The Ultimate Guide to Wine Tasting in Athens, Greece: Explore Ancient Flavors and Modern Delights

Are you planning a trip to Athens and looking to immerse yourself in its rich culture and vibrant culinary scene? Beyond exploring ancient ruins and bustling markets, indulging in a wine tasting experience in Athens, Greece, is an exceptional way to discover the true essence of local life. Just like an Athens food tour, a guided wine tasting offers a sensory journey into the heart of Greek traditions, revealing the unique flavors and stories behind its incredible wines.

A Journey into Greek Wine in Athens

As avid travelers and wine enthusiasts, we always seek out authentic local experiences, and wine tasting consistently ranks high on our list. From crafting our own wine at home in Paris to savoring varieties at Red Mountain Estate in Myanmar, we’ve cultivated a deep appreciation for the diverse world of wine. Yet, Greek wine remained an exciting unknown.

Living in France means we’re regularly exposed to exquisite French wines, so our expectations for Greek wines, which are less globally renowned, were open-ended. What we discovered was a delightful surprise: Greek wines are truly exceptional! This is an opportune moment to delve into the captivating world of Greek viticulture. We predict that Greek wines are on the cusp of a significant international breakthrough, ready to capture the palates of wine lovers worldwide.

Why Greek Wine? A Brief History and Rising Profile

Greece boasts one of the oldest wine-making traditions globally, with roots stretching back over 6,500 years. Ancient Greeks, worshipping Dionysus, the god of wine, understood its cultural and social significance long before many other civilizations. This deep history has fostered a unique viticultural landscape, characterized by indigenous grape varieties found nowhere else on earth. While Greek wines might not yet command the same global presence as their French or Italian counterparts, this is rapidly changing. Modern Greek winemakers are skillfully blending ancient traditions with innovative techniques, producing wines of remarkable quality and character. Their unique terroir, diverse microclimates, and dedication to preserving ancient varietals make Greek wines an exciting frontier for any wine connoisseur.

Athens Wine Tasting Under the Acropolis: A Virtual Tour of Greek Vineyards

Our experience with Athens Wine Tasting was nothing short of splendid. Nestled in a sophisticated setting that felt like an upscale wine bar, we enjoyed the added privilege of an expert sommelier guiding us through each pour. This wasn’t just a tasting; it was an educational journey, a virtual tour of Greece’s diverse wine regions.

The Intimate Setting and Expert Guidance

Each tasting session at Athens Wine Tasting is thoughtfully designed for small groups, typically accommodating up to 12 people. This intimate environment fosters a relaxed atmosphere, allowing for engaging discussions and personalized attention from the certified wine expert. For those seeking a more exclusive experience, private wine tastings can also be arranged, perfect for special occasions or bespoke interests.

Mastering the Art of Wine Evaluation

A significant highlight of our wine tasting session was the invaluable opportunity to learn how to properly taste and evaluate wine. Far from simply drinking, this process involves engaging all your senses to truly appreciate the nuances of each glass. Our expert provided us with essential techniques, helping us to identify key characteristics that define a wine’s quality and profile.

To aid in our learning, we were provided with paper and pens to meticulously take wine tasting notes. This practice is crucial for developing your palate and memory, allowing you to compare and contrast wines more effectively in the future.

Essential Wine Tasting Techniques

• Sight: How does it look? Begin by observing the wine’s appearance. Note its intensity (pale, medium, deep), color (ruby, garnet, lemon, gold), and viscosity (legs or tears indicating alcohol content and body). These visual cues can offer hints about the grape variety, age, and winemaking process.
• Smell: How does it smell? Swirl the glass gently to release its aromas. What is the intensity of the aroma? Are there primary aromas (fruit, floral, herbal notes from the grape), secondary aromas (yeast, butter, bread from fermentation), or tertiary aromas (vanilla, spice, tobacco from aging)? Developing your olfactory senses is key to identifying complex bouquets.
• Taste: How does it taste? Take a small sip, allowing the wine to coat your mouth. Note the sweetness (dry, off-dry, sweet), acidity (tartness), tannins (bitterness, astringency, especially in red wines), alcohol percentage (warmth), and body (light, medium, full). Consider the finish – how long do the flavors linger?

Exploring a Diverse Selection of Greek Wines

Our wine tasting experience was a delightful exploration of Greece’s diverse vinicultural landscape, featuring both vibrant white and robust red wines. We had the pleasure of sampling three distinct white wines and two captivating red wines, each telling a unique story of its origin and grape varietal.

Captivating Greek White Wines

These are the exquisite white wines we had the opportunity to discover:

• Wine 1: Savvatiano Papagiannakos (2018)

  Region & Grape: Hailing from Attica, this wine showcases the indigenous Savvatiano grape, one of Greece’s most ancient varietals. It thrives in the region’s hot, dry climate, producing wines with remarkable character.

  Smell & Taste: A delightful bouquet of citrus, peach, banana, and apple, intertwined with delicate notes of white flowers and fresh herbs. It was crisp, refreshing, and offered a wonderful introduction to Attica’s winemaking.

