Greece

Winemaking in Greece is an integral part of the country. It was praised in the mythology and poems of ancient Greek writers, making it an essential component of a great civilization. We will learn how ancient wine, with the addition of resin, became the hallmark of modern Greek winemaking - simultaneously evolving into both a curse and a blessing. Our journey will lead us to the sunny tourist island of Santorini, where the interplay of volcanic soil and a specialized vineyard care system has bestowed a contemporary identity upon the Greek wine industry. Further exploration will take us to the vineyards of Mount Athos, an exceptional monastic settlement, where we will bear witness to the profound significance of winemaking in this unique locale. The episode takes a dramatic turn as it unveils the story of the courageous winemaker Iliana Malikhin, who undertook the revival of ancient 300-year-old vines destroyed by fire.