Exploring the Best Greek Wine Tours
For thousands of years, wine has been part of Greece’s heartbeat — from the symposiums of ancient Athens to today’s island vineyards bathed in sun and sea breeze. Greek wine has a long history, with centuries-old traditions shaping its unique character and reputation. What’s exciting is how Greek wine has evolved in the last few decades. Modern producers are rediscovering native grapes, embracing terroir, and crafting wines that finally showcase what Greece has known all along — this land was born for wine. In ancient Athens, wine was not only a social staple but also deeply intertwined with Greek mythology, with gods like Dionysus symbolising wine’s divine origins and cultural importance.
Here’s my tour through the country’s most fascinating wine regions — places where ancient roots and modern craftsmanship meet in every glass, reflecting the country’s rich viticultural heritage. These Greek wine regions offer an incredible diversity of flavours and experiences that reflect the unique terroir and traditions of each area. Travellers can explore them in depth through Greek wine tours, experiencing both the history and modern innovation of each region.
Introduction to Greek Wine
Greek wine is a tapestry woven from thousands of years of tradition, sun-drenched landscapes, and a dazzling array of indigenous grape varieties. From the windswept vineyards of the Aegean Islands to the rugged hills of Northern Greece, the country’s wine regions produce a range of wines from crisp, mineral-driven whites to full-bodied reds bursting with character. Greece’s winemaking roots stretch back to ancient times, and today the country is celebrated for blending traditional wine production techniques with modern innovation. Whether you’re savouring a glass of Assyrtiko by the sea or exploring the bold reds of Xinomavro, Greek wine offers a taste of the country’s rich history and vibrant culture. With numerous unique grape varieties and styles to discover, Greece is a true paradise for wine lovers seeking both timeless and new experiences.
History of Wine Production
History of Wine Production
The story of Greek wine is as old as the country itself. Evidence of wine production in Greece dates back to ancient times, with archaeological finds from the Minoan and Mycenaean civilisations revealing the deep roots of viticulture in the region. For the ancient Greeks, wine was more than just a drink—it was a cornerstone of daily life, celebrated in myth and ritual, and personified by Dionysus, the god of wine and fertility. Over the centuries, Greek wine production has evolved, shaped by the introduction of new grape varieties and the ingenuity of generations of winemakers. Today, Greece’s wineries continue this proud tradition, producing wines that honour their storied past while embracing the possibilities of the present. The result is a vibrant wine culture that stands as a testament to Greece’s enduring love affair with the grape. Greek wine tours allow visitors to explore this living history first-hand.
Macedonia: Bold Reds from the North
Northern Greece feels like the heartland of red wine, with vineyard landscapes stretching across the region. In Macedonia, vineyards are planted at higher elevations, which contribute to the unique character and complexity of the wines. The rolling hills of Macedonia are home to one of Greece’s most renowned grapes — Xinomavro. Here, limestone-rich clay soils play a crucial role in shaping the structure and ageing potential of the wines produced. Xinomavro is known for its high acidity, which gives the wines freshness, structure, and excellent ageing potential. The wines produced in this region offer a diverse range of flavours and styles for wine lovers to explore. For wineries of Macedonia to visit, click here.
Naoussa: The Classic
Naoussa is the region that really defines Xinomavro. The name means “acid black,” and it fits perfectly. These wines can be pale in colour but are full of structure, tannin, and attitude. They begin with earthy, tomato, olive, and black currant notes and, over time, evolve into something hauntingly complex — think truffle, spice, and dried herbs. For wineries of Naoussa to visit, click here
Amyntaio: Lighter and Livelier
A little further northwest, Amyntaio offers an entirely different side of Xinomavro — higher altitude, cooler air, and softer fruit. The wines here are elegant and fresh, and the rosés are among the finest in Greece. For wineries of Amyndeo to visit, click here
And beyond Xinomavro country, regions like Goumenissa, Drama, and Kavala produce a range of wines, from supple Syrahs to crisp Sauvignon Blancs. In these areas, other grapes are often blended with native varieties, showcasing the region’s diversity and blending practices. Macedonia is big, bold, and varied — just like its wines. Greek wine tours in this region offer a chance to taste both tradition and innovation.
