Ancient Greeks considered that wine was a gift from the gods and worshiped Dionysus, the son of Zeus and Semeli, as god of wine. It is believed that wine (oinos) was introduced in Greece around 4000 BC and has been cultivated ever since. As is the case with all the nations situated in the Mediterranean basin, the moderate climate in combination with the fertile land offered the country the ideal conditions for viticulture.

An Informal Council of EU Environment Ministers, chaired by Greek Minister of Environment, Energy and Climate Change, Yannis Maniatis, convened today (14.5.2014) in Athens. Commissioners for Climate Action Connie Hedegaard, and Environment Janez Potočnik, participated at the meeting, along with the competent Ministers of Member States, candidate countries (including almost all Balkan countries) and countries of the European Free Trade Association (EFTA).