The Wine routes of Greece

The gifts of Dionysus

The tradition of wine-making is a long and rich one in Greece, as is the case with all Mediterranean countries. Wine – the gift of god Dionysus - is associated not only with the nutritional habits of Greeks, but also with religious and popular traditions connected with their cultural heritage.
The Wine Routes are a special form of agritourism created to maintain and promote this heritage. There are selected routes for visitors to follow, which pass through the most picturesque viticultural areas and wineries. You are welcome to taste local wines paired with traditional appetizers and titbits, and to explore nearby traditional villages, archaeological sites, museums, etc.

Wine tourism can grow in harmony with the natural environment. It will offer you the opportunity to learn about each destination, its local viticultural and wine-making traditions. Local restaurants, tavernas, ouzo eateries and hotels will offer you traditional hospitality, as part of Greece and its culture.

Μajor Grapevine Regions And Wineries

Much like silk back in the old times, winemaking too follows particular routes which pass through the major grapevine regions and wineries. Along these routes, you will be invited to sample local organically grown wines produced in limited quantities, some of which have won awards in international competitions. Getting acquainted with the wine-making process will help you appreciate even more this precious product.

The winemaking areas of Northern Greece are known for their quality wines. In the region of Thrace wine routes stretch by River Evros, they are on Samothrace Island, in Rodopi and Xanthi areas. In Macedonia visit the wine vineyards in Kavala, Drama, Serres, Halkidiki, Thessaloniki, Kilkis, Pella, Florina, Kastoria, Grevena, Kozani, Pieria and Imathia regions. In Thessaly, there are viticultural zones in Larisa, Magnesia, the Sporades Islands, Karditsa and Trikala areas. In Epirus, you will find wine-producing fields in Ioannina, Arta, Preveza and Thesprotia. The Ionian Islands of Corfu, Paxi, Lefkada, Kefalonia, Ithaca and Zakynthos (Zante) all have their quality vineyards.
The region of Central Greece comprises viticultural areas in Aitoloakarnania, Fokida, Evrytania, Fthiotida, Voiotia, Evia, Skyros Island and Attica. In the Peloponnese the wine routes run along Corinthia, Achaia, Ileia, Messinia, Laconia, Arcadia, Argolida and Kythira Island. The Aegean Islands of Lesvos, Limnos, Chios, Samos, Ikaria, the Dodecanese Islands, the Cyclades and the island of Crete are all wine-producing areas.

A palatable colourful journey in the world of wine

Become a wine tourist and learn about the local cultivation methods in the heart of nature. Enjoy your tour of the green vineyards and taste new or older labels in the cellars of the well-tended local wineries, where wine aromas fill the air and euphoria captivates all senses. Stay in small traditional guest houses and learn about the viticultural methods and the local fermentation procedures for making wine.
Sip your glass of red, rosé or white wine in the peaceful Greek countryside, as wonderful scents drift in the air; a delight as simple as it is memorable. “Wine makes glad the heart of man” is an ancient saying, the truth of which you are invited to experience as a wine tourist in Greece.