What Are the Major Producing Regions of Greek Grapes?

Greek table grapes vineyards are situated in:

Creta: Most southern part of Greece – same geographical position as Almeria – closest European coast to Egypt. The production of Creta is the earliest available from June to August, in direct competition with Egyptian and Indian Grapes, and mainly targets covering early domestic demand from touristic zones of Creta/Rhodes and Athens. The export of Cretan grapes outside Europe is insignificant. In July 2022, most grapes are sold locally due to high transport costs and luxury prices paid by local demand.

The main varieties are seeded Victoria, Thompson seedless, and Crimson seedless. In the last decade, vineyards of Sugar crisp, sugraone, and Crimson were planted. The main selling point of the Cretan table grapes vineyard is for early market entrance and seedless grapes.

Peloponnese: Southern Greece – same geographical position as Sicily. The table grapes of the Peloponnese cover the demand of Athens, the most populated city in Greece, and the surplus is exported to Germany, Austria, and Poland.

The main varieties are Thompson seedless, Crimson seedless, and the Red globe. New table varieties planted are Attica, an early seedless Black variety that is up-and-coming but very slow to expand, and Sugraone.

Khalkidhiki/Kavala: Greece's most northern grape production region and the most valuable for exports. It targets the late part of the European grape season and covers part of the gap in the supply left by Italian and Egyptian production. The production area supplies traditionally due to proximity to the Central and East European markets.

Varieties: Victoria is the earliest and most impressive grape, seeded, and has an outstanding appeal in East Europe. Black magic is the earliest black seeded. Thompson seedless is available at the end of August, and Crimson Seedless, Italia, and red globe dominate the supply from September to November.

Source: Theodoros Damvakaris Tridge OM