Wine tourism is a high priority in Greek on Tourism Ministry agenda and why not… Greece is one the oldest wine producing countries, with plenty local wines awarded in international tasting competitions.

Before planning a wine tour in Greece, you should learn about the Greek vineyard “zones”. While Greece has many regions, they are usually divided into four primary climatic zones. Each destination has its own climate, varieties and farming techniques

Northern Greece – Wet: Epirus, Macedonia and Thrace
Aegean Islands – Arid: Mediterranean Islands (Santorini, Samos, Límnos, etc.)
Central Greece – Modulating Mediterranean: Central Greece, Thessaly, and Attica
Southern Greece – Stable Mediterranean: Crete, Peloponnese, and Kefalonia

Northern Greece

Areas: Epirus, Macedonia, and Thrace

White Grapes: Malagousia and Assyrtiko, often blended with Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay

Red Grapes: Xinomavro with a little bit of Merlot, Limnio, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Syrah

Aegean Islands

Areas: Samos, Santorini, Límnos, and others

White Grapes: Assyrtiko (Santorini), Muscat Blanc (Samos), Athiri, Malvasia (called Monemvasia)

Red Grapes: Limnio (Límnos), Mandilaria (Paros), Mavrotragano

Central Greece

Areas: Central Greece, Attica, and Thessaly

White Grapes: Savatiano, Malagousia, Assyrtiko, Athiri, Begleri, and Chardonnay

Red Grapes: Xinomavro , Agiorgitiko, Krasato, Stavroto, Limniona, Vradiano, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Syrah

Southern Greece

Areas: Crete, Peloponnese, Kefalonia

White Grapes: Moschofilero, Muscat Blanc, Robola (Kefalonia), Vidiano (Crete), and Roditis

Red Grapes: Agiorgitiko (Peloponnese), Mavrodaphne (Kefalonia + Peloponnese), Kotsifali (Crete), Liatiko (Crete), Mandilaria (Crete), Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon

Did you Know:

Xinomavro (“ke-see-no-mav-roh”) is being hailed as “The Barolo of Greece,”
Samos’ Muscat Blanc, is world’s most important and well-travelled wine variety, and was Cleopatra’s favourite wine
Limnio is considered to have existed during Aristotle’s time
When oaked-aged, Savatiano delivers a structure and finish similar to Burgundy
The Vinsanto is produced only on the island of Santorini, out of grapes that are cultivated in the volcanic soil, with a splendid and incomparable taste that has made it famous worldwide

If you are a wine enthusiast and wish to discover the 300 native Greek wine grapes in production search no more… Astir Club will design for you the best wine experience in Greece. Explore the tasteful of Greek wines in our unique wine tours in vineyards all over Greece.