Greece is considered to be the birthplace of democracy and philosophy and wine is thought to have been made there for the last 4000 years. Despite this long and storied history, winemaking in Greece never flourished as it did in Italy, for example, This is partly because the country was under the control of the Ottoman Empire, which forbade drinking. As well, the resinated wine style that developed because of the pine resin that was used to seal wine amphorae was a flavour that did not travel well. Over the last 20 years or so, however, the industry has modernized, with the latest equipment and techniques. This combined with unique local grape varieties (Agiorgitiko, Xinomavro, Assyrtiko and Moschophilero) means that Greek wine is becoming more and more popular around the world, particularly among the sommelier community.