Epirus: Crisp, Mountain-Cooled Whites
Tucked into Greece’s northwest mountains, Epirus is small but unforgettable. The air is cool, the vineyards are high, and the wines are pure and bright.
The main PDO, Zitsa, produces whites from the local Debina grape. These are crisp, green-apple-driven wines with a light sparkle and a clean alpine edge. Zitsa is also renowned for its sparkling wines made from Debina, which showcase the region’s unique mountain climate and terroir. It’s one of those rare Greek whites that truly tastes like the mountain air itself. For wineries from Epirus, click here
Thessaly: Best Greek wine tours Between Olympus and the Sea
Thessaly sits between Mount Olympus and the Aegean, and its wines reflect that balance — earthy yet fresh, serious yet easy to love. The Agrafa Mountains, a significant geographic feature, shape the region’s vineyards and influence local wine styles. For wineries from Thessaly, click here
Rapsani: Three Grapes, One Legend
On the slopes of Olympus, the PDO Rapsani blends three native grapes — Xinomavro, Krassato, and Stavroto — into intensely flavoured reds with spice, structure, and a touch of mountain mystery.
Tyrnavos: Floral and Fun
Then there’s Tyrnavos, the region that brings a smile. Wines here are light, aromatic, and perfect for summer. Grapes like Moschato and Roditis give off scents of rose and citrus — a lovely match with grilled fish or mezze under the sun. Greek wine tours in Thessaly allow visitors to experience this diversity up close.
Central Greece: The Reinvention Story
For years, Central Greece, a significant part of the Greek mainland — especially around Athens, the capital city of Greece — was known mainly for Retsina, the old-school pine-resinated wine. Traditional Retsina is made using resin from the Aleppo pine tree. But times have changed. To visit wineries producing Retsina press here
Attica: Savatiano Shines Again
In Attica, winemakers are proving that the humble Savatiano grape can be remarkable. Once associated with bulk production, Savatiano is now being reimagined through careful vineyard work and precise winemaking. Modern expressions are fresh, nutty, and mineral, with a firm backbone of acidity that defies the region’s warm climate. Subtle oak ageing is often used to add texture and depth rather than weight, highlighting notes of roasted almond, citrus peel, and dried herbs.
These are honest wines that speak clearly of the dry limestone soils and sun-baked landscapes around Athens. Savatiano’s natural resistance to heat and drought makes it particularly well suited to Attica’s conditions, allowing it to retain balance and character even in challenging vintages. It is also the traditional backbone of retsina, where sensitive use of pine resin can enhance Savatiano’s herbal and citrus profile rather than overpower it. Today’s best retsinas are refined and gastronomic, offering a modern take on one of Greece’s oldest wine styles.
Discover wine tasting tours in Athens here.
Viotia and Fthiotida: Creative Energy
Nearby, in Viotia and Fthiotida, younger winemakers are experimenting with Malagousia, Assyrtiko, and even Syrah, producing stylish, modern wines that demonstrate Central Greece is once again worth paying attention to.
Peloponnese: Ancient Roots, Modern Soul
Cross the Corinth Canal, and you enter the Peloponnese peninsula in Southern Greece, the cradle of Greek wine. This peninsula is a patchwork of microclimates — mountain vineyards, coastal breezes, and soils that have seen vines since mythic times. Traditional viticulture in this region is often practised on a small scale, reflecting the artisanal approach that highlights the region’s diversity. The Peloponnese served as a hub for the wine trade during the Middle Ages. Its winemaking is deeply rooted in the area’s cultural heritage, blending ancient traditions and local customs that continue to shape the region’s identity.
