Halkidiki is one of the richest grape production regions in Greece. It is a really impressive sight for the traveller who begins his journey from Thessaloniki in order to visit the three "legs" of Halkidiki. There are hill or mountain slopes full of vineyards that welcome the visitors and embellish the journey with verdurous images.

 

In the Halkidiki there are about 18 million square meters of vineyards, from which 7 million sq. m. have grapes used for winery, and 5 million sq. m. belong to two large local businesses. The rest are traditional small vineyards, scattered all around the region, whose production is absorbed by local consumption. The amount of wine produced is 1,500 tons annually.

 

What is special about the wine of Halkidiki?

 

There are 6 wineries in the region with approximately 120 employees. The carefully selected varieties and the dry-warm climate conditions combined with the semi-fertile, well-drained soil and the terrain of the area offer superb results in terms of wine-grapes quality and their acid and sugar levels, thus providing a local wine of marvellous flavour and quality.

 

Which are the most common varieties in Halkidiki?

 

The most common varieties are:

 

   * Asyrtiko:A very dynamic variety, among the most remarkable in the Mediterranean. It produces wines with discreet aroma (citrus fruit), rich body and acidity.

   * Roditis:A variety with many variations, one of the most widespread in Greece. It offers white wines with fruit aroma, body and finesse.

   * Limnio: An ancient Greek variety found in Limnos and Halkidiki. It produces high-degree wines with special aroma and characteristic flavour.

 

The wines of Halkidiki are well-known for their flavour and rich aroma and they receive international awards in food and beverage exhibitions. They are consumed either on their own or accompanying meals.