On 11 November 2025, Impact Hub Athens convened a diverse group of wine professionals in Athens — including sommeliers, educators, winemakers, distributors, journalists, and association representatives — to discuss gender dynamics in the Greek wine sector. Participants described an industry rich in expertise but fragmented and traditionally male-dominated, with women often concentrated in communication, hospitality rather than leadership and production, yet we see a rapid shift with more and more women taking the lead. Despite this, the mapping of the ecosystem showed that women contribute at every stage of the value chain, highlighting the potential for greater inclusion to strengthen the sector’s sustainability and professionalism.
The discussion revealed persistent barriers shaped by cultural norms, family-run business structures, and limited mentorship opportunities. Many women face biased assumptions, consumer scepticism, or informal work conditions that obscure their contributions. Participants noted that while inequalities remain deeply rooted, a generational shift is underway: younger professionals demonstrate greater awareness, and education programmes are helping reshape attitudes and expectations.
A central theme was the role of the Observatory on gender-based violence and equality currently under development by Grapes of Change. Participants stressed that the Observatory should be practical, accessible, and focused on education. They called for clear summaries of labour rights, anonymous channels for sharing testimonies, mapping of support services, and visibility for good practices. Particularly important is addressing the significant lack of gender-disaggregated data in the Greek wine sector and creating a central repository for research, indicating widespread experiences of unequal treatment.
Looking ahead, participants expressed optimism that Greece is willing to move forward, build the knowledge, utlise its active community networks and institutional infrastructure to drive meaningful change. They endorsed continued dialogue, training, and collaboration and viewed gender equality not as a sensitive topic but as an opportunity for innovation, resilience, and growth across the wine industry.