Limnos (Lemnos) is the most northern of the officially recognized winegrowing Aegean Islands, 60 miles (97km) south of Thraki. Limnos is, by Greeks standards, a low and flat island that is susceptible to high winds. Wine has been made on the island since ancient times and is mentioned by Homer in the Iliad as delighting the Achaeans during the siege of Troy.
Muscat of Alexandria, known locally as Moschato Alexandrias or English Vines, is the most commonly planted grape variety and accounts for 70% of total wine production on Limnos. Since vineyard elevation is so low it can be difficult to get good levels of acidity in the warm Mediterranean climate. The breezes off the Aegean Sea provide a moderating influence during the summer months but can be strong in winter, giving Limnos a reputation as a blustery location. The local wine cooperative has, since 1958, been responsible for the bulk of Limnos wine production.