Fall is the epitome of grape season

Fall is the epitome of the grape season!

It has always been the prime season for grapes. From the first days of September, the grapes grow, maturing gradually in the middle of the month. Yellow or purple, with glossy tones, sweet and sour taste, their rich juice is a source of vitamins; essential for human well-being.

Greece is a heavy producer of grapes. Our country is lucky enough to be able to provide us with the most delicious and juiciest ones throughout all the countries of Southern Europe. The well-known Sultanina variety with its rich juice and particularly crunchy flavor has been known for years. The juice of other varieties of grapes that are naturally less delicate, such as the pink or purple ones, as well as their pits,  are recommended for their beneficial properties to the body. You may have heard of it as “Grape Therapy”.

Read more: Why Greek wine makes us happy!

Fall is the epitome of the grape season! Greek nature offers the perfect opportunity for delicious grape varieties to grow.

Especially in the mountainous and Mediterranean parts of Greece. By this time of the year, summer is usually prolonged, and autumn has still high temperatures, sun, and warmth during the morning. We are talking about a mild season where the weather stays mostly the same, ideal for our luscious fruit!

Read more: Best Greek Wines from the North Aegean

Corinthia is famous for the variety of raisins it produces. An unparalleled grape variety called the “wax” variety due to its smooth, glossy, yellowish-green fruit skin, that can almost exclusively be found in that area. In fact, many people treat it as a ‘super-food’, as it is high in antioxidants.

Fall is the epitome of the grape season! Not only the prefecture of Corinth but all over Greece. Vineyards are growing special varieties of grapes that will either transform into wine or some kind of dessert or if you are one of the lucky ones, you will eat them at their purest raw form! Greek wines are an essential product to a greek cuisine dinner.

The Greek Grape Harvest Tradition

The Greek Grape Harvest Tradition is deeply rooted in the country’s rich history and cultural heritage. With a legacy spanning centuries, Greece has become renowned for producing a diverse array of grape varieties, both for wine grapes and table grapes. As autumn sets in, marking the grape harvest season, vineyards across the country come alive with activity.

Grape growers carefully tend to their vineyards throughout the year, nurturing the growth of various grape varieties, including green grapes, crimson seedless, Thompson seedless, and other quality-oriented grapes. The grape harvest typically begins when the grapes ripen to perfection, showcasing their vibrant colors and flavors. Families and communities come together during this time, working harmoniously to handpick grapes and preserve their utmost freshness.

The Greek grape harvest tradition not only celebrates the art of winemaking but also brings a sense of togetherness and appreciation for the bounties of the land. From the picturesque vineyards of Santorini to the lush landscapes of Argolida, grape harvesting remains an essential cultural and economic activity, fostering a strong connection between people and the land they cherish.

Grape Varieties of Greece

Greece boasts a captivating tapestry of Grape Varieties, each with unique characteristics and contributions to its rich winemaking heritage. From indigenous to international varieties, Greek vineyards offer a diverse range of grapes that thrive in the country’s favorable climate and terroir. Some notable wine grapes include Agiorgitiko, a red variety hailed as the “Blood of Hercules” with its deep color and bold flavors, and Assyrtiko, a white grape from Santorini known for its bracing acidity and mineral-driven taste.

Beyond wine grapes, Greece also cultivates an array of table grapes cherished for their sweetness and juiciness. The lush vineyards yield delectable varieties like Sultana, a seedless green grape, and Crimson Seedless, a vibrant red grape, both equally irresistible for snacking or adding a burst of flavor to salads and desserts. As the harvest season approaches, the abundance of grape varieties in Greece showcases the nation’s dedication to preserving its vinicultural heritage while captivating the world with the flavors of its fruitful lands.

The Journey from Vine to Bottle

The journey from vine to bottle is a labor of love that begins as the season’s first grapes start to ripen. In vineyards worldwide, this crucial phase marks the beginning of the grape harvest. Timing is of the essence, as vineyard owners and winemakers must carefully monitor the grapes’ development to determine the perfect moment to start harvesting.

As the vineyard team sets out to pick grapes, they employ skilled hands and acute precision to ensure that only the finest and healthiest bunches are selected. This hand-picking process allows for a gentle and selective approach, preserving the grapes’ integrity and minimizing damage to the clusters. Also, hand-picking allows vineyard workers to identify and remove any underripe or overripe grapes, ensuring that only the highest-quality fruit reaches the winery.

Once the grapes are carefully gathered, they embark on the journey from vine to bottle. The freshly harvested fruit is transported to the winery, where it undergoes meticulous sorting and processing. Here, modern technology meets traditional winemaking techniques, as grapes are destemmed, crushed, and sometimes left to ferment with their skins, imparting flavors and colors to the wine. Each step, from fermentation to aging in oak barrels, is crucial in shaping the wine’s character and complexity. Finally, after months of nurturing and craftsmanship, the liquid treasure is bottled, ready to be savored by wine enthusiasts around the world, capturing the essence of the vineyard and the passion of those who brought the grapes from vine to bottle.

Grape Season in a NutShell

In conclusion, the grape season in Greece represents an enchanting time when the land comes alive with the vibrant colors and flavors of diverse grape varieties. From the renowned wine grapes like Agiorgitiko and Assyrtiko, celebrated for their boldness and finesse, to the delightful table grapes like Sultana and Crimson Seedless, treasured for their sweetness, the Greek vineyards offer an unforgettable experience.

The journey from vine to bottle, with its careful harvesting and skillful winemaking, encapsulates the dedication and passion of the people behind this timeless tradition. Whether exploring the picturesque landscapes of Napa Valley or savoring the essence of Greece’s wine country, the grape season serves as a reminder of the profound connection between people, land, and the age-old art of winemaking. So, let us raise our glasses to toast the magic of Greece’s grape season and the delightful elixirs it brings forth. Cheers!

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