For wineries from the Peloponnese, click here
Nemea: The Heart of Agiorgitiko
Nemea is where Agiorgitiko truly shines, and it stands out as one of the best geek wine tours to enjoy in Greece. It is home to one of the country’s most beloved red grapes, producing velvety, generous wines full of charm. Naturally aromatic and fruit-driven, Agiorgitiko offers ripe plum and cherry at its core, often lifted by notes of clove, sweet spice, and dried herbs.
The region’s connection to wine stretches back to antiquity. Ancient Nemea was part of the wider Peloponnese wine trade, and Agiorgitiko is often linked to the area’s mythology, earning the nickname “the blood of Hercules” in reference to the hero’s legendary labours nearby. While styles have evolved significantly over time, the grape’s deep cultural roots remain central to its identity.
The diversity of Nemea’s vineyards plays a key role in the grape’s many expressions, making it especially compelling for curious wine lovers. At lower elevations, wines tend to be lighter, juicier, and immediately approachable, while higher-altitude sites give more structure, firmer tannins, and greater ageing potential. Oak is frequently used to add complexity, bringing hints of vanilla, cocoa, and warm spice without masking the fruit. At its best, Nemea balances Mediterranean ripeness with freshness, further cementing its reputation as one of the best geek wine tours to explore.
Discover Nemea’s wines with a wine tasting tour
Mantinia: Fragrant Whites from High Above
Head to Mantinia in the central Peloponnese, one of the best geek wine tours to discover in Greece, and you’ll find Moschofilero, a pink-skinned white grape that thrives in the region’s cool mountain air. Planted on the high plateau of Mantinia, often at elevations of 600–700 metres, Moschofilero benefits from wide day–night temperature swings that help preserve its natural acidity and aromatic intensity.
The wines are typically made in a dry style, showcasing a floral, crisp, and energetic character. Expect aromas of rose petal, citrus blossom, and white peach, supported by bright acidity and a refreshing, slightly spicy finish. While most examples are fresh and unoaked, some producers experiment with lees contact or skin contact to add texture and complexity. Moschofilero is also well suited to sparkling wines, where its perfume and freshness truly shine.
These wines are a natural match for seafood, fried dishes, and light Mediterranean fare, and their lifted aromatics make them especially enjoyable on warm evenings. Elegant yet expressive, Mantinia’s wines offer a distinctive counterpoint to the richer styles found elsewhere in the Peloponnese and a compelling reason for wine lovers to explore beyond the obvious.
For wineries of Mantinia, click here
Patras: Sweet Classics
On the western coast of the Peloponnese, Patras has a long-standing tradition of producing some of Greece’s most distinctive sweet and dessert wines. The region is best known for Mavrodaphne of Patras, a fortified sweet red wine layered with flavours of chocolate, coffee, dried fig, and raisin, as well as Muscat of Rio-Patras, a luminous golden wine prized for its intense aromas of orange blossom, honey, and ripe stone fruit. Rich yet balanced, these wines are pure indulgence and remarkably age-worthy.
For curious travellers, Patras earns its place among the best Greek wine tours to enjoy thanks to its unique winemaking heritage, historic cellars, and the chance to explore how sweetness, oxidation, and fortification are handled with precision. Tasting these wines offers insight into a side of Greek wine that is often overlooked, yet deeply rooted in the country’s history.
The Peloponnese as a whole is a region that bridges the ancient and the modern, tradition with innovation, always with style. From high-altitude aromatics to structured reds and iconic sweet wines, it rewards those seeking the best geek wine tours to visit with depth, diversity, and a strong sense of place.
For wineries of Patras, click here
Crete: Island of Heritage and Innovation
Crete has been making wine since the Minoan era, and today it’s one of Greece’s most dynamic regions.
Local Grapes, Local Soul
The whites — Vidiano, Vilana, and Thrapsathiri — are textured, mineral, and full of Mediterranean character. Vidiano, in particular, is emerging as Crete’s superstar: aromatic, complex, and incredibly food-friendly.
Among the reds, Kotsifali and Mandilari are traditional partners, blending soft fruit with herbal, earthy notes.
