The Wonderful World of Greek Wines

Few countries in the world can claim a wine history as rich and ancient as Greece. Wine has been part of Greek culture for more than 4,000 years. It was celebrated by philosophers, praised by poets and played an important role in mythology, religion and everyday life. Today, that remarkable heritage lives on through a new generation of passionate winemakers who combine centuries of tradition with modern innovation to produce wines of outstanding quality.

Yet, despite this extraordinary history, Greek wine remains one of Europe's best-kept secrets.

Ask someone outside Greece about Greek wine and the answer is often the same: "Retsina." While this traditional wine certainly deserves its place in Greek wine history, it represents only a small part of what modern Greece has to offer. Today, Greece produces elegant white wines, complex reds, refreshing rosés, outstanding sparkling wines and remarkable dessert wines that are increasingly recognised and awarded around the world.

One of the greatest strengths of Greek wine is its incredible diversity. The country is home to more than 300 indigenous grape varieties, many of which are found nowhere else on earth. Add to this an extraordinary landscape of volcanic islands, rugged mountains, fertile valleys and coastal vineyards, and you have one of the most exciting wine-producing countries in Europe.

As a wine specialist for both Italy and Greece, I have had the privilege of exploring many of Greece's wine regions over the years. Every visit introduces me to passionate winemakers, fascinating stories and wines that continue to surprise me. It is this diversity—and the people behind every bottle—that makes Greek wine so special.

Understanding Greek Wine Classifications

Like France, Italy and Spain, Greece protects the authenticity and quality of its wines through an official classification system. This guarantees the origin of every wine, the grape varieties used and the production methods that define its unique character.

🧿 Protected Designation of Origin (PDO – ΠΟΠ)

The highest quality classification in Greece is the Protected Designation of Origin (PDO).

A PDO wine must be produced entirely within a clearly defined geographical area. Everything—from growing the grapes to vinification and bottling—is governed by strict regulations. The authorised grape varieties, vineyard practices, yields and production methods are all carefully controlled to preserve the identity and authenticity of each wine region.

Today, Greece has 33 PDO wine regions, each with its own climate, terroir, indigenous grape varieties and centuries-old traditions.

🧿 Protected Geographical Indication (PGI – ΠΓΕ)

The second category is Protected Geographical Indication (PGI).

These wines also originate from a specific geographical area but allow winemakers greater flexibility in grape varieties, blends and winemaking techniques. Many innovative wineries choose this classification to create modern wines while still expressing the character of their region.

🧿 Varietal Wines

These wines are labelled according to the grape variety and vintage rather than a protected geographical designation. This category allows winemakers to showcase both indigenous and international grape varieties in a more flexible way.

🧿 Table Wines

Table wines have no protected geographical indication. However, this should never be interpreted as poor quality. Some excellent wines fall into this category simply because the producer has chosen not to follow the regulations required for PDO or PGI classification.

Greece and Italy – A Helpful Comparison

Many of our guests are already familiar with Italian wines and often ask how the Greek wine classification compares with the well-known Italian system.

Although the two systems are not identical, they share the same philosophy: protecting the origin, authenticity and quality of a wine

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🧿 Greek PDO is broadly comparable to the Italian DOCG (Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita) and, in many respects, also to DOC (Denominazione di Origine Controllata). In all three systems, strict regulations determine where the wine may be produced, which grape varieties may be used, how the wine is made and the quality standards it must meet.

🧿 Greek PGI is comparable to the Italian IGT (Indicazione Geografica Tipica), allowing producers greater freedom while still preserving a clear regional identity.

🧿 A Personal Note: One piece of advice I always like to share with our guests is this: don't focus too much on the abbreviation printed on the label.

Whether a wine is classified as PDO, DOCG or DOC certainly tells you something about its origin and production standards. But in my experience, the true magic of a wine is found in the vineyard, the passion of the winemaker and the story behind every bottle.

Some of the most memorable wines I have ever tasted came from small family-owned wineries where craftsmanship and dedication mattered far more than prestige.

Retsina – Greece's Most Misunderstood Wine

No introduction to Greek wine would be complete without mentioning Retsina.

For many years, Retsina shaped Greece's international reputation. Unfortunately, inexpensive mass-produced versions gave it an image that did not always reflect its true potential.

Contrary to popular belief, Retsina is not a PDO wine. Instead, it enjoys a protected Traditional Appellation under European legislation. Its identity is defined not by a specific region, but by its unique production method: the addition of Aleppo pine resin during fermentation.

This tradition dates back more than two thousand years. In ancient times, amphorae were sealed with pine resin to protect the wine from oxidation. Over time, the resin became part of the wine itself, creating the distinctive flavour that still defines Retsina today.

