Heatwaves hurting Greece’s wine regions

"This is the worst year we've seen in three decades. There are no grapes. We are in the second year of drought, and the plants cannot survive; the vines have burnt leaves. We have already requested assessors from ELGA [the Hellenic Organization of Agricultural Insurance] to come and start the compensation process," says Matthaios Dimopoulos, CEO of Santo Wines, describing the dire situation in the vineyards of Santorini, where the renowned Assyrtiko is produced, just weeks before the harvest begins on the island.

The prolonged heatwave, combined with severe drought, has undoubtedly worsened conditions on Santorini. However, scientists explain that this is not a random occurrence but a chronic issue threatening vineyards on the Cycladic island as well as other parts of Greece.

"Santorini, along with grape growers in other parts of the country, will need to make...