GREEK WINE WILL REMAIN RELEVANT THROUGH STRATEGIC COLLECTIVE ACTION
Presentation of the priorities of the Greek Wine Association (SEO) by newly elected President, Stellios Boutaris. At a working lunch held in central Athens, newly elected President Stellios Boutaris outlined the key priorities of the Greek Wine Association, highlighting the importance of collaboration and the Association’s critical role as a strategic vehicle for unity and representation of the entire Greek wine sector.
One of the President’s primary goals is to increase the Association’s membership by at least 20% over the next two years.
One of the President’s primary goals is to increase the Association’s membership by at least 20% over the next two years.
“Greek wine is at the most dynamic point in its history,” emphasized Mr. Boutaris.
“Understandably, recent successes may give the impression that we are large. But in absolute terms — in vineyard area and total revenue — we remain a small sector. However, we possess immense cultural value and contribute significantly to Greece’s global image and identity.”
“Understandably, recent successes may give the impression that we are large. But in absolute terms — in vineyard area and total revenue — we remain a small sector. However, we possess immense cultural value and contribute significantly to Greece’s global image and identity.”
The need for coordinated, collective action becomes even more urgent in the face of complex international challenges. Issues like climate change are exposing both weaknesses and outdated mentalities that must be addressed without delay. Mr. Boutaris highlighted several structural issues: Outdated and overly complex wine legislation Lack of reliable statistical data Highly fragmented vineyard holdings Absence of a self-financing model, unlike comparable wine-producing countries such as Austria and Portugal.
Additional strategic fronts that require focused management include: Growing global competition from emerging wine-producing countries. A new generation of wine consumers with evolving behaviors and preferences. A global decline in wine consumption — especially among younger audiences, Anti-alcohol campaigns that increasingly target wine, A wider context of geopolitical and economic instability, with repercussions such as U.S. trade tariffs
Mr. Boutaris clearly outlined the vision of making Greek wine timelessly relevant, through collective engagement by all stakeholders.
This vision includes: Updating the national strategic plan for Greek wine (already underway in collaboration with KEOSOE and EDOAO). Activating the Greek Wine Observatory for data collection Engaging the working group with the Ministry of Rural Development Issuing an open invitation for broader industry participation — to create a more unified and powerful voice for Greek wine. With consistency and long-term focus, the Association is committed to sustainable growth.
This vision includes: Updating the national strategic plan for Greek wine (already underway in collaboration with KEOSOE and EDOAO). Activating the Greek Wine Observatory for data collection Engaging the working group with the Ministry of Rural Development Issuing an open invitation for broader industry participation — to create a more unified and powerful voice for Greek wine. With consistency and long-term focus, the Association is committed to sustainable growth.
Linking Past and Future: A Cultural Milestone. The importance of continuity and the connection between the past and future of Greek wine was underscored by the signing of a Memorandum of Cooperation between the Greek Wine Association and the General State Archives (GAK), marking the conclusion of the event.
The agreement was signed in the presence of: Amalia Pappa, Acting General Director and Head of Archival Research and Promotion at GAK Amalia Giannaka, Head of Archive Processing at GAK.
The agreement was signed in the presence of: Amalia Pappa, Acting General Director and Head of Archival Research and Promotion at GAK Amalia Giannaka, Head of Archive Processing at GAK.
This monumental project aims to preserve, protect, and highlight the historical records of the Association and of Greece’s historic wineries, public bodies, and key figures in the wine industry.
The initiative was led on behalf of the Association by former President Ioannis Voyatzis, legal scholar Theodoros Georgopoulos (Professor at the University of Reims, France, and current SEO Director), in collaboration with Maria Dimitriadou and Tasos Sakellaropoulos, Curator and Head of Historical Archives at the Benaki Museum respectively.
Special thanks go to students Myrto Panayiotopoulou and Andreas Loumakis, who worked on the project for several months, contributing significantly to its successful completion.
The initiative was led on behalf of the Association by former President Ioannis Voyatzis, legal scholar Theodoros Georgopoulos (Professor at the University of Reims, France, and current SEO Director), in collaboration with Maria Dimitriadou and Tasos Sakellaropoulos, Curator and Head of Historical Archives at the Benaki Museum respectively.
Special thanks go to students Myrto Panayiotopoulou and Andreas Loumakis, who worked on the project for several months, contributing significantly to its successful completion.
