Winemakers see glass half empty due to tax rise

Wineries around Greece will be closed on Monday in protest at the special consumption tax imposed recently on all wine sales.

As of January 1, winemakers have to pay an extra 20 cents per liter, or 15 cents per 750 ml bottle, of tax on the wine they sell.

The new levy is expected to bring in more than 50 million euros in revenues over the course of the year but winemakers argue that it is damaging their business.

They have appealed to the Council of State against the levy.