Oenology

Presentation of the laboratory

The Laboratory of Oenology and Alcoholic Drinks (L.E.A.D.) of the Agricultural University of Athens is the seventh and more recent created laboratory of the Department of Food Science & Human Nutrition. It was established as an autonomous laboratory in July 2015 with the aim to support the university with high quality research and education and to transfer new knowledge to the wine producers.

The university was first established under the name Highest Agricultural School of Athens (later, in 1989 renamed Agricultural University of Athens) in 1920. The Oenology laboratory was established for first time the same year with the foundation of the university, as one of the first laboratories, thus indicating the great importance of wine in our country for more than 100 years. Over the years its autonomous operation was suspended and was part of other laboratories. In 2015, the laboratory was re-established as Laboratory of Oenology, and in 2017, was renamed as Laboratory of Oenology & Alcoholic Drinks.

From 2004 to 2017 the laboratory participated in the Interdepartmental Postgraduate Program "VITICULTURE - OENOLOGY" organized by the department of Food Science & Human Nutritionin collaboration with the Department of Crop Science. In the academic year 2018-2019, the Postgraduate Study Program was established under the name "MSc in Current Food Technology: I) Dairy Science, II) Oenology". The Laboratory of Oenology & Alcoholic Drinkshas undertaken the field OINOLOGY by training oenologists at postgraduate degree (MSc).

The aim and vision of the new laboratory of Oenology and Alcoholic Drinks isto provide high quality education to undergraduate and postgraduate students. Students obtain a deep understanding of wine science and alcoholic beverages from academics with great experience over the field in national and international level. Additionally, L.E.A.D. aims to be leader in cutting edge research in the filed of grapes, wines and spirits. The L.E.A.D.’s mission is to support successfully the grape, wine and distillate industry through high value education, training and expansion knowledge.

The Laboratory of Oenology & Alcoholic Drinks is located at the building Hasioti equipped with the most advanced state-of-the-art equipment available for grape and wine bio-active compounds. Also, possess an experimental winery for the pilot winemaking and an experimental pot still with a fractionation column to study in deep the distillation process. Along with the well equipment laboratory and winery, the L.E.A.D. has a well-trained sensory panel for the organoleptic control and evaluation of the experimental wines and spirits.

In pursuit its mission, the L.E.A.D. is engaged with wine industry in setting research goals with the aim to support the innovation of the national wine industry,study the Greek grape varieties, highlight the typicality of the Greek wines and improve their quality. It actively participates in designing the national wine strategyin collaboration with governmental and regional authorities by developing and coordinating research projects. The group coordinated and participate in several national and regional projects (MU-SA, STOEV NEMEA, OENOVATION, HELLENOINOS, DIONYSUS etc.).

The L.E.A.D. has developed partnerships with world-leading research groups, institutes and universities to form strong and stabile collaborative teams. It is member of the OENOVITI International network and the International Viticulture and Enology Society (IVES). Members of the group participate in national and international congresses, conferences and seminars presenting the latest research achievements. Also, they publish in peer reviewed and industry journals their research achievements increasing the visibility and the transfer of the produced knowledge.

Presentation of the Laboratory of Oenology and Alcoholic Drinks