A Winemaking Wonderland with an Ancient History
A new generation of producers is turning one of the oldest wine-growing regions into one of the world’s hottest wine destinations.
Greece has been producing wine longer than just about anywhere on earth, and yet the country doesn’t get the respect of its northern neighbours, Italy, Spain and France. That’s beginning to change, however, as the world’s wine fans realize Greek wine is about much more than just Retsina. Upgraded production facilities, an abundance of unique, delicious and indigenous grapes, and a price point that’s often well below the level of quality mean wine lovers are waking up to the joys of this ancient wine region.
Wines to Try
Start discovering our collection of exciting Greek wines and beers with this curated list, or visit our Destination Greece store at
200 Danforth Ave., in Toronto to see our expanded in-store collection.
Regions to Know
From volcanic islands to vineyards surrounded by mountains, Greece’s key wine regions have traditions dating back thousands of years, combined with an enthusiasm for experimenting with new grape varieties.
Santorini (Aegean Islands)
Mythical, beautiful Santorini is among the oldest wine regions in this ancient country. White wines dominate here, especially Assyrtiko, which makes up more than half of the volcanic island’s production. Grapes are grown using the kouloura system, where the vine is pruned into a unique “basket” shape and kept low to the ground in a coiled wreath formation that protects it from the island’s intense summer sun and near-constant winds.
Macedonia
Grape growing in the northern reaches of Greece has been going on for centuries. Indigenous grapes like Xinomavro and Assyrtiko are widely planted, along with international varieties, including Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah. This large region borders Albania and Bulgaria, and features a variety of climates and landscapes, allowing it to produce many different styles of wines.
Attica
The vineyards of Attica in central Greece surround the country’s capital, Athens, and according to ancient Greek mythology, this is where the gods taught man to make wine. With over 16,000 acres of planted grapes, this is also Greece’s largest wine-growing region. Savatiano, a native grape used for Retsina production, is the area’s most widely planted, along with Roditis and Athiri.
Crete
Minoans started grape production on the island of Crete some 4,000 years ago. The island’s hot Mediterranean climate means most vineyards are planted 200 metres above sea level. The red blending grape Kotsifali and the white Vilana are the most commonly grown varieties, but modern winemakers are also having success with international grapes like Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Sauvignon Blanc.
Nemea
Located in the northeast corner of the Peloponnese, Nemea is an important producer of deep, dark red wines, especially from the Agiorgitiko grape. The region, with its lush valleys and surrounding mountains, features a milder climate than much of the rest of the country, and for that reason, as well as its landscape, it is often compared to northern California.
Fast Facts
The Greeks have been making wine for 6,500 years.
Greece ranks ninth in the European Union for volume in wine production.
The country produced 220 million litres of wine in 2018.
Greece’s Key Varietals
Robola
Synonymous with the Ionian island of Cephalonia, where the limestone soil imparts a distinct minerality to the wine, this white-skinned grape produces elegant bottles with a light to medium body and great aging potential. These wines boast a high acidity with notes of stone fruit, fresh herbs and refreshing lemon.
TRY IT WITH: Grilled seafood salad or roast pork
Malagousia
Almost completely extinct by the mid-20th century, the grape regained status in the 1980s thanks to a handful of visionary Greek winemakers who saw its potential. A lovely light- to medium-bodied wine that works equally well on its own or as part of a blend, it’s now grown and loved throughout Greece and has nuances of peach, melon, herbs and floral notes.
TRY IT WITH: Rosemary-crusted chicken and potatoes
Assyrtiko
Indigenous to the island of Santorini, where the vines are up to 250 years old and are trained to grow low against the ground in a unique “basket” shape, this varietal is now produced throughout Greece. You’ll discover aromas and flavours of lemon, lime, grapefruit and melon, all wrapped up in a medium body with crisp acidity.
TRY IT WITH: Chilled crab and lobster, or a ripe tomato and feta salad drizzled with good olive oil
Xinomavro
Indigenous to Greece, the grape is most closely associated with the Naoussa region but is planted throughout the north of the country. Full-bodied and intense, with good acidity and notes of cherry, plum, spice and rich oak, it has a similar taste to the Italian Nebbiolo grape.
TRY IT WITH: Mushroom risotto, grilled steak, lamb chops or moussaka
Agiorgitiko
Most extensively planted in Nemea and the Peloponnese, Agiorgitiko is gaining fans around the world. The grape is capable of producing a wide variety of wine styles, depending on the region. You’ll experience raspberry, blackberry, plum, black pepper and sweet spices like cinnamon and nutmeg.
TRY IT WITH: Rack of lamb, prime rib, beef stew or grilled vegetables with crumbled feta
Limnio
Greeks have been making wine from the Limnio grape since the times of Homer. Hardy and late-ripening, it produces a delicate, medium-bodied wine that is frequently blended alongside grapes like Grenache, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Xinomavro. You’ll discover a unique bay leaf aroma, plus fresh herbs and red berry notes.
TRY IT WITH: Pasta pomodoro, roast pork or salmon
