Wines of Greece

Unexpected freshness
between mountains and sea

While warm climates are often associated with powerful, full-bodied wines, Greece surprises with its lively whites and pleasantly easydrinking reds. The secret? Altitude. Many vineyards are planted at higher elevations, where much cooler nights help preserve acidity and give the wines their bright, energetic character. The sea also plays its part, acting as a natural air conditioner: cooling breezes slow ripening and contribute to greater balance and harmony in the wines.

Greece’s Mediterranean climate remains warm and dry, but it comes with a major advantage: fewer vine diseases. Botrytis and mildew are far less common here, making vineyard management easier. This is one of the strengths of Greek viticulture—and a key reason why many estates readily embrace organic practices or lowintervention winemaking.

At the table | Terroirs | Appellations | Grape varieties | Wines

Greek wines at the table

That signature freshness that defines Greek wines truly shines when it comes to food pairings. Approachable, bright and versatile, they match a wide range of dishes with remarkable ease.

Guaranteed freshness with
GREEK WHITE WINES

A natural match for fish and seafood, Greek white wines also shine alongside many other dishes. They call for freshness, colour and a touch of spring on the plate.

Everyday versatility with
GREEK RED WINES

The freshness and supple texture of Greek red wines make them natural partners for countless everyday recipes. Easy to pair and ready for any occasion—especially when barbecue season is back in full swing.

Greek wine terroirs

Mountain vineyards

In Greece, many vineyards are planted in mountainous or semimountainous areas—an undeniable advantage in a warm climate. Higher elevations bring cooler nights that help preserve grape freshness, while plateaus and slopes force vines to dig deeper and work harder, resulting in more concentrated fruit.

Slope exposure also plays a key role: full southern exposure is often avoided to limit excessive heat. More humid and swept by mountain and valley breezes, higher-altitude sites promote slower, more even ripening, ultimately improving grape quality at harvest.

Volcanic soils

Found mainly on the island of Santorini, these soils are made up of volcanic sediments—lava, ash and pumice—layered over millennia to depths of 30 to 50 metres. Extremely sandy and virtually devoid of organic matter, they allowed vines to withstand phylloxera, which explains their remarkably old age.

Volcanic minerals also lend the grapes a strong sense of identity, shaping the signature style of Santorini wines: sharply defined, saline and intensely vibrant.

Coastal vineyards

Since Antiquity, Greek vines have taken root along the coastline—and not just to admire the view. Coastal influence is a true gift for the vine. Sea breezes cool the grapes in the height of summer and encourage slower, more balanced ripening. These cooling effects can even travel far inland, as long as mountain ranges don’t stand in their way.

Inland vineyards

While Greece does not have truly continental terroirs, some vineyards are located in areas that share several continental characteristics. One of the most notable is the wide temperature variation during the growing season: warm days followed by much cooler nights.

At lower elevations, these conditions favour lateripening red grape varieties. At higher altitudes, cooler nights enhance the aromatic expression of white grapes, contributing to wines that are fresh, expressive and well balanced.

PDO-PGI appellations and varietal wines

Greece is home to 33 Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) appellations and 114 Protected Geographical Indications (PGI). These wines are produced under strict regulations and firmly rooted in a specific place, offering a reliable guarantee of authenticity.

Alongside them, varietal wines are gaining ground. Made primarily from a single grape variety—clearly stated on the label—they place less emphasis on origin and more on the character of the grape itself. And with Greek grape varieties as distinctive as these, discovering them becomes a true tasting pleasure.

Greece’s main grape varieties

Greece is home to more than 300 indigenous grape varieties—enough to make your head spin. Because they originated here, these grapes are perfectly suited to the country’s climate and growing conditions, giving rise to wines that are authentic, resilient and truly distinctive.

Assyrtiko (white)
The undisputed star of Greek white wines, Assyrtiko is an essential grape variety. Grown throughout Greece, it reaches its finest expression on the volcanic island of Santorini. On the palate, it recalls Sauvignon Blanc for its freshness and bracing acidity, while being less aromatic, more mineral-driven and offering a touch more richness.
Moschofilero (white)
Moschofilero is a pinkishgrey–skinned grape, primarily grown at higher elevations in the Mantinia appellation in northern Peloponnese. It shares many similarities with Pinot Gris, another grape of similar colour, but stands out for its crisper profile and slightly more vibrant aromatics.
Agiorgitiko (red)
Agiorgitiko is the second most widely planted red grape variety in Greece and the emblematic grape of the Nemea appellation in the Peloponnese. Its moderate acidity and relatively supple tannins help explain why it is often aged in new oak, which adds structure and depth. In terms of style, it can recall a barriqueaged Barbera: generous redfruit flavours—especially plum—with slightly lower acidity. Many wines also show a subtly spicy or herbal finish.
Xinomavro (red)
Xinomavro is the undisputed star of Greek red wines. Native to Macedonia, it shines in the cooler region of Naoussa. Often compared to Nebbiolo, it offers pronounced acidity and firm tannins, which can make it seem austere in its youth but truly magnificent with age. On the palate, expect notes of cherry, black olive, oregano and sundried tomato—a genuine aromatic adventure.

6 Greek wines suggestions for all occasions

Mega Spileo Assyrtiko Achaia White wine | 750 ml Greece , Peloponnese

Fruity and vibrant

95%

(31)

$17.10

Available Online Available In store
Ktima Pavlidis Thema 2025 White wine | 750 ml Greece , Macedoine

Delicate and light

92%

(23)

$23.75

Available Online Available In store
Domaine Messenicolas Moi Je m'en Fous! Malagousia White wine | 750 ml Greece , Thessalia

Fruity and vibrant

84%

(51)

$20.70

Available Online Available In store
Domaine Tselepos Mantinia Moschofilero 2024 White wine | 750 ml Greece , Peloponnese

82%

(43)

$22.20

Available Online Available In store
Kir-Yianni Xinomavro Syrah Red wine | 750 ml Greece , Macedoine

Fruity and medium-bodied

75%

(12)

$17.50

Available Online Available In store
Domaine Thymiopoulos Naoussa Red wine | 750 ml Greece , Macedoine

Aromatic and supple

81%

(45)

$24.45

Available Online Available In store