A Journey Through Greek Wine Country
Greece’s ancient wine heritage stretches back over 6,500 years, offering travelers a unique blend of historical vineyards and modern winemaking. The country’s diverse terroir spans from mountainous mainland regions to volcanic islands, creating distinctive wines that reflect their origin.
Notable Wine Towns & Villages
- Naoussa – Macedonia’s wine capital, known for robust Xinomavro wines
- Nemea – Home to the celebrated Agiorgitiko grape in Peloponnese
- Santorini – Famous for mineral-rich Assyrtiko wines from volcanic soils
- Drama – Modern wine region producing international varieties
Top Wine Producers
- Boutari – Historic winery with locations across Greece
- Gaia Wines – Innovative producer on Santorini and Nemea
- Ktima Gerovassiliou – Preserving ancient Greek varieties
- Sigalas – Premium Santorini producer
Wine-Focused Accommodations
| Location | Accommodation | Notable Features |
|---|---|---|
| Santorini | Vedema Resort | Built around 400-year-old wine cave |
| Nemea | Semeli Estate | Vineyard views, wine tastings |
| Naoussa | Kthma Xinomavrou | Traditional winery stay |
Wine-Centric Dining
- Selene (Santorini) – Modern Greek cuisine with extensive local wine list
- Ergon (Athens) – Wine bar featuring Greek varieties
- Vareikon (Naoussa) – Traditional taverna specializing in wine pairings
- Symmetria (Nemea) – Local cuisine matched with regional wines
Restaurant Tips
- Make reservations during peak season (June-September)
- Most restaurants serve dinner after 8 PM
- Ask for the house wine (“krasi tis karafis”) for authentic local options
- Many restaurants offer wine flights showcasing regional varieties
Wine Shops & Bars
- Athens Wine Bar – Showcases 300+ Greek wines by the glass
- Santorini Wine Cave – Historic cellar with rare vintages
- Thessaloniki Wine Roads – Collection of wine shops along historic route
- Wine Point (Athens) – Educational tastings and retail sales
Local Artisan Shops
- Volcan Wines – Traditional wine-making tools and local crafts
- To Kelari – Handmade ceramic wine vessels
- Greek Wine Cellar – Wine accessories and regional specialties
Must-See Attractions
- Wine Museum Koutsoyannopoulos – Underground wine history exhibition
- Ancient Nemea Theater – Near historic vineyards
- SantoWines – Cliff-top winery with sunset views
- Naoussa Wine Roads – Scenic route connecting historic wineries
Opening Hours & Tips
- Most attractions open 10:00-18:00 (April-October)
- Book winery tours 2-3 days in advance
- Many sites close during winter months
Events & Festivals
| Month | Event | Location |
|---|---|---|
| August | Santorini Harvest Festival | Island-wide |
| September | Nemea Wine Festival | Nemea |
| October | Drama Wine Festival | Drama City |
Festival Tips
- Purchase tickets online for popular events
- Book accommodations months ahead for festival dates
- Look for package deals combining events with wine tours
Wine Appellations
- PDO Santorini – Known for mineral-driven white wines
- PDO Nemea – Red wine region specializing in Agiorgitiko
- PDO Naoussa – Home to bold Xinomavro reds
- PGI Drama – Modern region for international varieties
Appellation Tips
- Look for PDO (Protected Designation of Origin) labels
- Each appellation has specific wine-making regulations
- Local wine shops offer appellation-specific tastings
A Journey Through Greek Wine Country
Greece offers an extraordinary wine heritage dating back thousands of years, with unique indigenous grape varieties and distinctive terroirs spread across its mainland and islands.
Grape Varieties
Red Grapes
- Agiorgitiko – Produces full-bodied reds in Nemea
- Xinomavro – The “noble grape” of Macedonia, known for tannic wines
- Mavrodaphne – Traditional sweet wine grape, now used in dry styles
White Grapes
- Assyrtiko – Santorini’s flagship grape, mineral-driven with high acidity
- Moschofilero – Aromatic variety from Peloponnese
- Robola – Indigenous to Kefalonia, produces crisp whites
Main Wine Styles
| Style | Region | Characteristics |
|---|---|---|
| Dry Whites | Santorini | Mineral, citrus, high acidity |
| Full-Bodied Reds | Nemea | Rich, spicy, berry notes |
| Sweet Wines | Patras | Dense, complex, raisin notes |
Food Specialties
- Mezedes – Small plates perfect for wine pairing
- Feta – Pairs beautifully with Assyrtiko
- Souvlaki – Grilled meats complement red wines
- Fresh Seafood – Ideal with crisp island whites
Drives & Walks
Wine Routes
- Nemea Wine Road – 40km route through ancient vineyards
- Santorini Wine Trail – Coastal path connecting traditional wineries
- Macedonia Wine Route – Through Naoussa’s xinomavro vineyards
Suggested Itineraries
3-Day Wine Tour
- Day 1: Athens wine bars and local tastings
- Day 2: Nemea wineries and ancient ruins
- Day 3: Coastal drive to Peloponnese producers
Island Wine Experience
- Day 1-2: Santorini’s volcanic vineyards
- Day 3-4: Crete’s indigenous varieties
- Day 5: Return to Athens via wine bar hopping
Getting There & Around
Athens International Airport serves as the main gateway, with direct flights from major European cities. Regional airports in Santorini and Thessaloniki provide convenient access to wine regions.
- Car rental: Essential for mainland wine routes – book in advance
- Ferry services: Connect Athens (Piraeus) to wine-producing islands
- Wine tours: Organized transfers between wineries available in major regions
Best Time to Visit
Plan your wine journey between April-June or September-October for ideal tasting conditions and comfortable temperatures.
- Harvest season: Late August through October
- Peak season: July-August (crowded, advance booking required)
- Winter: December-February (some wineries close or reduce hours)
Sustainability Efforts
Greek wineries increasingly embrace eco-friendly practices while preserving traditional methods.
- Organic vineyards: Growing number in Nemea and Santorini
- Water conservation: Ancient dry-farming techniques
- Solar power: Modern wineries utilizing renewable energy
Language Tips
| Greek | English | Usage |
|---|---|---|
| Κρασί (Krasi) | Wine | Basic ordering |
| Γεια μας (Yia mas) | Cheers | Toasting |
| Οινοποιείο (Oinopoieio) | Winery | Navigation |
Further Resources
- Wine organizations: New Wines of Greece, Greek Wine Federation
- Regional guides: Local wine route maps available at tourist offices
- Mobile apps: Greek Wine Routes app for navigation
- Wine events calendar: Updated listings on winesofgreece.org
Useful Contacts
- Emergency: 112 (European emergency number)
- Tourist Police: 171
- Wine Tourism Office: Regional offices in major wine areas
