine in vessels led to the creation of Retsina, which today is a Greek speciality and a Protected Geographical Indication of Attica. Savatiano is undoubtedly the local star variety, but nevertheless, Malagouzia, Assyrtiko, Agiorgitiko and international varieties increase diversity. Attica’s producers such as long-standing family businesses, cooperatives that learned to strive together, as well as newcomers who are to working to highlight the richness of the vineyards and the distinctiveness and beauty of the place, in an area where the history of Hellenism has been created for thousands of years.
George Patoulis – The Regional Governor of Attica
In a time when mass tourism has become outdated, we are investing in thematic forms of tourism, with wine tourism taking a prominent place in our visionary planning. In this context, we have taken the initiative to implement the innovative action ‘The wine roads of Attica’, aiming to highlight both the Attica wineries and the promotion and dissemination of the local varieties that belong to the 15 Protected Geographical Indications (PGIs) of Attica, as well as the local labels, to the wider public, wine-loving consumers, professionals in the wine market, and foreign travelers visiting Greece.
“The wine roads of Attica”, created for the first time by the Region of Attica with the participation of the Union of Attica Vineyards Winemakers (ENOA), constitute an important multifaceted digital guide. Through this, Attica wineries and varieties are recorded and highlighted, while also being connected to the region’s cultural resources, facilitating the visitor’s tour and any interested party, with the ultimate goal of enhancing the local “brand-name” and placing the high-quality wines produced in a prominent position on the global wine map.
Wine tourism is a special form of tourism that suits Attica. However, a prerequisite is the cooperation of the wineries, synergies with local businesses, and a coordinating body that connects the above-mentioned elements of this tourism service. This will create an integrated tourism experience package, that promotes it to foreign tourist markets, cooperating with major tour operators and travel agencies. The Region of Attica is attempting this interconnection by creating a Tourism Management and Promotion Organization (DMMO) to unite all interested tourism operators at a local level.
In the Region of Attica, we give priority to the promotion of our comparative advantages, such as our fine wines, and we will continue to invest in this area with the aim of strengthening the regional economy and promoting Attica’s products in international markets.