Fortunately, modern Greek winemakers have transformed its reputation. Premium Retsinas made from carefully selected grapes such as Savatiano, Assyrtiko and Roditis are beautifully balanced, elegant and increasingly appreciated by sommeliers and wine lovers around the world.

🍇 Greece's Indigenous Grape Varieties

One of Greece's greatest treasures is its extraordinary collection of native grape varieties. Many have been cultivated for centuries and can be found nowhere else in the world.

White Grapes

🧿 Assyrtiko – Greece's internationally acclaimed white grape, famous for its mineral character, vibrant acidity and exceptional ageing potential. Although best known from Santorini, it also produces outstanding wines in other regions.

🧿 Moschofilero – A unique pink-skinned grape that produces elegant white wines with aromas of roses, citrus blossom and fresh herbs. It is the signature variety of PDO Mantinia and one of my personal favourites.

🧿 Malagousia – Once almost extinct, this wonderfully aromatic variety has made an impressive comeback, offering flavours of peach, apricot, citrus and delicate flowers.

🧿 Savatiano – Traditionally associated with Retsina, this indigenous variety now produces refined, elegant still wines with remarkable ageing potential.

🧿 Robola – The pride of Kefalonia. Grown on the limestone slopes of Mount Ainos, it produces fresh, mineral-driven wines with lively acidity and remarkable elegance.

Red Grapes

🧿 Agiorgitiko – The flagship grape of Nemea and one of Greece's most versatile red varieties, producing wines ranging from youthful and fruity to rich, complex and beautifully age-worthy.

🧿 Xinomavro – Often compared with Italy's Nebbiolo because of its structure, complexity and excellent ageing potential.

🧿 Mavrodaphne – Best known for producing Greece's famous sweet wines, offering rich aromas of dried fruit, chocolate and spices.

My Favourite Greek Wine Regions

People often ask me which wine region in Greece is my favourite.

I always smile before answering, because it is almost impossible to choose. Every region has its own personality, indigenous grape varieties and fascinating history. Santorini is world-famous for its volcanic wines, Naoussa produces magnificent Xinomavro, and the modern wineries of Attica continue to surprise me every time I visit.

Yet, after many years of travelling through Greece and visiting countless wineries, I always find myself returning to Mantinia and Nemea. Perhaps it is the breathtaking scenery, perhaps the hospitality of the winemakers, or perhaps simply the wines themselves. Whatever the reason, these two regions have truly captured my heart.

And then there is Kefalonia. Every time I taste a beautifully made Robola, I am reminded that Greece still has many wonderful surprises waiting to be discovered.

🧿 PDO Mantinia – The Kingdom of Moschofilero

Established in 1971, PDO Mantinia is located in the heart of Arcadia on the Peloponnese. The vineyards lie on a high plateau at an average altitude of 660 metres, surrounded by the mountains of Mainalo and Artemisio.

This cool mountain climate is quite exceptional for Greece. Warm sunny days are followed by cool nights, allowing the grapes to ripen slowly while preserving their freshness and delicate aromas. Harvest often takes place as late as October.

Mantinia is home to one of Greece's most elegant indigenous grape varieties: Moschofilero.

Although the grape has a distinctive pink skin, it is vinified as a white wine. PDO regulations require that at least 85% of the blend consists of Moschofilero, although today almost every producer chooses to make it from 100% Moschofilero.

The wines are wonderfully aromatic and elegant, offering delicate aromas of:

🧿 Rose petals

🧿 Citrus blossom

🧿 Lime and grapefruit

🧿 Pear and green apple

🧿 Fresh herbs

Their lively acidity makes them wonderfully refreshing and extremely food-friendly, pairing beautifully with seafood, shellfish, salads and many dishes from the Greek kitchen.

The cool climate also makes Mantinia one of Greece's finest regions for producing sparkling wines, ranging from Brut Nature to Demi-Sec. If you have never tasted a sparkling Moschofilero, you are in for a delightful surprise.

Terroir: The vineyards range between 650 and almost 800 metres above sea level. Limestone soils, significant day-night temperature differences and a long growing season give Mantinia wines their remarkable elegance, freshness and ageing potential.

Of course, mountain vineyards also face challenges. Spring frost and occasional hailstorms can threaten the vines, making every successful harvest a true achievement.

🍷 PDO Nemea – The Land of Agiorgitiko

If Mantinia is Greece's kingdom of elegant white wines, then Nemea is undoubtedly its kingdom of red wines.

Also established in 1971, PDO Nemea is the largest protected wine region for red wines in Greece. Located in the northeastern Peloponnese, it stretches across the prefectures of Corinthia and Argolis and is home to more than forty wineries.

Nemea is deeply rooted in Greek mythology. According to legend, this is where Heracles (Hercules) fought and defeated the fearsome Nemean Lion during the first of his Twelve Labours.

