In Greece, Dinner Tables Are Never Set Without Wine

Greece is renowned for a variety of things: a rich culture and history, pristine views and scenery, tantalizing cuisine, vibrant cities, and of course, their love for wine. If you're ever planning on traveling to Greece, don't be surprised when your dinner is served with a fresh glass of wine. This is a longstanding norm and has been so for thousands of years.

If you've read any Greek epics like the Odyssey or the Iliad, you might be aware of this fondness for wine. In those times, Greece was one of the largest producers of wine, primarily because of the country's location in the Mediterranean. Given that wine is made from grapes, which grow exceptionally well in this region due to its warm climate, it's no surprise that this alcoholic beverage became extraordinarily popular in ancient times. In fact, the popularity of wine reached such heights that Greek mythology even features a god of wine, credited with introducing the grapevine to the Greek people.

Wine drinking particularly gained popularity in Greece when symposiums started to be a common occurrence. These symposiums were occasions for men of the Greek elite to gather and enjoy music and dancers, as well as discuss politics, philosophy, and metaphysical matters. Like today's get-togethers or hangouts at the brewery, these ancient Greek men took a night to relax and enjoy themselves with a glass of wine. Interestingly, the Greeks didn't consider being drunk as socially acceptable, and they often diluted their wine with water to combat this.

Yet, despite the social taboo surrounding drunkenness in Ancient Greece, some individuals bent the rules for their love of wine. The Macedonians were infamous for their wine consumption, and powerful Greek leaders like Alexander the Great were also known to engage in heavy wine drinking. Still, Greek writers and storytellers attempted to dissuade the public from excessive drinking by telling tales of rambunctious drunkards who ruined celebrations, disturbed daily life, and generally caused havoc.

Although Greece's excellent climate and warm temperatures allow vineyards to grow some of the best-tasting grapes for wine, these businesses sometimes make other products such as jams, marmalades, table grapes, and grape juice. However, most of their produce is sold to wineries or other distilleries to help create the diverse selection of wines seen across the country.

Today, there are many different wines to be found across Greece, and a lot of them are household names in Greek restaurants across the globe. One of the country's most renowned wines is Retsina, which also happens to be one of the oldest wines ever produced. This wine is produced with resin, which comes from the Aleppo Pine, and the Savvatiano and Rhoditis grapes. Though the way Greeks have produced Retsina has changed throughout history, it is still one of the most recognizable Greek wines. Other popular varieties like Moschofilero and Xinomavro also dominate the Greek scene.

But these aren't the only wines that can be found in the coastal nation. There are plenty of wines produced all across the countryside ready to be served in stores, restaurants, or at home with friends. So all in all, if wine is your thing, be ready to experience all sorts of new tastes when traveling abroad, and know that not only are you enjoying some great drinks, but you are also partaking in a tradition that dates back to antiquity.