May 30, 2025 | Greece, Uncategorized, Wine |
In ancient times, wine held significant cultural and religious importance in Greece. It was not just a drink but a symbol of civilization and social status. Through the centuries, various varieties of wine have been cultivated in the region, each with its unique characteristics and flavors. Let’s delve into the fascinating world of wine in ancient Greece and the Venetian years in Greece.Ancient Greece was known for producing a wide range of wines, each reflecting the terroir of different regions. Some of the popular varieties of wine in ancient Greek times included:
- Retsina: This unique Greek wine is characterized by its distinct pine resin flavor, a tradition dating back to ancient times when resin was used to seal wine amphorae.
- Malvasia: Also known as Malmsey, this sweet wine was famous during the Venetian rule in Greece and remains a beloved choice for dessert wines.
- Agiorgitiko: A red grape variety native to Greece, producing rich and full-bodied wines with notes of dark fruits and spices.
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Mar 27, 2025 | Culture, Greece |
Orthodox Easter
Orthodox Easter is a major spiritual celebration for Orthodox Christians. Church of Christian Orthodox, traditions and symbolism show their strong faith and rich cultural heritage on this holiday.
Believers gather to celebrate Christ’s resurrection, finding hope and joy. It is the most important feast in the Orthodox Christian calendar, marking the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Orthodox Easter falls on a different date than Western Easter because the Orthodox Church uses the Julian calendar, happening one to five weeks later. (more…)
Mar 19, 2025 | food, Greece, Wine, Wine Tour
Ancient Greece and Wine TastingIn ancient Greece, wine was far more than just a drink; it was a cornerstone of cultural identity and played an essential role in various religious ceremonies. One of the most significant events in this tradition was the annual festival of Anthesteria, held in honor of Dionysus, the revered god of wine and celebration. This vibrant festival marked the joyous opening of new wine jars, symbolizing the arrival of spring and the renewal of life. Fast forward to the present day, and Greece’s esteemed winemaking tradition continues to flourish, particularly at Creta Wineries, which proudly showcases the outstanding diversity and quality of Greek wines. In the following sections, we will delve deeper into the rich historical tapestry of wine in ancient Greece, the intricate process of modern wine production, and the captivating experiences wine tasting today offers.
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Oct 15, 2024 | Greece, History, History Tours
Pietro Querini is the Venetian nobleman who in the early summer of 1431 in Chania, Crete embarks on a ship loaded with wine and spices, and a crew of 68. They are off to Flanders. Instead, they end up shipwrecked at Røst in Lofoten, Northern Norway.“I, Pietro Querini from Venice, have promised myself to write down exactly, for the memory of posterity, the adversities that have befallen me and the places where they have happened to me according to the dispositions of the wheel of fate. You must know that driven by the desire to acquire honor and riches, I invested my belongings to set up a ship for a trip to Flanders. On April 25, 1431, I left Crete for this journey, which turned out to be very bitter and full of misfortunes.
My state of mind was sad for the loss of my son, and full of pain, as if it were already a premonition of the many and unbearable misfortunes that would come. Pietro Querini was a Venetian Patrician in the 15th century, a member of the powerful Querini family, and a member by right of Serenissima’s Great Council. He was Lord on the Island of Candia (Crete) and owned the fiefs of Castel di Termini and Dfnes, famous for the production of Malvasia Wine, which he traded especially with Fiandre. Bound for Bruges in Flanders in 1431, his merchant ship encountered a terrible storm off the western coast of France. The storm ravaged the ship, and the sailors had to take to lifeboats. (more…)
Sep 8, 2024 | Culture, Greece, Wine
In the annals of humanity, numerous societies have been built upon the cultivation and production of wine. Even today, many individuals naturally associate wine with culture. In ancient times, in regions conducive to wine production, the emergence of a civilization and its culture closely followed, and vice versa: Once a culture had developed, its prosperity and well-being became closely intertwined with the vine and wine. This correlation is not coincidental: Wine cultivation requires settling in one location and giving up nomadic lifestyles. It can thrive in poor soil, leaving fertile ground for other types of cultivation. Winemaking necessitates specialized knowledge and techniques, while its commercial aspect depends on the presence of transportation and expertise in trade, economics, and shipping, among other things. The most illustrious and enduring culture in history, the Greek wine culture is one such example. The ancient Greeks recognized wine as a natural gift and transformed it into an art form. (more…)
Are you looking for a destination that combines rich history, stunning landscapes, delicious cuisine, and warm hospitality? Look no further than Crete, Greece’s largest island. With its diverse regions, picturesque towns, ancient ruins, and beautiful beaches,