The region's signature grape is Agiorgitiko, literally meaning "the grape of Saint George", named after Agios Georgios, the historical name of the town of Nemea.

Its wines are affectionately known as "The Blood of Hercules", a nickname that beautifully combines mythology with one of Greece's greatest wines.

Agiorgitiko is one of the country's most versatile grape varieties.

Depending on vineyard location, altitude and winemaking style, it can produce:

🧿 Fresh, fruity reds for early drinking

🧿 Elegant oak-aged wines

🧿 Powerful wines suitable for long ageing

🧿 Beautiful rosé wines

🧿 Rich and concentrated sweet wines

Typical aromas include:

🧿 Cherries

🧿 Red berries

🧿 Ripe blackberries

🧿 Sweet spices

🧿 Dark chocolate in barrel-aged wines

🧿 Silky tannins and a velvety texture

Terroir: The vineyards of Nemea range from 200 to 850 metres above sea level and are generally divided into three altitude zones: lowland, mid-altitude and mountainous vineyards.

These differences in elevation create an extraordinary diversity of wine styles.

The higher vineyards generally produce the most elegant and age-worthy wines, where cooler temperatures allow the grapes to ripen slowly while retaining freshness and acidity.

The lower vineyards tend to produce softer, richer and fruit-forward wines, while some are also used for sweet wine production.

PDO regulations require every PDO Nemea wine to be made from 100% Agiorgitiko, making it one of the purest expressions of a single indigenous grape variety anywhere in Greece.

🍇 PDO Robola of Kefalonia

One of Greece's hidden treasures can be found on the beautiful Ionian island of Kefalonia.

Here, on the limestone slopes of Mount Ainos National Park, grows one of Greece's finest indigenous white grape varieties: Robola.

The vineyards are steep, rocky and often difficult to cultivate, but the reward is extraordinary.

Robola produces elegant, mineral-driven wines with lively acidity and remarkable finesse.

Expect aromas of:

🧿 Lemon and lime

🧿 White flowers

🧿 Green apple

🧿 Wet stone and minerality

🧿 Delicate Mediterranean herbs

The wines are crisp, refreshing and beautifully balanced, making them perfect companions for grilled fish, seafood and Mediterranean cuisine.

For me, Robola perfectly captures the beauty of Kefalonia itself: pure, elegant and quietly impressive.

It remains one of Greece's best-kept wine secrets—and one that every wine lover should discover.

🍷 Other Outstanding Greek Wine Regions

Although Mantinia, Nemea and Kefalonia are among my personal favourites, they are only part of the remarkable story of Greek wine. From volcanic islands in the Aegean Sea to cool mountain vineyards in Northern Greece, every region has its own personality, indigenous grape varieties and centuries-old traditions.

One of the greatest pleasures of travelling through Greece is discovering just how different each wine region can be.

🌋 PDO Santorini – The Island of Assyrtiko

Without doubt, Santorini is Greece's most internationally recognised wine region.

Its vineyards are unlike any others in the world. The vines grow in volcanic soils created by one of history's largest volcanic eruptions and are trained in the famous "Kouloura" basket shape. This unique method protects the grapes against the island's powerful winds and intense summer sun.

The undisputed queen of Santorini is Assyrtiko, one of the world's great white grape varieties.

Its wines are renowned for:

🧿 Intense minerality

🧿 Vibrant acidity

🧿 Citrus and stone fruit aromas

🧿 Exceptional ageing potential

Santorini also produces the famous Vinsanto, one of Greece's finest dessert wines, made from sun-dried grapes and renowned for its rich flavours of honey, dried apricots and caramel.

🍷 PDO Naoussa – The Home of Xinomavro

Located in Macedonia, Northern Greece, Naoussa is the homeland of Xinomavro, one of Greece's most noble red grape varieties.

Wine lovers often compare Xinomavro with Italy's Nebbiolo, not because the wines taste identical, but because both varieties produce elegant, structured wines with remarkable ageing potential.

Typical aromas include:

🧿 Red cherries

🧿 Sun-dried tomatoes

🧿 Roses

🧿 Black olives

🧿 Sweet spices

With age, these wines develop extraordinary complexity and are among Greece's finest food wines.

🌿 Attica – Beyond Retsina

The region surrounding Athens has produced wine since classical antiquity.

For centuries Attica was almost exclusively associated with Retsina. Today, however, a new generation of winemakers has demonstrated that the region is capable of producing elegant still wines of remarkable quality.

Its most important grape variety is Savatiano, now producing fresh, balanced wines with notes of citrus, green apple and white flowers.

