Discover Nemea: Greece’s Wine Haven
Nestled in the Peloponnese region, Nemea is a wine lover’s paradise. This historic area, known for its robust red wines, offers a blend of ancient culture and modern winemaking techniques.
Towns and Villages
The town of Nemea serves as the hub for wine tourism in the region. Nearby, visit the charming village of Ancient Nemea, home to archaeological sites and traditional tavernas.
Don’t miss Kleonai, a picturesque village with stunning views of the Nemea valley and vineyards.
Wine Producers
- Gaia Wines: Known for innovative winemaking and high-quality Agiorgitiko wines.
- Skouras Winery: Offers excellent wine tours and tastings of their award-winning wines.
- Ktima Driopi: Family-run winery producing organic wines with a focus on sustainability.
- Domaine Tselepos: Renowned for their premium Nemea wines and beautiful tasting room.
Accommodations
Ktima Bairaktaris offers cozy rooms surrounded by vineyards, perfect for immersing yourself in wine country.
For luxury, try Alkyon Resort Hotel & Spa in nearby Vrachati, offering stunning sea views and easy access to Nemea’s wineries.
Dining
To Spiti tis Eftihias in Ancient Nemea serves traditional Greek cuisine paired with local wines.
Visit Sofos Restaurant in Nemea town for modern Greek dishes and an extensive local wine list.
Wine Shops & Bars
Lafazanis Winery in Nemea town offers a wide selection of local wines for purchase and tasting.
Visit Nemea Wine Bar for a curated list of regional wines and expert recommendations from knowledgeable staff.
Other Shops
Nemea Wine Cooperative sells locally produced wines, olive oil, and traditional Greek products.
Stop by To Kelari for handcrafted wine accessories and unique souvenirs from the region.
Attractions
- Ancient Stadium of Nemea: Site of the Nemean Games, part of the ancient Greek festival circuit.
- Temple of Zeus: Impressive ruins of a 4th-century BC temple.
- Nemea Archaeological Museum: Houses artifacts from local excavations, including wine-related exhibits.
Events
Nemea Wine Festival (August): Annual celebration featuring local wines, food, and cultural performances.
Harvest Festival (September): Join in grape-picking activities and traditional winemaking demonstrations.
Appellations
Nemea PDO (Protected Designation of Origin): Covers red wines made from Agiorgitiko grapes in the Nemea region.
Peloponnese PGI (Protected Geographical Indication): Broader appellation for wines from the Peloponnese peninsula.
Grape Varieties
Agiorgitiko reigns supreme in Nemea. This red grape variety produces wines with rich flavors of red fruits and spices.
Other varieties grown in the region include:
- Roditis: A white grape used for crisp, light wines
- Moschofilero: An aromatic white variety
- Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot: International varieties sometimes blended with Agiorgitiko
Main Wine Styles
Nemea offers a range of wine styles, primarily centered around Agiorgitiko:
- Young, fruity reds: Light-bodied with vibrant red fruit flavors
- Oak-aged reds: Fuller-bodied with added complexity and aging potential
- Rosé wines: Made from Agiorgitiko, offering refreshing summer sips
- White wines: Typically from Roditis or Moschofilero, crisp and aromatic
Food Specialties
Nemea’s cuisine pairs perfectly with its wines. Local specialties include:
- Roast lamb: A classic pairing with Nemea’s robust red wines
- Horiatiki: Traditional Greek salad
- Spanakopita: Spinach and feta pie
- Local cheeses: Including feta and kefalograviera
Drives & Walks
Explore Nemea’s scenic landscape through these routes:
- Wine Road of Nemea: A driving route connecting major wineries
- Ancient Nemea Archaeological Site: Walk through history at the Temple of Zeus
- Mount Polyfengos: Hike for panoramic views of the vineyards
Itineraries
Plan your Nemea wine adventure with these suggested itineraries:
Weekend Getaway
- Day 1: Visit 2-3 wineries, explore Ancient Nemea
- Day 2: Wine tasting course, local cooking class
Week-long Immersion
- Days 1-2: Winery tours and tastings
- Day 3: Archaeological sites and local history
- Day 4: Cooking class and food pairing workshop
- Day 5: Hiking in the vineyards
- Days 6-7: Explore neighboring regions (Corinth, Mycenae)
Getting There & Around
Nemea is easily accessible from Athens, about a 1.5-hour drive southwest.
- By car: Rent a vehicle for flexibility in exploring wineries
- By bus: Regular services from Athens to Nemea town
- Guided tours: Many operators offer day trips from Athens
Within Nemea, a car is ideal for visiting scattered wineries and villages.
Best Time to Visit
Nemea’s Mediterranean climate offers year-round appeal, but certain seasons stand out:
- Spring (April-May): Pleasant weather, blooming vineyards
- Autumn (September-October): Harvest season, wine festivals
- Winter (December-February): Cozy tasting rooms, fewer crowds
Avoid August when temperatures soar and many businesses close for holidays.
Sustainability Efforts
Nemea’s wineries are increasingly adopting eco-friendly practices:
- Organic viticulture: Many vineyards eschew synthetic pesticides
- Water conservation: Drip irrigation systems reduce water usage
- Solar power: Some wineries utilize renewable energy
Ask about sustainability initiatives during winery visits to support eco-conscious producers.
Language Tips
While English is widely spoken in tourist areas, learning a few Greek phrases enhances your experience:
- Yia sas (Ya-sas): Hello/Goodbye
- Efharisto (Ef-ha-ri-sto): Thank you
- Krasí (Kra-see): Wine
- Yia mas (Ya-mas): Cheers
Further Resources
Enhance your Nemea wine journey with these additional resources:
- Official Nemea Wine Region website: Up-to-date winery listings and events
- Greek Wine Federation: Comprehensive guide to Greek wines
- “The Wines of Greece” by Konstantinos Lazarakis MW: In-depth book on Greek wine regions
- Visit Greece website: General travel information for the area