• Wine 2: Santorini Wine (Assyrtiko)

  Region & Grape: A true jewel from the volcanic soils of Santorini, this wine is made from the highly esteemed Assyrtiko grape. Its unique terroir imparts distinct minerality and a profound sense of place.

  Smell & Taste: A complex profile featuring invigorating notes of pear and lemon, beautifully complemented by a subtle smokiness that speaks of its volcanic origins. It possessed a striking acidity and a long, memorable finish.

• Wine 3: Malagouzia Gerovassileiou

  Region & Grape: This Malagouzia, often associated with Macedonia, represents a success story of revival for a nearly extinct grape. It’s now celebrated for its aromatic complexity and versatility.

  Smell & Taste: Remarkably fruity yet perfectly dry, this wine unfolded layers of floral notes, jasmine, and a surprising hint of bell peppers. Ripe peach, pear, oregano, melon, and mango rounded out its vibrant, aromatic profile, making it a truly captivating experience.

Rich Greek Red Wines

Next, we delved into the world of Greek red wines:

• Wine 1: Nemea Palivou (Palivos Estate)

  Region & Grape: From the prestigious Nemea region in the Peloponnese, this wine highlights the Agiorgitiko grape, known for its soft tannins and vibrant fruit. Nemea is often called the “Bordeaux of Greece.”

  Smell & Taste: A harmonious explosion of rich black cherries, offering a juicy and velvety texture on the palate. It was approachable, well-balanced, and highly enjoyable, showcasing the best of Agiorgitiko.

• Wine 2: Naoussaia (Fountis Estate) Macedonia (2015)

  Region & Grape: This powerful red comes from Naoussa in Macedonia, crafted from the formidable Xinomavro grape. Often compared to Nebbiolo, Xinomavro is known for its high acidity and tannins, and incredible aging potential.

  Smell & Taste: A complex and intriguing wine, presenting notes of sour black grapes, sun-dried tomatoes, and dark black fruits like blackcurrant. Hints of peppercorn, earthy mushroom, and decadent truffles added layers of depth, making this a truly sophisticated and thought-provoking wine.

Indulge in Authentic Greek Cheeses, Cold Cuts, and Olives

No wine tasting in Greece would be complete without a selection of exquisite local delicacies to complement the wines. During our session, we savored an impressive array of authentic Greek cheeses, artisanal cold cuts, and flavorful olives. This carefully curated spread not only enhanced the wine experience but also offered another delicious glimpse into Greek gastronomy.

We were particularly captivated by a strong and salty white cheese, located on the bottom left of the photo below. Its robust flavor profile paired wonderfully with both the white and red wines, creating a memorable tasting synergy. These local pairings highlight the incredible culinary heritage of Greece, where simple, high-quality ingredients speak volumes.

Related: How to Say I’m Hungry (learn to say “I’m hungry!” in 21+ different languages, including Greek, to order more of these delicious bites!)

A Virtual Journey Through Greece’s Vineyards

Our wine tasting experience extended far beyond the glass. It was a comprehensive virtual journey through Greece’s diverse and ancient vineyards. Our expert guide seamlessly transported us to the regions where each wine was born, providing fascinating insights that deepened our appreciation for every sip. We gained a wealth of useful information, understanding the intricate process from grape to bottle.

• Harvesting Seasons: We learned about the specific times of year when grapes are harvested for each particular wine, understanding how climate and tradition influence this crucial stage.
• Vine Age and Terroir: Insights into the age of the vines and the unique characteristics of the soil (terroir) helped us appreciate the depth and complexity these factors impart to the final product.
• Perfect Pairings: Crucially, we received expert recommendations on what foods best complement each wine, expanding our culinary knowledge for future enjoyment.
• Cellaring Potential: For those who love to collect and age wine, understanding how long a bottle of each type can be kept was invaluable, ensuring we can savor these Greek treasures for years to come.

Greek Wines on the International Stage

Historically, Greek wines have often been overshadowed by the more dominant wine-producing nations like France, Italy, South Africa, and the USA. However, this is rapidly changing. The global wine market is increasingly recognizing the exceptional quality, unique indigenous grape varieties, and ancient winemaking heritage that Greece offers.

This period marks a pivotal moment to explore Greek wines. They represent an exciting frontier for wine lovers, offering distinct flavor profiles that stand apart from more familiar international varietals. With dedicated winemakers embracing both tradition and innovation, and an increasing focus on international export, we are confident that Greek wines will soon play a much larger and well-deserved role in the global wine scene. Discovering them now means being ahead of the curve, experiencing truly special wines before they become mainstream sensations.

Share the Delight: A Communal Wine Tasting Experience

One of the most enjoyable aspects of our Athens wine tasting was the camaraderie shared with fellow wine enthusiasts. Our small group size fostered an intimate and interactive environment, allowing us to openly discuss our first impressions of each wine. It’s always fascinating to hear different perspectives and identify shared tasting notes, enriching the overall experience.

From the delicate swirl of a white wine to the robust finish of a red, and especially when paired with local Greek food specialties, sharing these sensory discoveries with a group elevates the entire adventure. Wine tasting isn’t just about the drink; it’s about the connection it creates, the stories exchanged, and the memories forged together. It truly is more fun when shared!

