Naoussa Wine Travel Guide (Macedonia, Greece)

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, stu

ing 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 Yia

akochori 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-Yia

i Estate: Founded by Yia

is 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 stu

ing 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 ta

ic, 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, ta

ic 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 co

ecting 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, di

er at Seirios restaurant Day 2: Tour Kir-Yia

i 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.