Ever had one of those trips where your sole mission is to make wine disappear? Well, that’s basically how my recent Athens adventure started. Not only did I succeed in making some Greek wines vanish (I even put it on my dating profile), but I also ended up hopping between five wine bars in a single day. The result? A fun, informative, and totally wine-filled journey through the heart of Greek wine culture.
What You Should Know About Greek Wine (Before You Dive In)
If you think Greek wine is just a myth like the Minotaur, think again. Greece's wine tradition is as ancient as the gods, with a winemaking history dating back thousands of years. Some of Southern Italy’s well-known grape varieties, like Greco, may have even originated here. But despite this rich heritage, Greece's wine industry doesn’t get the same love as France or Italy. Why? Blame the Ottoman occupation, a hard-won independence, and a little thing called phylloxera (it’s a grapevine disease that did a number on vineyards everywhere).
But things changed in the 1960s when Greek winemakers embraced modern techniques, and thank Dionysus they did! Today, Greece is a small yet mighty wine-producing nation, boasting over 300 indigenous varieties—and yes, their names are as hard to pronounce as you’d expect. Most of the wine is consumed domestically, so when in Greece, drink as the Greeks do because it’s not easy to find these gems outside of the country.
Why You Need to Try Greek Wine When You Visit Greece
Here’s the deal: Greek wine is amazing, diverse, and a true hidden treasure. The country’s vineyards are scattered across mountains and islands, giving each wine its own unique story. Whether you're sipping a crisp Assyrtiko from Santorini or a bold Xinomavro from Naoussa, you're tasting something that could only come from this land. Plus, Greek wines pair incredibly well with local cuisine, making them a must-try on your next trip.
So, here’s my roundup of five incredible wine bars in Athens. Buckle up, it’s going to be a delicious ride!
Stop #1: Zampano
Address: 18 Sarri, Psirri, Athens
What I Tried:
Bosinakis Winery Mantinia Moschofilero
Zampano is nestled in the chic Psirri district, often compared to the "Soho of Athens" for its trendy vibe. It's a perfect brunch spot serving modern Greek food, including plenty of vegetarian options. I arrived early—around 10 a.m.—and was pleased to find a wide selection of Greek wines, with over 20 available by the glass.
I kicked things off with a glass of Moschofilero from the Bosinakis Winery. While Assyrtiko gets all the attention, Moschofilero is a hidden gem, with its zesty acidity and fragrant notes of orange blossom, rose petals, and exotic spices. It’s dry, lean, and perfect for brunch.
What I Loved: The combination of delicious modern Greek dishes and an extensive wine-by-the-glass selection, especially during brunch, made Zampano a must-visit.
Stop #2: Heteroclito
Address: 2 Fokionos, Athens
What I Tried:
Balatsouras Winery Doric Orange
After some sightseeing, I stumbled into Heteroclito, a wine bar that embraces organic, natural, and low-intervention wines. The by-the-glass selection rotates monthly, and every wine on the list is thoughtfully described to help you make a choice.
I decided on Balatsouras Winery's Doric Orange, a blend of Roditis and Malagousia. The Roditis grape, often overlooked, is known for its neutrality, but when blended with Malagousia, which brings peach and herbal notes, it creates a beautifully balanced orange wine. This one had been macerated for 7 days, giving it a structured mouthfeel without being too funky.
What I Loved: The relaxed vibe in the middle of bustling Athens and the focus on low-intervention wines made this a great pit stop.
Stop #3: Tanini Agapi Mou
Address: 4 Deligianni, Athens
What I Tried:
Tsikrikonis Rozaki Orange Amphora
Sclavos Winery Orgion Mavrodaphne
Next, I ventured into Tanini Agapi Mou—which translates to "Tannins, My Love." Located near Lycabettos, it’s a cozy and artsy spot with street art and a killer wine list. The wine menu, presented on a board, features over 100 labels, all Greek and mostly natural or biodynamic.
After some deliberation (with the help of the friendly sommelier), I opted for Tsikrikonis Rozaki Orange Amphora and Sclavos Winery Orgion Mavrodaphne. Rozaki is a vigorous table grape and for this reason, many believe it’s not able to produce quality wine. Tsikrikonis from Kavala, Macedonia, was the first in Greece to cultivate this variety in the 1950s, producing the world's first bottled Rozaki wine. This orange amphora version is the winery's new project from the 2022 harvest. The wine is juicy, mildly aromatic, and well-balanced. The short maceration adds depth and flavor. I drank the entire glass without even realizing it.
Mavrodaphne is a red grape that has gained international attention. According to legend, it was named after a beautiful but dark woman (hello, Black Widow). It was widely used to make sweet red wine on the Ionian island of Cephalonia. The sommelier stressed that this is a different representation of the producer's winemaking approach, and she felt I'd enjoy it. She was right. The wine has dark fruits and ripe red fruits like blackberry, cherry, and plum, with distinct aromas of dried herbs and licorice, and is quite structured, resembling Aglianico slightly.
What I Loved: The extensive, color-coded wine list showcasing natural and low-intervention wines from across Greece, paired with the sommelier’s expert guidance, made it a memorable experience.
Stop #4: Oinoscent
Address: 45-47 Voulis, Athens
What I Tried:
Thymiopoulos Earth and Sky Xinomavro 2021
For dinner, I headed to Oinoscent, a modern bistro known for its well-curated wine list and stylish atmosphere. The wine selection included Greek and international bottles, but I stuck to the local star—Thymiopoulos Earth and Sky Xinomavro 2021. This wine is often compared to Nebbiolo, with its high acidity, tannins, and aging potential.
Paired with a tomato salad, grilled aubergine, and duck breast, the Xinomavro's bright red fruit and earthy undertones worked beautifully, impressing even my non-wine-enthusiast friend.
What I Loved: The pairing of high-quality modern cuisine with a perfectly selected Greek wine list made for a fantastic dining experience.
Stop #5: Drunky Goat
Address: 8 Methonis, Exarchia, Athens
What I Tried:
A Greek wine flight featuring:
Troupis Winery Moschofilero
Semeli Estate Moschofilero
Lykos Malagousia
Karamolegos Assyrtiko
Thymiopoulos Xinomavro Rosé
Muses Estate Sauvignon Blanc & Mouchtaro
Lykos Agiorgitiko
Moschopolis Winery Mavrotragano & Syrah blend
I wrapped up my day at Drunky Goat, a laid-back wine bar/shop in Exarchia. I went for a wine flight, which allowed me to taste a wide range of Greek wines, from Moschofilero and Assyrtiko to rare blends like Mouchtaro. The tasting notes were provided on a handy sheet, making it a fun, informative way to explore.
What I Loved: The friendly, no-frills approach to wine flights, with options for both newbies and seasoned wine lovers, made this the perfect way to end a wine-filled day.
After a fruitful and enjoyable wine day, we went for some Ouzo and Tsipouro in the spirit of Greek national holiday.
Disclaimer: This post is not sponsored, the purpose of this post is simply to share my journey and invite you guys to explore the great wines and wine cultures of Greece.
Useful resources to learn more about Greek wine:
Wine Blog of Yiannis Karakasis MW, especially the Greek varieties section
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