Old written sources as Homer’s “Iliad” and “Odyssey”, Plato and Xenophon’s “Symposium”, often refer to famous wines of antiquity. Corfu is also famous for its wine production throughout the centuries having already the rumor that the “Phaeakeans” produced the most excellent quality of wine that has ever existed, according to Homers’ telling.
Before the Venetians demanded the massive planting of olive trees, Corfu used to be largely covered by vineyards. Besides the fact that many vineyards were sacrificed for olive trees planting, the wine production of the island was ever increasing. Both local wineries and the most Corfiot homes are producing wine since hundreds years. The islands fertile ground along with the Mediterranean climate, producer’s love and dedications to their products led to the creation of high qualities of wine. It is also surprising that the island's limestone soils store enough water during winter to keep the vines hydrated over summer.
There are two famous local varieties. “Kakotrygis”, a bright yellowish colored, fruity tasted wine with rich aromas of citron and lemon blossom along with “Petrokorithos”, a ruby colored wine with rich aromas of red fruit, vanilla and spices are the most famous local varieties with great success to local and abroad markets. Apart from these, the white varieties of Sauvignon Blanc, Rhodites and the red varieties Cabernet and Merlot are also part of Corfiot production.
