Greece is one of the world’s oldest wine-producing countries, with a viticultural history spanning over 4,000 years. Its diverse landscapes, indigenous grape varieties, and strong regional identities produce wines of remarkable character, freshness, and sense of place.
Santorini
Santorini is Greece’s most iconic wine region, renowned for its dramatic volcanic soils and extreme growing conditions. Vines are trained in traditional basket shapes (kouloura) to protect grapes from strong winds and intense sun.
The island’s flagship grape, Assyrtiko, produces intensely mineral, saline, and age-worthy white wines with razor-sharp acidity. These wines are among the most distinctive in the Mediterranean.
Naoussa (Macedonia)
Located in northern Greece, Naoussa is the country’s leading red wine appellation and the spiritual home of Xinomavro. Often compared to Nebbiolo, Xinomavro produces structured, aromatic wines with notes of red fruit, tomato leaf, olive, and spice.
Naoussa wines are known for their longevity, complexity, and ability to develop tertiary character with bottle age.
Nemea (Peloponnese)
Nemea is Greece’s largest appellation and the primary source of Agiorgitiko, a versatile red grape capable of producing styles ranging from fresh and fruit-driven to richly structured and oak-aged.
Wines from Nemea typically show ripe red fruits, soft tannins, and generous texture, making them highly approachable while still offering depth and aging potential.
Mantinia (Peloponnese)
Situated at high altitude in the central Peloponnese, Mantinia is celebrated for aromatic white wines made from Moschofilero. The region’s cool climate preserves freshness and floral expression.
Mantinia wines are crisp, fragrant, and elegant, often showing notes of citrus, rose petals, and white spice.
Crete
Crete is one of Greece’s most dynamic and rapidly evolving wine regions. With ancient vineyards and a growing focus on quality, the island showcases indigenous varieties such as Vidiano, Liatiko, and Kotsifali.
Cretan wines range from fresh, textured whites to elegant, Mediterranean reds, reflecting the island’s varied terroirs and modern winemaking renaissance.
Central Greece & Attica
Central Greece, including the historic region of Attica, is best known for the traditional pine-resin wine Retsina, now being reinterpreted in refined, modern styles.
Alongside Retsina, the region produces fresh, approachable whites and reds well suited to Mediterranean cuisine.
The Greek Islands (Beyond Santorini)
Islands such as Paros, Rhodes, Samos, and Kefalonia contribute significantly to Greece’s wine diversity.
These regions highlight unique grape varieties and maritime influences, producing wines that are vibrant, saline, and expressive.
From dry whites to naturally sweet wines, the islands showcase Greece’s breadth of styles and ancient vinous traditions.
