When the god Dionysus shared with Oeneus the secret of viniculture and urged him to go forth and multiply the vines of the world, it could well be that the Valley of Nemea is where he asked him to pay special attention. The gently undulating terrain of Nemea, in the northwest Peloponnese, isn’t just beautiful on the eye. It happens to be home to one of Greece’s most celebrated grape varieties and its largest Protected Designation of Origin zone.

In a setting of olive groves and cypress trees, the hillside vineyards successfully produce many of Europe’s leading grape varieties (Chardonnay, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah…). But it is the aromatic Agiorgitiko grape for which Nemea has rightly developed international renown and that gets oenophiles purring with excitement.

There are plenty of wineries to visit, each offering its own experience. You can look forward to tours of vineyards and cellars and wine-tasting accompanied by local products. And when you’re done, don’t forget to buy a bottle or two of spicy, full-bodied Agiorgitiko … so you, too, can continue Oeneus’ work when you’re home and help spread the word.

Source: discovergreece.com