It is diversity that awakens an interest in people to know more about something that is different from them. We each have our own nationality, language, culture heritage and foods music and customs which are instantly recognizable. In Greece, food and wine are both essential elements of everyday life. Greeks love to pair specific foods with certain wines, a practice that they have inherited from their ancestors. Still, in olden times, food was not only just for consumption and nutrition. During Ancient Greece, food was often sacrificed to the Gods before consumed and on other occasions, some foods were even shunned if it was believed that the Gods did not like them. The growing popularity of Greece as a great holiday destination that also offers a myriad of great-tasting foods has made more individuals aware of the diverse selections of traditional foods enjoyed by Greeks. So, if you want to know more about Greek wine and foods, here are some delightful fares that you can hopefully try out.

A vast majority of Greek foods incorporate vital ingredients such as olive oil, meats such as lamb, and vegetables. Greek cuisine is, not surprisingly, recognized for being aromatic, tasty, and fresh, and infused with a balanced mixture of spices, and meats and vegetables. As with other societies, the Greeks hold that good food have the power to cure ordinary illnesses. A dish that is generally served to ward off sickness or to cure the common cold is the Avgolemono, which is a type of chicken broth with eggs, rice and a touch of lemon. The Greeks love their sweets and Loukoumades is a part of many dessert preparations. Traditional honey puffs or Loukoumades is generally made from yeast, sugar, eggs, flour and nutmeg, while honey, sugar and cinnamon are used to garnish this type of sweet. Filo pastry is also popular using the infamous Baklava dessert which is native to Greece.

The Moussaka is another very popular Greek recipe. It is a casserole of eggplants, potatoes, onions, with a certain kind of meat. Most Greek main courses include meat, one of which is the Souvlaki, wherein food is put on skewers, much like the kebab. Several Greek tourists prefer this dish. Vegetables are central to the Greek diet, and those in season are often included in meals or as refreshing side dishes. Greek salads, or Horiatiki, are also popular as a side dish with most main meals. Generally, when people think of salads, they immediately see lettuce with a selection of fresh salad vegetables and dressing. Tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, feta cheese, olive oil and some seasonings are frequently used in Greek salads, which is unlike regular salads. One will rarely find any lettuce in most Greek salads. Another common side dish is the pita bread. It is usually served with a selection of dips, such as yoghurt, cucumber and garlic.

Together with food, wine is also greatly enjoyed by the Greeks, and it has been this way ever since the ancient times where wine was believed to be the drink of the gods. Hence, it is not surprising that the wine selection in Greece is varied. There are more than 300 types of Greek wine. It ranges from white, blanc de gris, to the darker tones and richer flavors of reds – all are adored in varying degrees by locals and tourists alike. A widely liked wine within Greece is the Retsina, which also goes by the name white wine or rose wine. Although favored by many Greeks, it is less popular with tourists due to the resin mixed in which gives it a distinct taste. The Greeks find red wines appealing, and two favorites are the Brusco and the Xinomavro. The former is a type of dry red house wine, while the latter is a deep red wine from northern Greece, which is also known as ‘acid black.’ It gets better with age and it has a rich woody bouquet and flavor. Another famous wine is the Agiorghitiko, which is named after St. George. It is from the grapes cultivated in the Peloponnese area and its piquant cherry-like taste makes it very distinct.

The Greek’s passion for food and wine cannot be denied. It is evident in their lifestyle and exceptional gastronomy. Greek cuisine is not just about filling one’s stomach. It is about ancient recipes and old traditions often brought to life through new interpretations of food and cooking. If, one day, you will have the chance to visit Greece, you will come to appreciate not only the nation’s history and architecture, but also its culture through distinct Greek cuisine.