Greece

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 Pelopo

ese 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 di

er 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 Koutsoya

opoulos - Underground wine history exhibition Ancient Nemea Theater - Near historic vineyards SantoWines - Cliff-top winery with sunset views Naoussa Wine Roads - Scenic route co

ecting 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 ta

ic 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 Pelopo

ese 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 co

ecting 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 Pelopo

ese 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: Co

ect 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