The most exquisite red variety of Northern Greece, Xinomavro, is cultivated in the vineyard of Naoussa.
As the place of origin of the God Dionysus, Naoussa is still a city of wine and vines. The tradition of viticulture in Naoussa counts many years.
Reports about Naoussa have been made in the past by many foreign travelers, such as Pouqueville (1826), who states that Naoussa’s wine is one of the finest in Macedonia and Cousinery (1831). who notes that the region of Naoussa is for Macedonia, what is Burgundy for France.
At the beginning of the 20th century, Naoussa’s wine has become famous and is exported to Central and Eastern Europe. However, the appearance of phylloxera in Greece has resulted in many vineyards being completely destroyed. In the late 1960s, the use of subjects resistant to the insect and even to the root form that caused the most major problem allows Naoussa’s vineyards to be re-established.
Since 1970 the viticulture has been improving, and the vines are growing in linear shapes. Modern winemaking methods are also adopted, and thus, the quality of the wine is constantly ensured. Naoussa continues to develop its reputation for producing wines of high quality.
At the initiative of the OIV, in October 1987, in Rome, Naoussa was declared an International City of Vine and Wine.