Peloponnese (Greece)

Discover the Wine Treasures of Peloponnese

The Peloponnese, a peninsula in southern Greece, offers a captivating blend of ancient history and modern winemaking. This region’s diverse terroir and traditional grape varieties create unique wines that reflect its rich cultural heritage.

Towns and Villages

Nemea, known as the wine capital of the Peloponnese, is a must-visit for wine enthusiasts. The town’s narrow streets are lined with wineries and tasting rooms.

Nafplio, a charming coastal town, serves as an excellent base for wine tours. Its Venetian architecture and seaside promenade provide a picturesque backdrop for wine tasting.

Other Notable Locations:

  • Monemvasia: Medieval fortress town with stunning views
  • Pylos: Coastal village near ancient Olympia
  • Mystras: Byzantine ruins surrounded by vineyards

Wine Producers

The Peloponnese boasts numerous wineries, ranging from small family-run estates to larger operations. Here are some standout producers:

  • Gaia Wines: Known for their innovative approach and high-quality Agiorgitiko wines
  • Skouras Winery: Produces a wide range of wines, including the popular Moscofilero
  • Mercouri Estate: One of the oldest wineries in Greece, offering tours and tastings
  • Tselepos Winery: Specializes in Moschofilero and Agiorgitiko varietals

Accommodations

The Peloponnese offers a range of accommodations to suit different preferences and budgets:

Wine-focused Stays:

  • Pyrgos Petreza: Boutique hotel in Nemea with its own vineyard
  • Eumelia Organic Agrotourism Farm & Guesthouse: Offers wine-making workshops

Luxury Options:

  • Amanzoe: High-end resort near Porto Heli with exceptional wine lists
  • The Romanos, a Luxury Collection Resort: Beachfront property with wine tasting experiences

Budget-friendly Choices:

  • Pension Marianna in Nafplio: Centrally located with helpful staff
  • Guesthouse Enastron in Monemvasia: Traditional stone-built accommodation

Dining

Peloponnese cuisine complements its wines perfectly. Here are some restaurants that showcase local flavors and wines:

  • Agnanti in Nemea: Traditional Greek dishes paired with local wines
  • To Matoula in Nafplio: Seafood specialties and extensive wine list
  • Elies in Kardamyli: Panoramic views and Peloponnese wines
  • Taverna Vassilis in Mystras: Rustic setting with homemade wines

For a unique experience, try Ergon Agora in Kalamata, combining a restaurant, deli, and wine shop showcasing regional products.

Wine Shops & Bars

Explore these wine-focused establishments to taste and purchase local wines:

  • Oinoxoos in Nafplio: Well-stocked wine shop with knowledgeable staff
  • Wine Bar Paleo in Monemvasia: Cozy bar featuring Peloponnese wines
  • Domaine Skouras Wine Bar in Nafplio: Tasting room of the renowned winery
  • Oinopoleion in Kalamata: Wine shop with an extensive selection of Greek wines

Other Shops

Pick up local specialties and souvenirs at these unique stores:

  • Ergon Agora in Kalamata: Gourmet food market with local products
  • Koronios Apiary in Nafplio: Honey and bee products
  • Monemvasia Winery shop: Wines and local delicacies
  • Olive Tree in Sparta: Olive oil and olive-based cosmetics

Attractions

Balance wine tasting with cultural experiences:

  • Ancient Nemea: Archaeological site and stadium
  • Palamidi Fortress in Nafplio: Venetian fortress with panoramic views
  • Ancient Olympia: Birthplace of the Olympic Games
  • Mystras: Byzantine city ruins surrounded by vineyards

Events

Plan your visit around these wine-related events:

  • Nemea Wine Festival (August): Tastings and cultural events
  • Nafplio Wine Tasting (May): Annual event featuring local producers
  • Great Days of Nemea (September): Open cellar doors and tastings
  • Kalamata International Dance Festival (July): Combines arts with local wine tastings

Appellations

Familiarize yourself with these key wine regions:

  • Nemea PDO: Known for red Agiorgitiko wines
  • Mantinia PDO: Famous for aromatic white Moschofilero
  • Patras PDO: Produces sweet Muscat wines
  • Monemvasia-Malvasia PGI: Reviving the historic Malvasia wine

Grape Varieties

The Peloponnese region boasts a diverse array of indigenous grape varieties. Key white grapes include Roditis, Moschofilero, and Assyrtiko.

For red wines, Agiorgitiko and Mavrodaphne are prominent. International varieties like Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay are also cultivated.

Main Wine Styles

The Peloponnese produces a wide range of wine styles. Crisp white wines from Moschofilero offer floral aromas and refreshing acidity.

Full-bodied reds from Agiorgitiko grapes showcase rich flavors and aging potential. The region is also known for its sweet dessert wines, particularly from Mavrodaphne grapes.

Food Specialties

Peloponnese cuisine pairs perfectly with local wines. Try Kalamata olives, feta cheese, and lamb dishes with robust red wines.

Seafood lovers should sample grilled octopus or fresh fish with crisp white wines. Don’t miss the region’s famous olive oil and honey.

Drives & Walks

Scenic Drives

  • Nafplio to Nemea: Wind through vineyards and olive groves
  • Coastal route from Kalamata to Pylos: Enjoy stunning sea views

Vineyard Walks

  • Mantinia plateau: Explore Moschofilero vineyards
  • Nemea wine trails: Hike through Agiorgitiko territory

Itineraries

3-Day Wine Tour

  1. Day 1: Nemea wineries and ancient sites
  2. Day 2: Mantinia wine tasting and Tripoli exploration
  3. Day 3: Coastal wineries near Patras

Week-Long Peloponnese Adventure

  1. Days 1-2: Nafplio and Nemea wines
  2. Days 3-4: Olympia and surrounding wineries
  3. Days 5-6: Kalamata olive groves and local wines
  4. Day 7: Patras wine museum and final tastings

Getting There & Around

The Peloponnese is easily accessible by car from Athens. Major highways connect the region’s main cities, while scenic routes offer picturesque drives through wine country.

Public transportation options include buses and trains, but a rental car provides the most flexibility for winery visits. Some tour operators offer guided wine tours with transportation included.

Best Time to Visit

Spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October) offer ideal weather for wine touring. These seasons provide comfortable temperatures and fewer crowds.

The harvest season (late August to early October) is perfect for witnessing grape picking and winemaking processes. Book accommodations in advance during this busy period.

Sustainability Efforts

Many Peloponnese wineries are embracing organic and biodynamic practices. Look for certifications like Demeter or EU Organic on wine labels.

Some producers use solar power and water conservation techniques. Ask about sustainability efforts during winery tours to support eco-friendly practices.

Language Tips

Learning a few Greek wine terms enhances your tasting experience. “Yasou” (hello) and “efharisto” (thank you) are essential greetings.

Key wine vocabulary:

  • “Krasí” – Wine
  • “Lefkó” – White
  • “Kókkino” – Red
  • “Rosé” – Rosé

Further Resources

For in-depth wine information, consult the Greek Wine Federation website. Local tourism offices provide maps and guides for wine routes.

Download wine apps like Vivino or CellarTracker to record tastings. Follow Peloponnese wineries on social media for event updates and harvest news.