From Tradition to Innovation: The Evolution of the World’s Premier Greek Wine Exhibition March 2, 3 & 4
ATHENS – In the vibrant heart of Athens, the Oenorama wine exhibition marks its 30th anniversary, standing as the world’s largest and most significant showcase of Greek wines. Since its inception in 1994, Oenorama has been at the forefront of the “Greek Wine Renaissance,” a testament to the enduring vitality and innovation within the Greek wine industry.
Originally held at various locations outside Athens, Oenorama was known for its traditional trade exhibition format, with a substantial focus on machinery and supplies. This format underwent a transformation in 2013 when Oenorama merged with “Dionysia, The Athens Wine Festival,” shifting its venue to the central and picturesque Zappeion exhibition hall. The Zappeion, a historical building where Greece’s accession to the European Common Market was signed in 1981, now provides a majestic setting for wine tasting, professional networking, and the celebration of Greek wine culture.
In recent years, Oenorama has introduced the “Wine Revelations” section, a platform for boutique wineries producing under 30,000 bottles annually. This initiative ensures that new wineries can showcase their unique offerings, with a limited participation rule to encourage diversity. The 2024 edition of Oenorama sees more than a third of wineries in the “Wine Revelations” hall making their debut at the exhibition, highlighting the constant influx of new talent and innovation in the Greek wine scene.
The “Wine Revelations Wine Bar” is a focal point within the hall, where attendees can explore over 60 wines, including natural and rare indigenous varietals, curated and explained by expert sommeliers. This feature underscores Oenorama’s commitment to promoting the depth and diversity of Greek wine.
Another highlight is the “Oenorama Tasting Gallery,” celebrating its 20th anniversary in 2024. This show-within-a-show focuses on newly released wines, offering a curated experience by sommeliers to ensure attendees can explore the latest innovations in Greek winemaking. The Tasting Gallery’s theme of “New Releases” showcases wines launched from January 2021 onwards, reflecting the dynamic and evolving nature of the industry.
“Oenotechnica,” a section dedicated to the latest in vine and wine technology and supplies, continues to enrich the Oenorama experience. Here, industry professionals can connect with exhibitors and discover cutting-edge products in winemaking and packaging. This segment of Oenorama demonstrates the exhibition’s role not only as a showcase for fine wines but also as a hub for technological advancement in the field.
As Oenorama celebrates its 30th year, it stands as a beacon of the Greek wine industry’s past, present, and future. With its rich history, strategic location, and commitment to innovation, Oenorama not only commemorates the journey of Greek wine but also charts its course forward, inviting wine lovers and professionals alike to partake in the ongoing renaissance of Greek viticulture.
