PDO Wines of Greece

(Protected Designation of Origin)

PDO (Protected Designation of Origin) wines represent the highest-quality category in Greek wine legislation, replacing the older classifications known as AOQS and AOC. These wines come from Greece’s most historic and established winegrowing regions, areas that have long been recognized for their tradition, terroir, and consistent winemaking identity.

Each PDO zone is precisely defined, usually following the borders of local municipalities and incorporating specific natural features such as altitude restrictions and geographical boundaries. Except for two regions, all PDO areas rely exclusively on indigenous Greek grape varieties, ensuring authenticity and preserving Greece’s rich viticultural heritage.

PDO wines must also meet strict production rules, including maximum permitted yields per 0.1 hectare and additional criteria that guarantee quality and typicity. One of the most recognizable features of PDO Greek wines is the required red certification band placed around the bottle neck. This band signals that the wine was not only made from grapes grown within the PDO region, but also vinified and bottled by a winery located inside that same zone.

Labels for PDO Wines of Greece include detailed information such as aging requirements—whether the wine matures in oak barrels or undergoes bottle fermentation—as well as essential details about the producer and the winegrowing area.

PDO wines represent the pinnacle of Greek vineyard zones, offering wine lovers a taste of Greece’s most iconic terroirs.

PGI Wines of Greece

(Protected Geographical Indication)

PGI (Protected Geographical Indication) wines represent Greece’s category of Local Wines, along with several wines made using traditional Greek winemaking methods. Under both Greek and European wine laws, these wines form a distinct part of the Greek table wine sector — one of the fastest-growing categories in Greece and across Europe.

The PGI designation was created to emphasize each wine’s authentic origin, regional character, and unique terroir. Every PGI zone has clearly defined geographical boundaries and approved Greek grape varieties, ensuring that each bottle reflects the identity of the place it comes from. PGI producers may also list the vintage year, helping wine lovers explore how climate and region shape Greek wine styles year after year.

In Greece, PGI zones are organized into three levels:

• PGI Regional Wines – Broad geographical regions with diverse terroirs

• PGI District Wines – More specific districts known for distinct wine traditions

• PGI Area Wines – Small, localized areas with unique characteristics and microclimates

Varietal Wines

of Greece

Varietal wines form a newer category within Greek wine legislation. These wines are classified as table wines but must meet some strict requirements. Unlike standard table wines, varietal wines are allowed to list both the vintage year and the grape variety (or varieties) used. However, they are not permitted to display a geographical indication, meaning the region of origin cannot appear on the label.

Greek WineS

"Ordinary” Table Wines

This category includes all Greek table wines that do not fall under the PDO, PGI, or varietal wine classifications. These wines are considered “ordinary” table wines, and by regulation, they cannot display the harvest year or the grape varieties used in their production. While they may not carry specific labeling details, these wines still represent a broad and diverse part of the everyday Greek wine landscape.