Greece has been making wine for over 6,500 years — longer than anywhere else in Europe. Yet most visitors stick to ouzo and beer, never discovering the incredible wines just an hour from Athens.
Whether you want an intimate urban tasting or a full-day vineyard escape, here are the best Athens wine tasting experiences for 2026.
Quick Comparison#
| Experience | Duration | Wines Tasted | Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Urban Wine Bar Tasting | 2 hours | 5-7 wines | €45 | Short on time |
| Nemea Vineyard Tour | 8 hours | 8-10 wines | €95 | Day trip lovers |
| Wine & Food Pairing | 3 hours | 5 wines + meal | €75 | Foodies |
| Athens Riviera Winery | 4 hours | 6-8 wines | €85 | Coastal views |
| Private Sommelier Tour | 3 hours | 7-9 wines | €120 | Couples, special occasions |
Our Top Pick: Nemea Wine Region Day Trip#
Nemea Wine Tasting Day Trip with Lunch
The best way to experience Greek wine. Visit 2-3 family-owned wineries in the legendary Nemea region, taste award-winning Agiorgitiko reds, and enjoy a traditional Greek lunch with vineyard views. Hotel pickup included.
1. Urban Wine Tasting in Athens (Best for Limited Time)#
If you only have a few hours, an urban wine tasting packs incredible value. Athens has several excellent wine bars with sommeliers who guide you through Greek varieties.
What you’ll experience:
- Curated tasting of 5-7 Greek wines
- Learn about indigenous grape varieties
- Cheese and charcuterie pairings
- No transportation needed
Pros:
- Fits any schedule
- Central Athens location
- Great introduction to Greek wines
- Budget-friendly
Cons:
- No vineyard atmosphere
- Smaller selection than winery visits
2. Nemea Wine Region Day Trip (Best Overall)#
Nemea is Greece’s most famous red wine region, about 90 minutes from Athens. The star grape is Agiorgitiko (ah-yor-YEE-tee-ko), producing rich, velvety reds that rival Italian wines.
What’s included:
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- 2-3 winery visits
- 8-10 wine tastings
- Traditional Greek lunch
- Expert guide commentary
Why Nemea?
- Ancient wine-making region (Hercules supposedly planted the first vines here)
- Award-winning wineries with modern facilities
- Beautiful rolling hills and vineyard scenery
- Much cooler than Athens in summer
Full-Day Nemea Wine Tour from Athens
Visit 2-3 premium wineries, taste 8+ wines including reserve vintages, and enjoy lunch overlooking the vineyards. Small group (max 8 people) with knowledgeable wine guide.
3. Wine & Food Pairing Experience (Best for Foodies)#
These experiences pair Greek wines with traditional dishes, teaching you which wines complement which foods. Usually held in small venues or private settings.
What you’ll taste:
- 5 wines matched with Greek dishes
- Combinations like Assyrtiko with seafood
- Local cheeses and cured meats
- Seasonal Greek specialties
Perfect for:
- Couples on a date night
- Food enthusiasts
- Those who want to eat and drink
4. Athens Riviera Winery Tour (Best Scenery)#
The Athens coastline has several wineries with stunning sea views. These tours combine wine tasting with the beautiful Athenian Riviera.
Highlights:
- Coastal winery visits
- Mediterranean views while tasting
- Often includes beach time
- Sunset options available
Greek Wine Varieties to Know#
| Wine | Type | Flavor Profile |
|---|---|---|
| Assyrtiko | White | Crisp, citrus, mineral — Greece’s best white |
| Moschofilero | White | Floral, aromatic, refreshing |
| Agiorgitiko | Red | Rich, smooth, cherry and spice |
| Xinomavro | Red | Bold, tannic — “the Greek Nebbiolo” |
| Retsina | White | Pine resin notes — love it or hate it |
Wine Tasting Tips#
1. Don’t skip the whites Greek whites like Assyrtiko from Santorini are world-class. Many visitors focus on reds but miss out.
2. Eat before (or during) Greek wine tastings often include generous pours. The food pairings aren’t just for flavor — they help pace your tasting.
3. Ask about the grapes Greece has 300+ indigenous grape varieties. Your guide can explain what makes each unique.
4. Buy direct Winery prices are often 30-40% less than retail. Most can ship bottles home.
Frequently Asked Questions#
How much does wine tasting in Athens cost?#
Urban tastings start around €35-50 for 5-7 wines. Full-day vineyard tours with lunch run €85-120 per person.
Do I need to book wine tours in advance?#
Yes, especially for vineyard day trips. Urban tastings may have walk-in availability, but booking guarantees your spot.
Is Greek wine actually good?#
Absolutely. Greek wines have won numerous international awards. The indigenous varieties offer flavors you won’t find anywhere else in the world.
Can non-drinkers enjoy wine tours?#
Most vineyard tours welcome non-drinkers. You’ll enjoy the scenery, food, and cultural experience. Some offer grape juice alternatives.
Best time for wine tasting in Athens?#
Spring (April-May) and fall (September-October) offer perfect weather. Harvest season (September) adds extra winery activity.
The Bottom Line#
For the full Greek wine experience, the Nemea day trip can’t be beaten — you’ll visit real working vineyards, taste award-winning wines, and enjoy a memorable lunch with views.
Short on time? An urban wine tasting in central Athens delivers excellent wines with expert guidance in just 2-3 hours.
Planning more Athens activities? Check out our guides to best food tours and sunset cruises.
