Naoussa Wine Travel Guide Wine Region Guide

Unveiling Naoussa: A Wine Lover's Paradise in Macedonia, Greece

Nestled in the heart of Macedonia, Greece, Naoussa is a picturesque town renowned for its robust red wines and rich cultural heritage. This enchanting destination offers a perfect blend of ancient history, stunning landscapes, and world-class wineries.

Towns and Villages

The town of Naoussa serves as the central hub for wine tourism in the region. Its charming streets are lined with traditional stone houses and local tavernas.

Nearby villages like Yiannakochori and Strantza offer a glimpse into rural Greek life and are home to some of the area's best vineyards.

Wine Producers

• Boutari Winery: A pioneer in the region, known for its modern approach to winemaking.
• Kir-Yianni Estate: Founded by Yiannis Boutaris, offering guided tours and tastings.
• Dalamara Winery: A family-run estate producing high-quality, limited-production wines.
• Thymiopoulos Vineyards: Known for organic and biodynamic practices.

Most wineries offer tours and tastings, but it's advisable to book in advance, especially during peak season.

Accommodations

Naoussa offers a range of accommodation options to suit various budgets and preferences:

• Esperides Spa Hotel: A luxurious option with spa facilities and stunning mountain views.
• Hagiati Anastasiou Guesthouse: A charming boutique hotel in a restored 19th-century mansion.
• Agroktima Kalaitzis: A rustic agrotourism option surrounded by vineyards.

Dining

Naoussa's culinary scene perfectly complements its wines:

• Sείrios: Upscale restaurant offering modern Greek cuisine and an extensive wine list.
• Oinomageireio Batania: Traditional taverna serving local specialties.
• 12 Grada: Contemporary mezze bar with a focus on wine pairings.

Don't miss trying local dishes like giaprakia (stuffed grape leaves) and sarmadakia (stuffed cabbage rolls), which pair beautifully with Naoussa wines.

Wine Shops & Bars

Naoussa offers several options for wine enthusiasts to explore local vintages:

• Vaeni Naoussa Wine Shop: Features a wide selection of local wines and offers tastings.
• Kappa Wine Bar: Cozy spot with an extensive list of Naoussa wines by the glass.
• Oinopoleion: Traditional wine bar serving regional varieties alongside Greek meze.

Many local shops offer shipping services, allowing visitors to send their favorite wines home.

Other Shops

Beyond wine, Naoussa boasts charming shops for local products:

• Naoussa Market: Open-air market selling fresh produce, cheeses, and local specialties.
• Elliniko Pantopoleio: Gourmet shop offering artisanal Greek products.
• Ariston Delicatessen: Specialty store with a focus on regional foods and wines.

Attractions

While wine is the main draw, Naoussa offers diverse attractions:

• Aristotle School: Ancient site where Aristotle tutored Alexander the Great.
• Naoussa Waterfall: Scenic spot for hiking and picnics.
• Vergina Royal Tombs: UNESCO World Heritage site showcasing ancient Macedonian history.

Many wineries offer combined packages with visits to local attractions.

Events

Naoussa's calendar is packed with wine-related events:

• Naoussa Wine Festival: Annual event in August showcasing local wineries.
• Harvest Celebrations: Various wineries host events during September and October.
• Carnival of Naoussa: Traditional festival in February featuring wine tastings and local customs.

Book accommodations well in advance for these popular events.

Appellations

Naoussa is home to one of Greece's most prestigious wine appellations:

• PDO Naoussa: Covers wines made exclusively from the Xinomavro grape variety.
• PGI Imathia: Broader regional designation allowing for more grape varieties and styles.

Look for these designations on wine labels to ensure authenticity and quality.

Grape Varieties

Xinomavro is the star grape of Naoussa. This red variety produces tannic, high-acid wines with complex flavors of red fruits, tomato, and herbs.

Other grapes grown in the region include:

• Negoska
• Roditis
• Merlot

• Syrah

Main Wine Styles

Naoussa is known for its red wines, particularly those made from Xinomavro. These wines are often described as "Greek Nebbiolo" due to their structure and aging potential.

Common wine styles include:

• Single-varietal Xinomavro: Bold, tannic reds with high acidity
• Xinomavro blends: Often mixed with international varieties for a softer profile
• Rosé wines: Made from Xinomavro, offering a lighter, fresher option

Food Specialties

Naoussa's cuisine pairs perfectly with its wines. Local specialties include:

• Soutzoukakia: Spiced meatballs in tomato sauce
• Gida Vrasti: Slow-cooked goat meat
• Kaseri cheese: A local PDO cheese, perfect with red wine
• Mavrodafni grapes: Both eaten fresh and used in desserts

Drives & Walks

Explore Naoussa's wine country through scenic drives and walks:

• Naoussa Wine Route: A 41km drive connecting major wineries
• Agios Nikolaos Park: Offers hiking trails and picnic spots
• Mount Vermio: Provides panoramic views of vineyards and hiking opportunities

Itineraries

Weekend Wine Getaway

• Day 1: Arrive in Naoussa, visit Dalamara Winery, dinner at Seirios restaurant
• Day 2: Tour Kir-Yianni Estate, lunch in Naoussa town, evening wine tasting at Thymiopoulos Vineyards
• Day 3: Morning walk in Agios Nikolaos Park, visit Diamantakos Winery before departing

Week-long Naoussa Immersion

• Days 1-2: Explore Naoussa town, visit local wineries
• Days 3-4: Day trips to nearby villages, hiking in Mount Vermio
• Days 5-7: Cooking class using local ingredients, more winery visits, relaxation at Agios Nikolaos Park

Getting There & Around

Naoussa is located in northern Greece, about 90 km west of Thessaloniki. Transportation options include:

• By Air: Fly to Thessaloniki International Airport, then rent a car or take a bus
• By Car: Drive from Thessaloniki (1.5 hours) or Athens (5 hours)
• By Bus: Regular buses run from Thessaloniki to Naoussa

Within Naoussa, renting a car is recommended for visiting wineries. Taxis are available for local trips.

Best Time to Visit

The ideal times to visit Naoussa are:

• Spring (April-May): Mild weather, perfect for vineyard tours
• Fall (September-October): Harvest season, vibrant colors in vineyards

Summer can be hot, while winter offers skiing opportunities on nearby Mount Vermio.

Sustainability Efforts

Naoussa's wine industry is embracing sustainability:

• Organic Farming: Many wineries, like Thymiopoulos, practice organic viticulture
• Water Conservation: Drip irrigation systems are widely used
• Renewable Energy: Some wineries use solar panels for power

Language Tips

While English is widely spoken in tourist areas, learning a few Greek phrases can enhance your experience:

• Yia sas (Ya-sas): Hello/Goodbye
• Efharisto (Ef-ha-ri-sto): Thank you
• Krasí (Kra-see): Wine
• Yamas (Ya-mas): Cheers

Further Resources

For more information on Naoussa's wine region:

• Wines of Naoussa: Official website with winery listings and events
• Greek Wine Federation: Comprehensive guide to Greek wine regions
• Visit Naoussa: Local tourism board with accommodation and dining recommendations

Consider downloading a wine app like Vivino for on-the-go tasting notes and ratings.