The aim of the ESTATE (Yeast Aroma Terroir) project is to produce value-added wines through the use of indigenous yeast strains that highlight the primary aromas of Greek grape varieties and contribute to the expression of local terroir potential. The adoption of a holistic approach, combined with the use of state-of-the-art techniques and methodologies, ensures that the implementation of the proposed project—based on the expected outcomes—will deliver multiple benefits, added value, and growth across various sectors, including the economy, society, and the environment.

The production of wines with distinct characteristics and a strong sense of locality is expected to enhance the competitiveness of ESTATE partner companies both domestically and internationally, strengthen their export activity, and increase consumer trust. This, in turn, will add value to their products and lead to increased revenues for producers. The scientific outcomes of the project will also provide significant societal benefits, including the production of locally distinctive products, the training of company personnel—which will enhance their ability to meet the demands of the modern market—and the creation of new job opportunities both within wineries and through the establishment of companies focused on the management and distribution of indigenous yeast strains. Finally, reducing the use of commercial yeast preparations is expected to have a positive environmental impact by decreasing the need for plastic packaging and refrigeration required for their storage.

The ESTATE project is implemented through the collaboration of businesses in the wine sector and research institutions. The project involves two prominent Greek wineries, Muses Estate and Papagiannakos Estate, as well as the geoinformatics company AVMap. The Agricultural University of Athens serves as the scientific coordinator of the project, while research teams from the University of West Attica and the University of Ioannina also participate, contributing to the scientific validation and development of the research methodology. Additionally, SMART ENOLOGY PC, a company specializing in applied research for wineries and distilleries, is involved in the project.

More information: https://estate-wine.gr

The ESTATE project is implemented within the framework of the “RESEARCH – INNOVATE” Action, co-funded by the European Union through the “COMPETITIVENESS” Programme (project code: EKPAR01-0077655).