You are introducing what is going to be the fourth Great Greek Wine Awards - but with some important changes. What are they?
Indeed, this edition signifies an exciting new chapter for our initiative. During the previous three occasions, we championed Greek wine through the 50 Great Greek Wines platform, packed our bags, and, with dedication and a forward-thinking mindset, embarked on journeys to the cities where we strategically believed our message could gain greater recognition. Reflecting on our journey, we have reached over 15 international destinations.
And now, we stand on the threshold of the next edition. The significant evolution marking this new effort to showcase the greatness of Greek wine is that, five years later, we are redefining our name.
Great Greek Wine Awards founders Yiannis Karakasis MW and Grigoris Michailos
We are transitioning from GGW50 to a name that better and more accurately reflects the exceptional quality of Greek wines. We proudly introduce the platform of Great Greek Wines, a strategic shift aimed at highlighting an even greater number of high-quality entries.
The award-winning wines of Great Greek Wines - The List will be based solely on quality and the number of entries, providing more wines and producers the opportunity to be part of Great Greek Wines.
There is one important limitation: the number of wines on The List will be proportional to the number of entries. In other words, 10% of the entries will be awarded, ensuring the recognition of more wines while maintaining the strict standards we have upheld from the beginning. Additionally, a new list will take a prominent place, focusing on value-for-money wines, a category increasingly sought after by contemporary consumers, especially in an era of rising concern about costs. This will be theGreat Value Wines List and will include 30 wines that cost no more than €19 retail price in Greece.
Why did you want to make these changes now?
There is always a right moment to do things, right? Greek wine has flourished in recent years, and we believe it’s only natural for our platform to evolve alongside it.
Together with Gregory Michailos (founding partner and development manager), we’re excited to move beyond the initial 50 wines and create something more flexible that better represents the current positioning of Greek wine. Additionally, with the rising demand for affordable yet high-quality wines worldwide, it feels like the perfect time to introduce our new Great Value Wines List. This exciting change will help GGW remain a modern, influential force in the international perception of Greek wine.
What do you hope they can achieve?
Yiannis Karakasis MW says it has been able to introduce Greek wines to 15 countries thanks to the awards
Our primary objective is to enhance the global reputation of Greek wine by providing exceptional wines with the visibility they merit while upholding our uncompromising standards. By recognising premium and great-value wines, we can connect Greek wine to key markets and a broader range of consumers.
However, GGW is more than merely an awards ceremony — GGW operates as a vibrant platform for continuous promotion. Over the past five years, we have introduced Greek wine to 15 countries, capturing the attention of leading industry professionals and buyers in major markets. This year alone, we have travelled to Warsaw, Amsterdam, Antwerp, London, and Paris, and in March, I will be in Girona for the inaugural Mediterranean Symposium.
These initiatives are not solely about recognition; they aim to create lasting momentum for Greek wine on the global stage.
For those that don't know the awards why did you set them up and how do you run them?
Great Greek Wines was established to reinforce the message of Greek wine's high quality and authenticity in an innovative, structured, and engaging manner that goes beyond a classic competition. GGW is unique in many respects.
Firstly, samples are sourced exclusively from the market, ensuring that the wines judged are the same ones consumers can purchase. Thus, we do not accept wines from producers.
Secondly, a maximum of only 10% receive an award, which is notably different from the policies of many competitions.
Thirdly, our judges are exclusively the best of the best, and after the awards, we promote these wines globally. GGW is a platform dedicated to identifying and communicating the finest wines from Greece. The real work begins after the awards, with ongoing promotion and global exposure for the winners.
You have built up an impressive list of judges - how do you choose the judges you work with - what criteria do you use?
The line up of judges for the 2025 competition
Selecting the right judges is crucial for maintaining credibility; therefore, we concentrate on individuals with genuine expertise and a true passion for Greek wine. Our panel comprises Masters of Wine (MWs) and Master Sommeliers (MSs) with influence, esteemed buyers or wine directors, and sommeliers from key export markets, alongside writers and critics with a global presence and a commitment to Greek wine. It is not solely about knowledge—we seek judges who are engaged, inquisitive, and genuinely enthusiastic about what Greek wine offers, as that passion translates into a more insightful and meaningful evaluation process.
Where and how do you do the judging?
This year, the competition will be held in Athens at the new Ace Hotel. The judging process for Great Greek Wines is built on fairness and integrity. Judges taste the wines blindly, of course, knowing only the category, alcohol content, and vintage, which ensures that each wine is assessed solely on its quality. Therefore, no price range or origin information is provided, and at times, the variety may not even be recognised if several producers vinify it.
Each judging table consists of three judges, with a rotation system to ensure consistent scoring. The awards will take place at the iconic Grande Bretagne Hotel in Athens on May 22.
What impact do you think the awards have had in terms of the profile and reputation of Greek wines?
I prefer that others discuss the impact of this idea. Mark Andrew of Noble Rot says: “GGW is a jumping-off point for numerous conversations. It serves as a catalyst for those discussions, literally introducing people to these wines through the work of GGW.”
Wojciech Bonkowski MW describes it as the single go-to trusted reference for wine lovers worldwide.
From my perspective, the impact extends beyond numbers - t’s about reshaping perceptions. Greek wine is no longer merely a hidden gem; it is a serious contender on the global stage, captivating the hearts and palates of those who appreciate its depth and authenticity brilliance.
What do you see as the big changes in Greek winemaking since you have been running the awards?
Since the awards began, there has been a significant shift in Greek winemaking, with new and exciting wines emerging. One of the most thrilling changes is the revival of traditional wines such as Retsina, which are now produced in a fresh, contemporary style with high levels of complexity. Pet nats are on the rise, as are low-alcohol wines. It is an exciting time for Greek wine, as old traditions are being revived and reimagined, creating a future that honours both the past and present.
Where do you see its biggest opportunities in the key export markets?
In every single market. Greek wine is still a baby; there is a wealth of potential everywhere, especially in less explored countries.
Are you looking to host any tasting or events in order to promote the awards?
Absolutely. We are constantly seeking new opportunities to promote and communicate the fantastic qualities of Great Greek Wines. We are particularly keen to revisit the UK and Paris, as these are key markets for Greek wine in Europe. However, one of our greatest aspirations is to host events in New York and Tokyo, two cities we have always dreamed of reaching to share the exceptional quality of Greek wines with an even broader audience.
* To find out more about about the Great Greek Wine Awards click here.
* Entries are open now until March 23. Click here for more.
