Planning a trip to Athens and wondering about wine tasting options? Alongside an Athens food tour, a guided wine tasting is an excellent way to connect with local culture and learn about Greece’s unique grape varieties.
We were invited to review this Athens wine tasting by Athens Wine Tasting. All opinions are our own.
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Wine Tasting in Athens
We love exploring local wines on our travels. Having attended tastings around the world and even made wine at home, we were excited to discover Greek varieties during a recent visit to Athens. Living in Paris, we’re used to French labels, so Greek wines were a new and pleasant surprise—expressive, often mineral-driven, and full of character.
Wine tasting under the Acropolis – A virtual tour of Attica and Greek vineyards
We joined a small-group tasting hosted by Athens Wine Tasting. The setting felt like an elegant wine bar, and the session combined relaxed conversation with clear, expert guidance. Tastings are usually limited to about 12 people, and private events can be arranged on request.
Learn to taste and evaluate wine
The tasting included a short introduction to systematic wine evaluation. We received tasting sheets and pens to record our impressions, which makes the experience more engaging and helps you remember favorites afterward.
Wine tasting essentials
- Appearance: note color, clarity and viscosity.
- Aroma: assess intensity and identify fruit, floral or herbal notes.
- Palate: evaluate sweetness, acidity, tannins, alcohol and body.
Try a selection of Greek wines
Our tasting included three white wines and two reds, showcasing a range of regional styles and indigenous grapes.
Greek White Wines
Savvatiano Papagiannakov (2018) — Citrus, peach, banana, apple, white flowers and herbal notes.
Santorini wine — Distinctive minerality with pear, lemon and subtle smoky aromas.
Malagouzia (Gerovassileiou) — Fruity yet dry, with floral elements like jasmine, plus bell pepper, peach, pear, oregano, melon and mango.
Greek Red Wines
Nemea (Palivos Estate) — Bright black cherry aromas and a medium body.
Naoussa (Fountis Estate, 2015) — Earthy, with sour black grape notes, sun-dried tomato, black fruits, blackcurrant, peppercorn, mushroom and hints of truffle.
Sample Greek cheeses, cold cuts and olives
Each wine was paired with a selection of Greek cheeses, cured meats and olives. The salty, tangy white cheese stood out for its bold flavor and paired especially well with the fuller-bodied whites and lighter reds.
Take a virtual tour of Greece’s vineyards while tasting wine in Athens
The host guided us through the origins of each wine, explaining vineyard locations and practices. Highlights included:
- Harvest timing for each variety.
- Estimated vine age and how it affects flavor.
- Food pairings to try with each wine.
- Cellaring recommendations and aging potential.
Greek wines in the international market
Greek wines are not yet as widely exported as those from France or Italy, which makes tastings like this a great introduction. Many Greek varieties offer distinctive profiles—minerality, savory herbs and bright acidity—that are gaining attention and could become more prominent internationally.
Share the experience with fellow wine lovers
The small group format encouraged conversation and comparison of notes. Tasting with others makes it easy to swap impressions and discover new favorites together.
Ask questions and get answers from a certified wine expert
Our host was a certified wine professional who patiently answered questions about growing conditions, vintages and how long specific bottles can be stored—information especially useful if you plan to bring bottles home.
For deeper reading, many guides and books cover Greek wine regions and varieties in detail if you want to explore further at home.
Wine bars in Athens
After a tasting, visit a wine bar to continue exploring. A few notable spots:
By the Glass
Close to Syntagma Square and the National Gardens, this bar offers 60+ wines by the glass.
Cinque
Located in Psirri, Cinque highlights Greek wines from smaller producers alongside international selections.
Vintage Wine Bar & Bistro
With over 350 labels and the option to order half glasses, Vintage is ideal for trying many styles without committing to full bottles. The menu is also highly regarded.
Oinoscent
Near the Acropolis and Syntagma, Oinoscent serves an international and Greek selection in a cozy, intimate setting with small plates to pair.
Plan your trip to Athens
Visit Athens
- Coffee culture and local cafés
- Food tours that showcase Athens’ specialties
- Central Market visits for fresh local produce
- Shopping for authentic Greek souvenirs
Accommodation in Athens
- Hotels across historic and central neighborhoods
- Short-term rentals and apartments for longer stays
Activities in Athens
- Guided food and wine tours
- Sightseeing and walking tours
- A visit to the Acropolis and nearby museums
Wine tasting in Athens, Greece
Have you tried a wine tasting while traveling? Would you consider one in Athens? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
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First published September 23, 2019. Last updated March 19, 2021 with additional details and improved readability.