The viticultural zone for the production of Protected Designation of Origin wines from Paros encompasses all the vineyard areas of the islands of Paros and Antiparos. The varieties involved are Monemvasia and Mandelaria, for which traditional cultivation methods are strictly permitted.
The winemaking history of the island of Paros is long and rich. This is evidenced by clay wine vessels and other artifacts dating back to the Cycladic Civilization (3200 – 2000 BC). From the classical period, coins depicting the God Dionysus have been found, while wine amphorae from the Hellenistic period (300 BC – 150 BC), bearing the stamp of Paros, have been discovered in places such as Delos and Rome, demonstrating the production and trade of Parian wine.
The vineyards are primarily shaped either in a low cup-like form (25 – 40 cm) to protect against strong winds, or in a linear fashion. Approximately 20% of the plants (a percentage that is steadily declining) are cultivated using the unique method of Parian "aplotaria." This means they are left without a trunk, sprawling on the ground, reaching lengths of up to 5 meters in some cases. The reason for this cultivation method is also to shield against the winds, but it is often abandoned during replanting due to the difficulty of maintenance.
The soils of Paros are fertile with good drainage. The vineyards are scattered across the island, planted from sea level up to altitudes exceeding 400 meters. The slopes often exceed 10%, and the plantings are done in terraces. Phylloxera has timidly appeared on the island in recent years; however, this delay is why a large portion of the vineyards are own-rooted. The climate is Mediterranean, with low annual rainfall (<400 mm), which is limited during the winter months until spring. Summers are dry and hot, with altitude and sea breezes moderating the high summer temperatures.
The wines produced in the PDO zone of Paros are:
Dry White from the Monemvasia variety
Dry Red from the Mandelaria and Monemvasia varieties (at least 35%)