Greek Wine is entering a new golden age
By Yiannis Dimopoulos
Photo by Aggeliki Birbili
You’re flipping through the wine list at your favourite restaurant back home and suddenly you spot something unfamiliar: Assyrtiko. Xinomavro. Maybe even Malagousia. Greek wines seem to be popping up everywhere these days – from trendy wine bars and Michelin-starred restaurants to the shelves of your local wine shop. And naturally, you start wondering: what’s going on in Greece? The answer is a lot more exciting than you might think. Forget the old clichés about retsina and rustic tavernas. Yes, Greece has over 6,500 years of winemaking history, mythical figures like Dionysus throwing the original wine parties and vineyards rooted in some of the oldest wine traditions on earth. But today’s Greek wine scene is something entirely different. A new generation of winemakers is redefining what Greek wine can be. They’re reviving indigenous grape varieties found nowhere else in the world, experimenting with modern techniques and producing bottles that are winning awards, impressing sommeliers and earning places on wine lists across Europe, North America and beyond.
Whether you’re a curious beginner who simply wants a great bottle for dinner or a dedicated wine lover who enjoys discussing acidity, minerality and tannins, Greece offers a world of discovery. This guide will take you through the country’s
most exciting wine regions, introduce you to the native grapes everyone is talking about and help you understand why Greek wines are suddenly becoming some of the most sought-after bottles in the international wine scene. And who knows? The next time you see an Assyrtiko or a Xinomavro on a wine list, you’ll know exactly why it deserves your attention.
Top 3 Wine Regions in Greece
Naoussa – Xinomavro: In 1971, In Central Macedonia, Naoussa became Greece’s first PDO wine region in 1971. It is the historic home of Xinomavro, a structured, age-worthy red often compared to Nebbiolo for its tannins and complexity. Top producers: Dalamaras, Karydas, Kir-Yianni, Thymiopoulos.
Nemea – Agiorgitiko: In the Peloponnese, Nemea is the stronghold of Agiorgitiko, one of Greece’s most iconic red varieties. It produces velvety, fruitforward wines with excellent aging potential and is the only grape allowed in PDO Nemea wines. Top producers: Aivalis, Gaia, Palyvos, Skouras, Tselepos.
Santorini – Assyrtiko: Volcanic Santorini is the benchmark for Assyrtiko, a crisp, mineral-driven white grape with remarkable acidity and structure. The island also produces the renowned sweet Vinsanto and the increasingly acclaimed red Mavrotragano. Top producers: Argyros, Gaia, Hatzidakis, Santo Wines, Sigalas.
3 Wine Trends Shaping the Greek Scene
1. Indigenous Revival Winemakers are rediscovering native Greek grapes such as Vidiano, Limniona, Kydonitsa and Negoska, producing award-winning wines with strong international interest
2. Orange Wines on the Rise. White grapes vinified like reds are gaining popularity, offering texture and complexity. Notable examples include Malagouzia from Pieria Eratini, Portokali by Yiannis Lambrou and Rhoditis by Tatsis
3. Artisan Wines for the Curious Palate Small-scale, characterdriven wines are in demand, including amphora-aged and low-intervention bottlings such as Liatiko (Douloufakis), Robola (Melissinos) and Orgion (Sklavos).
What Does It Cost?
Expect around €20-30 for quality, whites and €25-40 for reds from wine shops in Greece, with restaurant prices higher but still strong value by international standards.
Greece’s Most Important Native Grapes
White Varieties
• Assyrtiko: Santorini’s flagship grape. High acidity, flinty minerality and ageworthy. Think of it as Greece’s answer to Chablis.
• Malagousia: Highly aromatic with notes of peach, apricot and fresh herbs. A modern comeback story.
• Moschofilero: Floral, spicy and refreshing – Greece’s aromatic counterpart to Gewürztramine
Red Varieties
• Agiorgitiko: Soft and rich with plum and spice notes. Approachable when young, elegant with age.
• Xinomavro: Structured, earthy and complex. Demands patience and rewards cellaring.
