The Wine Roads of Northern Greece

The Wine Roads of Northern Greece is a pioneering program for Greece and an innovative wine tourism offer to all visitors from Greece and abroad, to reach the rich wine-growing regions of the northern land in conjunction with many other local cultural activities.The initiative belongs to 13 visionary winemakers of northern Greece who decided in 1993 to found the Association of Wine Roads of Macedonia in order to create conditions to support the delivery of wine and allow to Greeks and foreigners to discover Macedonia vineyard.In 1997, the Wine Roads joined the official program of the Organization of the Cultural Capital of Europe, entitled "Roads of Wine-Gastronomy."

In 2002, accession of Epirus and the expansion of wineries in Thrace states led to the renaming of the "Union Wine Roads of Northern Greece" to "Wine Roads of Northern Greece". In 2008 the expansion of the network, with membership selected catering and hospitality, workshops, local products and businesses of alternative activities create and offer a comprehensive proposal for tourist visitors in Northern Greece.

Today, 37 wineries companies and a large number of cooperating companies have joined forces and have a place of business executives to achieve their common objectives, which are:

To build the image of the wines of the vineyards of northern Greece and their promotion at home and abroad. This is an important initiative, because both the Greeks are still not being fully informed about wine and maintain myths about it (the house wine is traditional, the home is healthy, etc.), but neither has so far organized activity or State support to contribute actively to the promotion of Greek wine in Greece and abroad.

The touristic development of the vineyards of Northern Greece and the natural environment of various regions provide a comprehensive proposal for all winetourism guests.The support of the Greek cultural heritage and local cultural activities is focused on the vine and wine. Participation in setting up general rules governing relations between growers, winemakers and vintner, to better enable collaboration, customer service and quality improvement services and products. To achieve the objective even contribute to their active participation, local government, cultural clubs, different operators, enterprises and citizens, participating in development activities that have lasting effects.Such actions include road marking, establishing folklore museums around the vineyard, the wine and the local gastronomy, books and performing various cultural events. Specifically, to achieve the following objectives:

Develop a tourism route in the vineyards of Northern Greece, which identifies all points of winemaking, cultural and tourist attractions such as vineyards, wineries, archaeological and historical sites, scenic areas and even, selected restaurants and guesthouses, workshops, local products and businesses alternative activities, champions of the rich Greek cuisine and quality accommodation.

Training of professionals associated with wine, as restaurateurs, hoteliers, waiters, special guides, etc., so there is a direct benefit for our visitors as we enjoy quality services.

Participation in international companies and organizations that have similar or similar purposes. The creation of this standard tourism cooperation strengthens the positive results and further activities of the regional economy.

Organize events of gastronomic and cultural content and conferences in order to approach Greek and foreign visitors to the rich wine and gastronomic tradition and the culture around it, through selected focus areas, interdisciplinary meetings and cultural activities.

Participation in international exhibitions in Greece and abroad.

Organization of international wine competitions, unique in Greece, held every year called "Thessaloniki International Wine Competition."

Promotion of touristic products of the Wine Roads.

The social life of the Greeks over the years, is deeply influenced by the vine and wine. Since ancient times, the divine gift that the Greek land is inextricably linked with history, art, manners and customs of our country. With many events that entertain and inform, the Wine Roads of Northern Greece are always at the forefront, supporting the wine element of cultural identity of Greek and offer the visitor of the nothern-greek vineyards a total of 8 trails around the wine, ranging

From the mount Olympus , Rapsani and helmet in mainland Zitsa and Metsovo

From Kastoria and borderline Amyntaio the Vegora, Saint Panteleimon Velvento, Naoussa, in Stenimachos in Strandzha in Rodochori in Giannakohori and Diocese.

From Pella and Goumenissa in Byzantine Thessaloniki, Epanomi, the bag, Ossa, Anchialos the Kalochori and Halkidiki, in St. Paul, in Arnea, Porto Carras and Chromitsa on Mount Athos.

From Serres and Dionysian Pangaeum the Kokkinochori the Mikrochori, the Kokkinogeia, in distant Thrace, Abdera and the Maroneia.

Modern wineries and wine museums, stir the interest of any suspicious visitors with cultural events, habits about wine and viticulture in each region. One way of alternative tourism, which brings you in touch with nature and rich cultural traditions of the Northern land.Traditional and modern farming methods, modern winery with a local or modern architecture, beautiful native and foreign varieties compose the scene.