Living on the island of Paros, I drink a lot of Greek island wine, yet I am not a connoisseur. I am an imbiber. I drink what is available at the time and place. Just as Greek light and air have influenced art since the dawn of civilization, so do the atmosphere and sun at our local taverna influence the taste of the wine before us.

All restaurants and tavernas on the islands serve an "open" or barrel wine at usually a very low price - sometimes the price is so low I double the tip out of guilt. I always try the local offering and am only rarely disappointed. When sitting on a shaded veranda with the sound of the sea lapping against the sand and either the villa-clad hills or open sea in the background it would have to be a very bad wine to take away from the sense of well being. Though, I have found that when the Greek male host is especially boastful of his own wine, it tends to not be to my liking, usually because it is too sweet.

While some of this open wine may come from the proprietors' home stock, most comes from a large plastic jug and is produced at a central island winery. Each island tends to specialize in a different variety. Santorini produces mostly white wine using the Assyrtiko grape that was originally cultivated there and now is grown all over Greece. Paros is famous for the quality of its Mandelaria red grape.

Perhaps when comparing the world market including France, California, & Australia then wines from Greece would not sell well on the High Street wine shop shelves. Yet when in Greece at one of the many "fine dining" restaurants, enjoying the well-cooked lamb or the octopus, would it not be a sacrilege to order a wine from Germany, for instance? There are many quality bottled Greek wines. Here on Paros we have the Moraitas family-run winery producing superb hand-crafted wines for that special occasion.

My recommendation, whether you are a wine connoisseur or just an imbiber like me, is to make your next winery tour on the Greek islands. Come to Paros and I will show you my favorite taverna at Palm Beach, where you forget life's problems regardless of what you are drinking.

About the Author

Michael Russell

Your Independent guide to Wine

Wine Education and More

Greek Island Wine - Taste the Place


Living on the island of Paros, I drink a lot of Greek island wine, yet I am not a connoisseur. I am an imbiber. I drink what is available at the time ...


Click Here to Read More About Wine ...

Featured Wine Education Items

The FTD Blushing Beauty Basket - Deluxe


Blushing peach roses and pink larkspur, with more pink, yellow, and white blossoms, are sweetly nestled in a handled basket. This pretty basket will send unabashed wishes of good cheer. C8-3023D


Price: 51.99 USD



News about Wine Education

Here's the man who taste tests your pets' food

Tue, 19 Feb 2008 18:17:26 PST
Like a seasoned wine taster, Simon Allison sniffs and peers at the product he is testing. Then he samples a soupcon, noting the blend of flavors and aromas. Only when he is completely satisfied will the product be acceptable as pet food. He says: "I love my job. It is a brilliant area and eating the product is a fundamental part. You have to chew

Vin & Eddies Ristorante & Wine Bar

Tue, 04 Mar 2008 07:04:46 PST
they are very friendly and do a good job.

Meet Simon Allison, Pet Food Tester.......Yes, he eats it

Tue, 04 Mar 2008 16:53:48 PST
Like a seasoned wine taster, Simon Allison sniffs and peers at the product he is testing. He insists he relishes the task and has trained his palate to detect the delicacies preferred by dogs and cats. "It is just the same as if I was working in the ready-meals department. I love my job and eating the product is a fundamental part of it.

A Kosher Wine Tasting - Episode #422

Mon, 10 Mar 2008 04:24:57 PDT
Kosher wines are getting better and better and Daniel Rogov the wine critic is doing an amazing job reviewing and following the scene, today Gary Vaynerchuk tries some of them.

The easiest job in the world is to be a cynic

Fri, 14 Mar 2008 18:25:32 PDT
Mark Armstrong is through complaining about the lack of alternative fuel vehicles. He's building cars to run on them, and teaching others to do the same. Biodiesel, ethanol, electric, and more. He's even making fuel from spoiled wine.

No Crap on Tap, 'Once and for All' is a great place to be.

Fri, 21 Mar 2008 09:47:03 PDT
this eclectic bistro/bar has yoummy edibles and no crap on tap. Chimay, Hoptical, Guiness, and more. The great wine list is highlighted with wonderful Cotes du Rhones and crispy whites.Jean and David have done a super job putting this little eatery together. Live music too!

Carey ashamed of behaviour, says Denton

Thu, 27 Mar 2008 16:33:52 PDT
The former Melbourne premiership captain is already facing criminal charges for assaulting police in the US state of Florida, after a wine glass was smashed in his girlfriend's face last October.The revelations about Carey's behaviour have resulted in him losing various lucrative jobs in the football media.


Wine Racks
Carlee Wines
Wine Recipe | Wine Recipes

Labels: Buy Wine

Posted by John Johnson | 0 comments