Attica is also home to excellent examples of:

🧿 Assyrtiko

🧿 Malagousia

🧿 Roditis

🧿 Agiorgitiko

Several wineries, including Papagiannakos, Mylonas and Markou Vineyards, have played an important role in changing the international image of Attica wines.

🍇 Drama – Greece's Rising Star

Among all the wine regions I have visited in Greece, Drama has been one of my most memorable discoveries.

Located in the far northeast of Greece, close to the borders with Bulgaria and just over an hour's drive from Thessaloniki, Drama is surrounded by rolling hills, mountains and fertile valleys. Thanks to its slightly cooler climate, warm sunny days and refreshing nights, the vineyards enjoy ideal conditions for producing wines of exceptional balance, elegance and freshness.

To be completely honest, I did not quite know what to expect before my first visit. But from the moment I arrived, I was genuinely impressed. Beautiful vineyards, breathtaking scenery, state-of-the-art wineries and an incredible passion for quality immediately convinced me that Drama deserves far more international recognition.

Although the region itself does not have a single PDO called Drama, it is home to the neighbouring PDO Adriani, while many of its finest wines are produced under the PGI Drama designation. Today, PGI Drama has become one of Greece's most respected quality wine regions, giving talented winemakers the freedom to combine indigenous and international grape varieties while expressing the unique character of the region.

The vineyards produce outstanding wines from both Greek and international varieties, including:

🧿 Assyrtiko

🧿 Malagousia

🧿 Sauvignon Blanc

🧿 Cabernet Sauvignon

🧿 Merlot

Many of Greece's most innovative wineries are located here, combining modern technology with great respect for tradition and terroir. Their wines consistently receive international awards and have firmly established Drama as one of Greece's most exciting wine destinations.

My personal impression?

Drama was one of those wonderful surprises that completely exceeded my expectations. It may not yet enjoy the international fame of Santorini or Nemea, but I have no doubt that this remarkable region has an exciting future ahead. For anyone with a passion for wine, Drama is absolutely worth the journey.Located in northeastern Greece, Drama has rapidly become one of the country's most exciting wine regions.

Its combination of altitude, cool evenings and modern winemaking has created ideal conditions for both indigenous and international grape varieties.

🌿 Crete – Ancient Traditions, Modern Wines

Crete has one of the oldest wine traditions in Europe, dating back to the Minoan civilisation more than four thousand years ago.

Today the island combines this rich heritage with modern winemaking techniques, producing elegant wines from indigenous grape varieties such as:

🧿 Vidiano

🧿 Vilana

🧿 Liatiko

Warm days, cooling sea breezes and diverse soils create wines full of Mediterranean character.

🥂 Amyndeon – Greece's Cool Climate Surprise

Amyndeon is Greece's coolest wine region and one of the country's highest vineyards.

Its cool climate allows Xinomavro to produce elegant still wines, refined rosés and some of Greece's finest sparkling wines.

Freshness, elegance and lively acidity define the wines from this remarkable region.

🍯 Samos – The Island of Sweet Wines

The island of Samos is world-famous for its exceptional sweet wines made from Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains.

Terraced vineyards climb steep mountainsides overlooking the Aegean Sea, producing intensely aromatic wines with flavours of:

🧿 Honey

🧿 Apricot

🧿 Orange blossom

🧿 Dried fruits

These dessert wines are recognised among the finest in the Mediterranean.

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Wine Tourism in Greece

One of the most enjoyable ways to discover Greek wines is by visiting the wineries themselves.

Throughout the country, many estates welcome visitors for guided tours and tastings, offering a unique opportunity to walk through the vineyards, learn about indigenous grape varieties and experience Greek hospitality at first hand.

Whether you visit a small family-owned winery or one of Greece's internationally renowned estates, you will quickly discover that every bottle tells the story of the people who made it and the land from which it comes.

A Final Personal Note 💙

People sometimes ask me why I enjoy organising wine journeys through Greece so much.

The answer is actually very simple.

Wine is never just about what is in your glass.

It is about history, mythology, culture, tradition and, above all, the people behind every bottle.

Every winery has its own story.

Every vineyard has its own character.

Every vintage tells a different tale.

That is exactly what makes Greece such a fascinating wine destination.

Whether you are tasting an elegant Moschofilero in Mantinia, a powerful Agiorgitiko in Nemea, a mineral Robola on Kefalonia or a volcanic Assyrtiko on Santorini, you are tasting far more than wine.

You are tasting the history, landscapes and soul of Greece.

And I hope that, after reading this guide, you will feel inspired to discover these remarkable wines for yourself.

Yamas! 🍷🇬🇷🧿

About the Author

Karlien A. Liewes 🧿

Wine Specialist Italy & Greece

Valpolicella Wine Specialist

Founder of Authentic Greece & Wijnreizen.it

"The best way to discover a country is one glass at a time." 🍷

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