Top 5 Wine Tours In Greece

The Top 5 Wine Tours in Greece: A Journey Through Vineyards and History

Sip, Savor, and Explore: The Best Wine Tours in Greece

Greece isn’t just the land of ancient gods, sun-drenched islands, and plate-smashing celebrations. It’s also home to some of the oldest and most unique wine traditions in the world. With a history of winemaking that dates back over 4,000 years, Greece offers wine lovers an experience that blends breathtaking landscapes, fascinating history, and, of course, world-class wine.

From the volcanic vineyards of Santorini to the rolling hills of the Peloponnese, Greek wine is as diverse as the country itself. Whether you’re a seasoned sommelier or just enjoy a good glass of red (or white… or rosé), these top 5 wine tours in Greece promise an unforgettable adventure.

1. Nemea Wine Tour – Greece’s Red Wine Capital

Nemea, located in the Peloponnese, is the heart of Greece’s red wine production and home to the famous Agiorgitiko grape, often referred to as the “Blood of Hercules.” This region has been producing wine for millennia and offers a rich mix of history and modern winemaking.

What to Expect From Nemea Wine Tours:

• Visits to three to five wineries, where you’ll sample bold, full-bodied Agiorgitiko wines known for their deep red color and fruity-spicy notes.

• Insights into ancient Greek winemaking techniques, with some wineries still using traditional clay amphorae.

• A stop at the Temple of Zeus in Ancient Nemea, because wine and history go hand in hand.

• The chance to enjoy wine tastings in vineyards surrounded by rolling hills and olive groves.

Best Wine Tours In Nemea:

• Full-Day Nemea Wine Tasting Tour: Includes visits to the best wineries and a gourmet Greek lunch.

• Nemea & Ancient Ruins Tour: Combines wine tasting with a deep dive into the region’s rich history.

2. Crete Wine Tour – The Birthplace of Greek Wine

Crete, the largest Greek island, has an ancient wine-making tradition dating back to the Minoan civilization. The island’s diverse climate and soil conditions create a wide range of wine styles, from crisp whites to robust reds.

What to Expect From Crete Wine Tours:

• Tastings at multiple family-run wineries, where you’ll discover unique Cretan grape varieties like Vidiano, Liatiko, and Kotsifali.

• A visit to Vathipetro, one of the oldest known wine presses in the world, dating back to 1600 BC.

• Pairing wine with local delicacies, including Cretan olive oil, dakos (barley rusk with tomatoes and feta), and slow-cooked lamb.

• Breathtaking mountain and seaside vineyard landscapes that make every sip even more enjoyable.

The Best Wine Tours In Crete:

• Heraklion Wine & Gastronomy Tour: A mix of wine tasting and authentic Cretan cuisine.

• West Crete Winery Tour: Focuses on boutique wineries in the Chania region.

3. Naoussa, Greece Wine Tour – The Home of Xinomavro

Naoussa, located in northern Greece’s Macedonia region, is best known for its Xinomavro grape, often compared to Italy’s Nebbiolo. If you love deep, tannic reds with aging potential, Naoussa should be at the top of your wine tour list.

What to Expect From Naoussa Wine Tours:

• Visits to award-winning wineries that specialize in Xinomavro, a complex and powerful red wine with notes of tomato, olive, and dark berries.

• Barrel tastings that give insight into the wine’s aging process.