Institute of Vine in Athens

History and Development Milestones

The scientific research and breeding program of the Athens Institute of Vine (Institute of Vine, Athens) represents one of the most critical ampelographic foundations in the Mediterranean region. The inception of systematic viticultural research in Athens dates back to 1937 with the establishment of the Wine Institute. In the subsequent decades, the facilities of the Central Nursery for American Rootstocks and the dedicated Institute of Vine were deployed in the suburban district of Lykovrysi (Lykovrysi), focusing on the comprehensive study and protection of grapevines.

For decades, the primary objective of the program has been the rescue, cataloging, phytosanitary cleaning, and selection of autochthonous Greek grape varieties under the specific conditions of the hot and arid Mediterranean climate. Following recent structural reorganizations, the Athens Institute of Vine was integrated into the Institute of Olive Tree, Subtropical Plants and Viticulture, operating under the aegis of the General Directorate of Agricultural Research of the Hellenic Agricultural Organization ELGO-DIMITRA. Its research and production complex in Lykovrysi maintains a unique ampelographic collection that preserves rarest and endangered grapevine genotypes.

Key Areas of Scientific Activity

The scientific school in Lykovrysi focuses on the technological modernization of viticulture and the protection of national genetic diversity. The core areas of research include:

• Preservation of Genetic Resources: Management of a live germplasm bank containing over 900 grapevine varieties, approximately 550 of which comprise unique indigenous cultivars of Greece. Many of these genotypes were rescued by the center's scientists from the brink of total extinction.
• Clonal Selection and Phytosanitary Treatment: Identification and isolation of the most promising clones of key commercial varieties. The institute's laboratories perform comprehensive *in vitro* elimination of hazardous viral infections and phytoplasmas, preparing healthy plant material for distribution to certified nurseries.
• Protection of Authenticity (DNA Barcoding): Genetic identification of grapevine varieties provides scientific substantiation, verifies authenticity, and protects Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) wines in the international market.
• Adaptation to Climate Change: Investigation into the behavior and resilience of various scion-rootstock combinations under extreme drought conditions to formulate agronomic recommendations for Mediterranean growers.

Contribution to Breeding and Winemaking

The long-standing collaborative efforts between the experts of the Institute of Vine and the Wine Institute—the latter led for many years since 1952 by the legendary oenologist and former OIV President, Dr. Stavroula Kourakou-Dragona—laid the scientific groundwork for modern high-quality winemaking in Greece. This fundamental research enabled the drafting of the nation's first wine legislation and the official establishment of national appellations.

The institute serves as the primary repository and curator of reference clones for several legendary varieties:

Wine Grape Varieties (for Winemaking):

• Assirtiko (Assirtiko): The pride of Greece. A world-class white variety capable of maintaining phenomenally high natural acidity at elevated sugar levels, even in the extremely hot climates of Santorini and the mainland.
• Agiorgitiko (Agiorgitiko): The flagship red variety of the Peloponnese peninsula (Nemea region), yielding deeply colored, tannic, and velvety wines with excellent potential for barrel aging.
• Xinomavro (Xinomavro): A powerful red variety of Northern Greece, frequently compared to the famous Italian Nebbiolo due to its complex aromatics, high acidity, and structure.
• Savatiano (Savatiano) and Roditis (Roditis): Traditional white varieties that form the historic backbone of winemaking in Central Greece. Institute scientists are actively conducting selection work to isolate low-yield, high-quality technological clones of these cultivars.

Rare Autochthonous and Historic Cultivars:

• Malagousia (Malagousia): A variety literally resurrected from obscurity. Thanks to the combined efforts of university departments and institute researchers, this white grape, renowned for its intense, perfumed, muscat-and-peach aroma, has become one of the prominent trends in modern Greek winemaking.
• Mavrotragano (Mavrotragano): An exceptionally rare dark-skinned variety from old vineyards on the volcanic soils of the Cyclades islands, whose clones are meticulously studied and recovered to expand the portfolio of premium dry red wines.

Today, the Department of Vine in Athens, operating within the structure of ELGO-DIMITRA, continues to fulfill its vital mission: modernizing some of the oldest winemaking traditions in the world while helping the industry adapt to the ecological challenges of the 21st century.