Four PDO Zones, Endless Variety
Crete is home to four distinct PDOs — Peza, Archanes, Dafnes, and Sitia — and each tells a slightly different story, making the island one of the best geek wine tours to enjoy in Greece. Peza, the largest and most diverse PDO, is known for easy-drinking, fruit-forward wines that highlight Crete’s indigenous grapes, while neighbouring Archanes benefits from higher elevations and cooler conditions, producing fresher, more structured expressions with aromatic lift.
Dafnes is synonymous with Liatiko, an ancient Cretan variety that yields elegant reds with soft tannins, red fruit, and subtle spice, often vinified in a lighter, more transparent style. In contrast, Sitia, located in the island’s east, produces some of Crete’s most structured and age-worthy wines, shaped by altitude, limestone soils, and cooling winds from the Aegean. Here, both whites and reds show tension, minerality, and impressive longevity.
The island’s new generation of winemakers — names like Lyrarakis and Douloufakis — are playing a key role in Crete’s renaissance, combining deep respect for native varieties with modern techniques and a strong sense of terroir. For travellers eager to explore indigenous grapes, historic vineyards, and diverse microclimates, Crete more than earns its place among the best geek wine tours, offering depth, authenticity, and discovery at every turn.
Taste PDO Cretan wines with our Chania Wine Tours and Heraklio Wine Tours
The Aegean Islands: Wind, Sea, and Sunlight
Beyond Santorini, dozens of smaller Greek islands dot the Aegean, each with its own microclimate and wine identity. The Greek islands are renowned for their unique wine culture, shaped by centuries of tradition and the diverse terroirs found across the region. Each Greek island has its own distinct wine traditions, with a variety of wines produced from indigenous grape varieties that reflect the island’s character.
Santorini: Volcanic Magic
Few wine regions in the world are as iconic as Santorini, an island in the heart of the Aegean Sea. The surrounding sea moderates the island’s climate, giving the wines a unique character. Its volcanic soil, fierce winds, and ancient vines combine to produce something truly extraordinary.
For an unforgettable introduction to these volcanic wines, join a Santorini wine tasting.
Assyrtiko: The Mineral Masterpiece
The white grape Assyrtiko dominates here — crisp, saline, and full of volcanic character. It’s one of those wines that tastes like the sea and the rock it grows on.
The vines, some of which are centuries old, are trained in low basket shapes (kouloura) to protect them from the wind—the result: wines of power, precision, and longevity.
Vinsanto: The Sweet Tradition
Don’t miss Vinsanto, the island’s amber, sun-dried dessert wine made from Assyrtiko and Aidani. It’s rich, honeyed, and beautifully balanced — liquid sunlight with a volcanic edge.
Santorini is not just beautiful — it’s timeless.
Paros Wine: Spicy Reds with Ancient Roots
Paros is one of the few Greek islands with a Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) for red wine. Paros wines are traditionally made from Mandilaria, a robust and tannic red grape, blended with Monemvasia, a white grape variety that softens Mandilaria’s structure and adds aromatic complexity.
The result is a spicy, earthy red wine with herbal notes, firm acidity, and excellent aging potential. This unusual red-and-white blend reflects ancient winemaking practices and highlights Paros’ long viticultural history. Today, modern Paros winemakers are refining these styles, producing balanced, expressive wines that pair beautifully with Cycladic cuisine, lamb dishes, and local cheeses.
Naxos Wine: A Natural Wine Haven in the Cyclades
Naxos is rapidly emerging as a destination for small, natural wine producers, attracting attention from wine enthusiasts seeking authenticity and minimal-intervention winemaking. The island’s diverse landscapes, higher altitudes, and fertile soils provide ideal conditions for quality viticulture.
Naxos producers are focusing primarily on indigenous white grape varieties such as Assyrtiko and Aidani. Assyrtiko from Naxos offers freshness, minerality, and structure, while Aidani contributes floral aromas, softness, and elegance. Many winemakers embrace organic and natural practices, producing wines with a strong sense of place and transparency.
