“Vineyards, planted without the right to do so after August 31, 1998, must be uprooted at the producer’s expense," stipulated the Wine and Alcoholic Beverages Law adopted at first reading in Parliament yesterday.

Non-classified vineyards and varieties are subject to eradication as well.

According to the document, the Executive Agency on Vine and Wine (EAVW) has to maintain a public register of vine growers and wine producers, creating specific records for them.

A ban on the blending of wines originating from third countries, both among themselves and with wines produced in the European Union is being introduced. The production of wine from certain types of grape must, grape juice and fresh grapes originating from third countries is being prohibited as well. The bill establishes specific definitions and requirements for rakiya, mastika and distillates for their production, in line with traditional practices.