Related: Greek Appetizers (Discover 8+ amazing Greek appetizers you can easily make at home to recreate the Athens tasting experience!)

Insights from a Certified Wine Expert

The true value of a guided wine tasting lies in the expertise of your host. Our certified wine expert was incredibly knowledgeable, possessing a deep understanding of Greek viticulture, its history, and modern trends. Learning from her was an absolute pleasure, as she patiently shared insights and answered every question with enthusiasm and clarity. This personalized interaction transformed a simple tasting into a profound educational experience.

As avid collectors who love to stock our wine refrigerator with bottles from our travels, we were particularly interested in understanding the aging potential and ideal storage conditions for each Greek wine. Our expert provided detailed advice, ensuring we could properly care for our chosen bottles and savor them at their peak. Beyond just aging, she shed light on the unique characteristics of indigenous Greek grape varietals, the influence of terroir, and food pairing suggestions that went beyond the basic. Her passion for Greek wine was infectious, inspiring us to explore this fascinating world further.

To continue your journey into Greek wines, we highly recommend exploring this comprehensive guide.

Exploring Athens’ Finest Wine Bars

After a formal wine tasting in Athens, where you’ve honed your palate and learned to evaluate different wines, you’ll be perfectly equipped to explore the city’s burgeoning wine bar scene. Athens offers a fantastic array of wine bars, each with its own unique ambiance and selection, inviting you to put your newfound knowledge to the test and discover new favorites.

By the Glass

Situated conveniently close to Syntagma Square and the lush National Gardens, By the Glass is a must-visit for any wine lover. This elegant wine bar boasts an impressive selection of over 60 wines available by the glass, encompassing both Greek and international labels. It’s the perfect spot to delve deeper into Greek varietals or enjoy a familiar international favorite in a sophisticated setting.

Cinque

Located in the trendy and artistic neighborhood of Psirri, Cinque offers a more curated and intimate wine experience. While its selection might be smaller than some of the larger establishments, Cinque prides itself on featuring Greek wines from lesser-known vineyards and boutique producers. It’s an excellent choice for those looking to discover hidden gems and support emerging Greek winemakers in a chic, relaxed atmosphere.

Vintage Wine Bar & Bistro

For the ultimate selection, head to Vintage Wine Bar & Bistro, which boasts an astounding list of over 350 labels. What sets Vintage apart is the option to order many of their wines in half glasses, allowing you to sample a wider range without commitment. Beyond its extensive wine list, Vintage also offers a fabulous menu of creative dishes, making it an ideal destination for an unforgettable dining and wine pairing experience.

Oinoscent

Just steps from the iconic Acropolis and bustling Syntagma Square, Oinoscent provides a cozy and intimate escape. This charming wine bar offers a thoughtfully selected international array of wines, perfectly complemented by delicious small bites and sharing platters. Its warm ambiance and central location make it an ideal spot to unwind after a day of sightseeing, enjoying quality wines in a relaxed, inviting environment.

Plan Your Unforgettable Trip to Athens Greece

Athens is a city brimming with history, culture, and culinary delights. To make the most of your visit, here are some key areas to consider:

Must-Visit Attractions in Athens

• Coffee in Greece: Explore the unique Greek coffee culture, from traditional Greek coffee to the popular freddo espresso.
• Athens Food Tour: Discover hidden culinary gems and taste authentic Greek street food and delicacies.
• Athens Central Market: Immerse yourself in the bustling atmosphere of the Varvakios Agora, a vibrant market offering fresh produce, meats, and spices.
• Greek Souvenirs: Find unique keepsakes and gifts to remember your trip, from handcrafted items to local products.

Accommodation Options in Athens

• Athens Hotels: From luxury resorts to charming boutique hotels, Athens offers a wide range of hotel options to suit every budget and preference, often with stunning Acropolis views.
• Athens on Airbnb: For a more local experience, consider booking an apartment or room through Airbnb, allowing you to live like a local in vibrant neighborhoods.

Athens Activities Not to Miss

• Food Tours: Beyond the wine tasting, embark on other specialized food tours to explore specific culinary aspects, such as olive oil or pastry tasting.
• Sightseeing Tours: Join guided tours to delve deeper into Athens’ historical sites, from ancient Agora to Roman ruins, with expert historians.
• Visit the Acropolis: No trip to Athens is complete without ascending to the majestic Acropolis to witness the Parthenon and other architectural wonders, offering breathtaking panoramic city views.

Your Athens Wine Tasting Adventure Awaits

Embarking on a wine tasting journey in Athens is more than just sampling beverages; it’s an immersive cultural experience that connects you with Greece’s ancient past and vibrant present. It’s an opportunity to educate your palate, discover new favorite varietals, and create lasting memories. So, have you ever enjoyed a wine tasting while traveling? Are you now inspired to add a Greek wine tasting to your Athens itinerary?

Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below! We’d love to hear from you.

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First published September 23, 2019. Last updated March 19, 2021 with more information, additional tips, and better readability.