Greek Wine Diversity Beyond Retsina
Together, Paros and Naxos wines showcase the diversity of Greek wine beyond retsina, highlighting how ancient traditions and modern techniques coexist across Greece’s islands. For travelers interested in Greek wine tourism, these islands offer an opportunity to explore indigenous varieties, artisanal producers, and authentic tasting experiences in stunning Aegean settings.
Combining a retsina wine tour in Central Greece with visits to Paros and Naxos creates a deeper understanding of Greece’s wine culture, from time-honoured traditions to innovative, natural expressions of local terroir.
Discover Wine Tours in Naxos here
Rhodes Wine Experience: Sea Breezes, Pine Forests, and Ancient Vines
Rhodes is one of Greece’s oldest wine regions, shaped by cooling sea breezes, higher-altitude vineyards, and surrounding pine forests. These natural elements help create balanced, approachable wines with a clear island character.
The island’s flagship white grape, Athiri, produces fresh, gently aromatic wines with citrus, herbal notes, and soft minerality. The dominant red variety, Mandilaria, delivers structure, bright acidity, and subtle spice, reflecting Rhodes’ warm Mediterranean climate.
Rhodes is also home to two Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) wines.
PDO Rhodes includes dry white wines based on Athiri and structured red wines centred on Mandilaria.
PDO Muscat of Rhodes is known for its aromatic sweet wines made from Muscat of Trani and Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains, offering flavours of honey, citrus peel, and dried fruit.
Together, these wines make Rhodes a diverse and rewarding stop for Greek wine tours, combining history, terroir, and authentic island flavours.
For an amazing experience in Rhodes, try a wine tasting tour!
Samos: The Island of Muscat
Samos is famous for its Muscat Blanc, a traditional aromatic white grape that is central to the island’s winemaking identity. Producing both white and sparkling wines, Samos is celebrated for wines that display a golden hue, floral sweetness, and a distinctive fruity finish. The best examples strike a harmonious balance between richness and elegance, with layers of orange blossom, apricot, and honeyed notes that reveal the grape’s aromatic intensity.
For enthusiasts seeking unique and historic wine destinations, Samos is one of the best geek wine tours, to enjoy . Its combination of steep vineyards, volcanic soils, and maritime climate creates wines with remarkable precision and personality. Visiting Samos offers the chance to explore centuries-old Muscat traditions, taste fortified and dry expressions side by side, and experience a terroir-driven approach to aromatic whites that few other regions can match. Whether sipping a golden Muscat Blanc in a sunlit vineyard or discovering the island’s sparkling innovations, Samos rewards curious wine lovers with depth, history, and a sensory adventure.
For wine tours in Samos, click here
The Ionian Islands: The Western Spirit
On Greece’s western side, the Ionian Islands bring a slightly different character — cooler, gentler, and a little more European in style, with unique wines produced from local grape varieties.
For wineries of the Ionian Islands, click here
Cephalonia: Robola’s Home
Robola is the pride of Cephalonia, a bright, lemony white grape that thrives on the island’s limestone slopes. Known for its crisp acidity, flinty minerality, and refreshing character, Robola produces wines that are perfect companions to grilled fish, seafood, and the salty sea breeze of the Ionian coast. Subtle herbal notes and a clean, zesty finish give the wine a lively personality, making it both approachable and food-friendly.
For wine explorers seeking distinctive terroir and indigenous grapes, Cephalonia is one of the best geek wine toursto explore. The island’s volcanic and limestone-rich soils, combined with cooling maritime breezes, allow Robola to retain elegance and precision even in warmer vintages. Visiting local wineries provides a hands-on look at traditional methods alongside modern innovations, and tasting Robola in situ offers an unmatched sense of place. For enthusiasts eager to discover Greece beyond the classics, Cephalonia and its celebrated Robola are a must on the map of the best geek wine tours to discover.
