The most marked difference between Greek vineyards and those of other countries is that they never spread over great tracts of land but remained small- scale. Covering a total expanse of 140 000 hectares, vines occupy no more than 3 percent of cultivated land in Greece, as opposed to 6,2 percent in Italy and 3,2 percent for the community average.

Greek vineyards also tend to be smaller than their counterparts elsewhere: of 209 000 registered cultivations, 87 percent cover less than 0,5 hectares and 60 percent produce win for personal consumption. The average cultivated vineyard in Greece is 0. 36 hectares, accounts for approximately 2 percent of total vineyards in the EU and between 2,1 and 2,6 percent of total wine production, as well as 1,3-1,4 percent of world wine production.

Greece vineyards could be found in the most unlikely places_ perched on mountain slopes 1 000m. above sea level, carved into cliff faces or next to the surf. Essentially, with the exception of extremely high altitudes, there is no corner of Greece where grapevines are not cultivated.

The soil characteristic of a Greek vineyard is mainly rocky limestone soil, while one fifth of the nation's vineyards are in the fertile plains. The combination of a temperate climate, lots of sunshine and low rainfall creates soils of moderate fertility, which produce small crops of excellent quality.

The diversity of the Greek landscape also creates an ambudance of areas with their own microclimate and unique ecosystems, favoring the development of numerous local varieties, in addition to 26 foreign, chiefly French varieties which have been planted relatively recently and over a limited area. The latter are mainly used for blending with Greek varieties.

The persistence of certain local varieties over time is remarkable, with even their names remaining unchanged. The contemporary variety " Limnio " cultivated on the northern Aegean island of Limnos is non other than the " Limnia " variety mentioned by Aristotle. Other classic Greek varieties whose origins stretch back to ancient times are Xinomavro, Negoska, Asyrtiko, Aedani, Athiri, Stavroto, Vilana, Mandilaria, Roditis, Debina, Robola, Moschofilero, Agioritiko, Moschato, Mavrodafni, Savatiano and many others to the 28 varieties in Greek regions.

The greatest number of vines in the country is in Peloponnese, but the majority of grapes grown there are destined for eating or making raisins. The biggest vineyards for winemaking are in Attica and Viotia prefectures, forming large wine-growing regions around the majorurban centers.

Up to 14 000 hectares of vines have been uprooted in the country between 1988 and 1996- an amount which corresponds to 8 percent of total uprootings throughout the community and 15 percent of all vines in the country, making it the largest proportionately in the EU. According to EU decision, a further 987 hectares have been earmarked for uprooting in Greece while in exchange the country has been granted the right to plant 208 hectares of new vines for VQPRD and regional wines only.