Top Greek Producers to Know
A snapshot of some of the most respected names in Greek winemaking: Aivalis, Alpha Estate, Antonopoulos, Argyros, Biblia Chora, Boutaris, Driopi, Douloufakis, Gaia, Gerovassiliou, Hatzidakis, Hatzimichalis, KatogiStrofilia, Katsaros, Kir-Yianni,
Manoussakis, Mercouri, Papaioannou, Pavlidis, Samos, Sigalas, Skouras, Sklavos, Thymiopoulos, Tselepos.
Editor’s Picks Wines to Seek Out
White Wines
• Alpha Estate: Sauvignon Blanc
• Antonopoulos: Anax
• Argyros: Evdemon, Nyxteri
• Biblia Chora: Ovilos
• Douloufakis: Vidiano
• Gaia: Thalassitis
• Gentilini: Robola
• Gerovassiliou: Chardonnay, Malagousia
• Hatzidakis: Nyxteri, Louros
• Kechris: Best Retsina
• Sigalas: Nyxteri, Kavalieros
• Skouras: Eclectique
• Sklavos: Robola
Red Wines
• Aivalis: Monopati, Armakas
• Alpha Estate: Xinomavro Unfiltered, Alpha One
• Antonopoulos: Nea Dris
• Avantis: Collection Syrah
• Boutaris: Grand Reserve, 1879
• Dalamaras: Paliokalias, Vieilles Vignes
• Driopi: Agiorgitiko
• Economou: All
• Gaia: Gaia Estate
• Gerovassiliou: Avaton, Syrah
• Karydas: Xinomavro
• Kir-Yianni: Diaporos, Blue Fox
• Manoussakis: Romeiko
• Mercouri: Ktima Mercouri
• Papaioannou: Mikroklima, Terroir
• Skouras: Labyrinth, Megas Oenos
• Thymiopoulos: Terra Petra, Earth and Sky
• Tselepos: Kokkinomylos, Avlotopi
Sweet Wines
• Vinsanto: A Santorini treasure, made from sun-dried Assyrtiko grapes. Complex, honeyed and long-lived. Top producers: Argyros, Sigalas.
• Mavrodaphne: A fortified red wine, reminiscent of Banyuls.
• Muscat: Produced on the island of Samos – sweet, aromatic and balanced.
Must Try! Vrekos
With more than 1,300 wine labels, Vrekos stands among the most thoughtfully selected wine cellars in Athens. It is the kind of place where exploration feels endless, from well-known Greek varietals to rare international bottles. Regular tastings invite guests to discover new favourites in a relaxed, guided way, while the experience is beautifully complemented by artisanal chocolates from the family’s own pastry workshop. 2 Christou Lada Str., Athens +302103241344
Wine Resto
In the past couple of years, wine bars have sprung up across Athens like wild thyme on a hillside – each neighborhood cradling its own. The following wine bars are the right places to taste the complex Xinomavro, the luminous Robola and the sovereign of the vineyards, Assyrtiko
Anasa
Set in the increasingly vibrant neighborhood of Exarchia, Anasa is a stylish new gastrobar with a strong focus on wine, spritzes and crafted cocktails. The food menu leans into easy, satisfying bites such as pinsas and panini, making it an ideal spot for long evenings that drift from aperitivo to late-night drinks. 59 Harilaou Trikoupi Str., Exarchia +302103804476
By the Glass
This hot spot for wine lovers offers one of the most updated and exciting wine lists in the city, in a cozy beautiful atrium. You may choose from 250 different wine labels including Greek and international varieties. More than 50 of them are served by the glass. They also serve coffee, spirits and food. Syntagma, 3 Souri & Philellinon Str., +302103232560
Epta Martyres
It was only a matter of time until a group of friends transformed the place into Neos Kosmos' greatest neighborhood hangout. Either way you characterize it, the recently established wine bar is like a neighborhood grocery shop meets a French bistro; it serves fantastic wine varietals, many of which are natural, along with sharing meze meals. 3 B Menehmou Str. Neos Kosmos
Kiki de Grèce
Don’t be fooled by the size of this small wine bistro – it serves over 50 Greek labels by the glass, making it a prime spot for wine lovers. In addition, there is a large map of Greece displayed in the restaurant that honours the many local products on its ever-evolving menu. Syntagma 4 Ipitou Str., +302103211279
Materia Prima