Corfu & Zakynthos: Rare Grapes on Some of Greece’s Best Wine Tours
Corfu and Zakynthos are ideal stops on some of Greece’s best wine tours, offering a more intimate and authentic island wine experience rooted in Venetian heritage. These smaller Ionian islands focus on rare indigenous grape varieties and small-scale production, resulting in rustic, expressive wines with strong local identity.
In Corfu, the historic white grape Verdea produces dry, savoury wines with herbal and slightly oxidative notes, echoing traditional Venetian winemaking influences. These wines pair beautifully with local cuisine and seafood.
Zakynthos is home to Skopelitis, a rare indigenous white variety that yields fresh, aromatic wines with citrus, floral, and mineral characteristics. Produced in limited quantities, Skopelitis wines reflect the island’s artisanal approach and unspoiled terroir.
For travellers seeking authenticity, rare grapes, and cultural depth, Corfu and Zakynthos stand out as unique destinations on the best wine tours in Greece.
Thrace: The Quiet Frontier
In Greece’s far northeast, Thrace remains under the radar — but not for long. The region’s cool climate and coastal influence are ideal for producing fresh, aromatic reds and rosés from local grapes.
Local grapes like Mavroudi and Pamid are being revived, offering wines that are spicy, peppery, and full of energy. Notable wineries in Thrace, such as those near Alexandroupoli, showcase the diverse range of wines produced in this area. It feels like the next chapter in Greece’s wine story is being written here.
For wineries of Thrace, click here
Wine Production Techniques
Greek wine production is a harmonious blend of age-old traditional practices and innovative approaches. Many Greek wineries still honour the past by harvesting grapes by hand and fermenting wine in oak barrels, techniques that help preserve the unique flavours of indigenous grape varieties. At the same time, modern methods—such as stainless-steel tanks and screw-top containers—ensure freshness and consistency in every bottle. The focus on native grape varieties, such as Assyrtiko, Xinomavro, and Moschofilero, gives Greek wines their distinctive character and sense of place. Increasingly, wineries are adopting sustainable and organic farming practices, nurturing the land for future generations and enhancing the quality of their wines. This thoughtful approach to wine production allows Greek wines to shine, offering an authentic taste of the country’s diverse terroir and winemaking heritage.
Wine and Food Pairing
Greek wines are made for the table, offering a world of pairing possibilities that celebrate the country’s rich culinary heritage. The crisp, mineral-laced white wines of the Aegean Islands—think Assyrtiko and Moschofilero—are a natural match for fresh seafood, vibrant salads, and tangy cheeses. In Northern Greece, full-bodied red wines like Xinomavro and Cabernet Sauvignon pair beautifully with hearty dishes such as roasted lamb, grilled meats, and savoury stews. Rosé wines, often crafted from the Agiorgitiko grape, bring a burst of freshness to lighter fare like grilled chicken, fish, and Mediterranean vegetables. With such a diverse range of grape varieties and wine styles, Greece invites you to explore new flavours and discover perfect pairings for every meal. Whether you’re enjoying a simple mezze or a festive feast, Greek wines promise to elevate every bite.
The Spirit of Greek Wine
Greek wine is a journey through mountains, islands, myths, and memories. With more than 300 native grape varieties, the diversity is staggering, reflecting Greece’s rich winemaking heritage and ongoing renaissance.
What I love most is how these wines capture their sense of place. You can taste the salt of Santorini, the wild herbs of Crete, and the cool air of Epirus. In recent decades, Greek vineyards have experienced a remarkable revival, embracing technological advancements and renewed passion for quality. Greek winemakers today blend ancient wisdom with modern precision, crafting wines that feel both timeless and contemporary.
Wine tourism experiences in Greece offer visitors the opportunity to immerse themselves in local traditions, savour unique wines, and discover the cultural and natural beauty of the regions. The appellation system and regional classifications assure consumers of the origins of their wine purchases, providing confidence in the provenance and quality of every bottle.
In every glass — whether it’s a crisp Assyrtiko, a bold Agiorgitiko, or a fragrant Moschofilero — you taste Greece itself: its sunlight, its sea, its generosity, and its eternal love affair with wine.
