The wines of Attica and the Attica Vineyard took center stage on Thursday, December 18, at the event titled “The Wines of Attica – The Renaissance of an Iconic Vineyard,” organized by the Region of Attica and Travel.gr.

Representatives of the Attica vineyard participated in the event, sharing their views, concerns, and goals for shaping a coherent narrative under the coordination of Master of Wine Giannis Karakasis.

At the panel titled “The Future of Attica Wine – New Generations, New Strategies,” featuring winemakers Sotiris Gkinis, Vasilis Markou, and Anastasia Fragkou, the participants, as representatives of the Attica Vineyard, presented their perspectives and objectives for establishing a stable narrative. As emphasized, the common goal is to highlight the identity of Attica wine through a collective strategy and enhanced outward orientation, both in the domestic and international markets, strengthening its position on the contemporary wine map.

Vasilis Markou is a winemaker and representative of one of the most recognizable family wineries in Attica, Markou Vineyards, which has been operating in the heart of the Mesogeia viticultural zone since 1983. The winery was founded and has evolved through successive generations, with a focus on quality, collaboration with grape growers in Attica and other regions, and the preservation of ties to local tradition. In the privately owned vineyards in Spata, both red and white varieties are cultivated, such as Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Savatiano, and Roditis, from which both traditional and modern wines are produced, including Attica Retsina.

Giannis Karakasis opened the discussion by asking which actions could yield immediate results in terms of recognition for the Attica Vineyard. Winemaker Vasilis Markou stressed that a combination of multiple actions and clear strategic planning is required. As he noted, the first step is the precise identification of the audience each initiative is addressing. Subsequently, actions should target both the local community and the broader urban vineyard, as well as the tourism attracted by Athens, strengthening the connection between the region, its visitors, and the wider public.

In response to the next question, regarding audience prioritization and the different categories that could be approached, Vasilis Markou stated that the initial focus should be on the local audience—namely, residents living within or around the Attica Vineyard, who often are unaware of the existence of the vineyards and the region’s wines. Next in importance are visitors from abroad, as well as temporary visitors to Attica, who can come into contact with Attica’s wine production. As he emphasized, this order, Master of Wine Giannis Karakasis, then raised the question of whether there is room for the creation of an official wine board with a ten-year strategic plan for the Attica Vineyard. Vasilis Markou replied that such an initiative is necessary.

As he pointed out, it requires the formation of a group that includes winemakers, grape growers, as well as representatives of the Region and local municipalities, to ensure the vineyard’s sustainability and continuity over time. Over a ten-year horizon, a cohesive and well-designed strategic plan can deliver substantial results, especially in a region like Attica, which faces intense urbanization pressures. As he stressed, such an initiative is critical for the vineyard to remain an integral part of the region’s identity.

In the following question, regarding how the Attica Vineyard and the wine-production experience could be more meaningfully integrated into the itinerary of visitors to Athens, Vasilis Markou highlighted the need for broad synergies with restaurants, tourism bodies, and key points across the city. As he noted, outward orientation is a decisive factor, while collaboration across different sectors can contribute to the creation of integrated experiences that link wine with gastronomy, culture, and the city’s wine tourism.