This authentic bar is always filled with happy faces appreciating a glass of good wine. The extensive wine list includes labels from celebrated Greek wineries as well as an excellent sample from wine producing regions around the world. If you fancy beer or spirits more, you’ll find the list updated for you too, on a weekly basis. 68 Falirou Str., Koukaki +302109245935
Oinoscent
This is one of the best places in the Historic Centre of Athens that offers a wide variety of fine wines from all over the world, from over a decade. Every single one of them is carefully selected by the hands of the threetime winner of Best Sommelier of Greece, Aris Sklavenitis. Syntagma, 45-47 Voulis Str. +302103229374
Ziraf
Ziraf is a well-curated wine bar and restaurant featuring over 135 labels, all available by the glass. The food is equally thoughtful, with dishes designed for sharing, including the much-loved “mousaka balls”. Elegant yet approachable, it strikes a balance between wine bar sophistication and relaxed neighborhood dining.17 Kallidromiou & Mavromichali Str. Athens, +302103605349
Bars & Clubs
Athens: Timeless by day, electric by night
When the sun sets, the city pulses with energy. Sip handcrafted cocktails on a rooftop terrace with stunning Acropolis views, dance until sunrise in buzzing clubs, or unwind in cozy bars tucked away in charming alleys, the city's nightlife is full of surprises, and everyone is invited. So come along! The night is calling and Athens knows how to answer.
Downtown
Baba au Rum
Also among Worlds’ Best Bars, this is the place to try the finest rums you can find in Athens and choose from a huge selection (competing Europe’s largest). You'll be surprised how well rum goes with chocolate. Syntagma 6 Klitiou Str., +302117109140
Low Key
One of Athens' most exciting new early-evening hangouts, Low Key pairs an effortlessly cool soundtrack –think jazz, funk, soul and pop– with well-crafted drinks, tap cocktails and some of the city's best pizzas. Stylish yet laid-back, it's the kind of place that easily turns one drink into the rest of the evening. 3 Chalkidonos Str., Athens Tower, +30 216 809 2482
The Bar in Front of the Bar
A youthful, vibrant street bar that switches up its menu daily while everything there, is made from scratch, from cordials to jams. Numerous led mottos invite passers – by to drink with the stuff. Syntagma, 1 Petraki Str. +306980635896
Tapfield
A true paradise for beer lovers, Tapfield offers 19 taps and more than 100 bottled and canned options, making choice part of the experience itself. Pair your drink with burgers, nachos, or hot dogs in a lively, industrial-style setting that feels made for long, casual nights out. 4 Navarchou Apostoli Str. Psyrri, +302103221923
The Clumsies
One of the most popular downtown bars in Athens, ranked no 4 on the World’s Best Bars. Nikos Bakoulis and Vasilis Kyritsis founders and also behind the bar, serving cocktails since 2014, are always a step ahead of the international trends. Panepistimio 30 Praxitelous Str., +302103232682
Gazi - Votanikos - Kerameikos
Bios
A multi lever building full of arts, drinks and music. It hosts very often famous djs, live performances, art and new-media exhibitions. Also you can enjoy your drink at the roof garden. Kerameikos, 84 Piraios Str. +302103425335
Plaka - Monastiraki - Thissio - Petralona
Tiki Athens
Tiki is the first exotica bar in Athens. Many unique events take place at TIKI. Music includes mixing of new and oldest pieces. Acropolis, 15 Falirou Str. Makrigianni, +30210923690
Athens Seafront
Akrotiri Bar Restaurant
Mainstream disco and house music. It offers Mediterranean cuisine. 5 B Vasileos Georgiou Ave., Aghios Kosmas Beach, +302109859148
The island of Athens Island
The most famous “island” in Athens. A modern club-restaurant that captures the spirit of the Cyclades. Frozen cocktails, Mediterannean cuisine, lounge music, dance parties, lots of celebrities. 27th km Athens-Sounio Road, Varkiza, +302109653563
