Greek Wine Guide for your Greece Vacation

Greek Wine with a View

Part of the allure when traveling is getting to know new cultures and destinations by the local gastronomy and tasting the local wine.

Greece is a perfect example of this and has a long history of producing wines from ancient roots since 2000 BC in their sunny and warm Mediterranean climate.

While Greek white wines are more well known, the Greek red wines are also enjoyable. We recommend tasting different varietals with your meals and when possible, visiting a local winery with a food pairing for a wonderful authentic experience.  

​When it comes time to toast, remember that “cheers” in Greek is
​ “yia mas!” meaning good health.

To help prepare you for your next visit to Greece, here are seven popular Greek wines to get you started on your own Greek Wine Odessey. 

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Agiorgitiko Red Greek Wine

1. Agiorgitiko from Nemea
(ah-gee-or-gee-tee-ko): This grape produces lush, velvety reds with black-cherry flavors.
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The most widely planted red wine grape in Greece and very popular.  Pairs well with a variety of dishes from meats to fish to cheese.

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Assyrtiko - White Wine

2. Assyrtiko - From Santorini
(ah-sir-tee-ko): A source of minerally, bone-dry, citrus-edged white wines.

​Drink chilled with fish or salty fishes like Feta.

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Retsina - An Ancient Greek Wine

3. Retsina from Central Greece and the Peloponnese
(Ret-see-na): A historic and classic Greek wine with a distinctive flavor that has been made for over 2000 years.  This white or rose wine has a particular flavor and is a must sample Greek tradition.

Its unique flavor originated from the practice of sealing wine vessels, with Aleppo pine resin in ancient times. Before the invention of wine barrels, glass bottles and corks, oxygen caused many wines to spoil within the year. Pine resin helped keep air out, while infusing the wine with resin aroma when it was stored in clay jars called amphorae.  It is recommended to drink Retsina very cold and from a wide-open glass.

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Malagousia - Summer Greek Wine

4. Malagousia from Northern Greece
(mah-la-goo-see-ah):

​This melony, jasmine-scented white was on the brink of extinction before winemaker Evangelos Gerovassiliou began growing it again.  it is a popular summer wine and pairs well with green salads, baked vegetables and lean fish for a refreshing afternoon meal. 

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​5. Moscofilero from Peloponnese
(mos-ko-fi-ler-oh): A primarily Peloponnesian white, its wines have tangerine and blossom scents and is considered a dry wine.
Pairs with fresh fruit, seafood or a light pasta. 

Muscat - Popular Greek Wine

6. Muscat from the island of Samos
(muss-cat): Perhaps Greece's most well-known wine, this sweet desert wine has a range of flavors and is best served after dinner with fresh fruit, light desert or ice cream. 

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Xinomavro - Popular Red Wine

7. Xinomavro from Norther Greece areas of Naoussa and Amyndeon
(zhee-no-mav-ro): This red has floral and spice aromas, firm tannins, and vibrant fruit.
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Very popular with red wine lovers and sometimes called "the Barolo of Greece"  Pairs well with grilled lamb, meat stew, a hearty vegetable dish like mushroom risotto or a grilled flavorful fish. 

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​We hope this will inspire and inform you for your next visit to Greece.  Let us know of your own favorites and experiences.  “Yia mas!” (cheers).  For more information on traveling to Greece, visit our dedicated Greece Website