The Attica region surrounding Athens and the Nemea wine region in the Peloponnese both offer excellent wine tasting experiences. The Attica vineyards are closer (30-45 minutes), while Nemea is a longer drive (1.5 hours) but produces Greece's most famous red wine. Both work as day trips.

Attica Vineyards (Close to Athens)

The Attica wine region is one of the oldest in Greece, specialising in Savatiano -- a white grape that thrives in the dry, hot climate. These vineyards are surprisingly close to the city.

Papagiannakos Winery

Location: Markopoulo, 35 minutes east of Athens

Greece's first bioclimatic winery -- the building is partly underground to maintain natural temperature control. The family has been growing grapes here since 1919.

Wines to try: Their Savatiano is considered one of the best expressions of the grape. Also produces Malagousia (aromatic white) and Cabernet Sauvignon.

Tastings: By appointment. Typically includes a tour of the winery and tasting of 4-5 wines. Around 15-20 EUR per person.

Markou Vineyards

Location: Peania, 30 minutes east of Athens

A fourth-generation family winery in the foothills of Hymettus. Small production, traditional methods. The setting among olive groves is pleasant.

Wines to try: Savatiano (their flagship), rosé, and a limited red.

Tastings: By appointment. Intimate, family-led experience.

Kokotos Estate

Location: Stamata, near Marathon, 40 minutes northeast of Athens

A boutique winery in the Marathon area with views over the surrounding countryside. Known for careful, small-batch production.

Wines to try: Savatiano, Assyrtiko, Agiorgitiko, and blends.

Tastings: Tours and tastings available. The estate is family-friendly -- children can try grape juice while adults taste wine.

Mylonas Winery

Location: Keratea, 40 minutes southeast of Athens (near Lavrio)

Organic winery producing natural wines from old Savatiano vines. Minimal intervention winemaking.

Wines to try: Natural Savatiano, Malagousia, Pet-Nat (naturally sparkling).

Tastings: By appointment. Good for visitors interested in natural and organic wine.

Nemea Wine Region (The Big Day Trip)

Nemea is Greece's most important red wine region, about 120 km southwest of Athens (1.5 hours by car, via the Corinth motorway). The star grape is Agiorgitiko (St George), which produces everything from light rosés to deep, tannic reds that age well.

Nemea is in the same direction as Mycenae and Ancient Corinth, making it easy to combine a wine visit with archaeology.

Key Nemea Wineries

Domaine Skouras -- One of Greece's most respected producers. Modern winemaking, excellent Agiorgitiko. Tours and tastings by appointment.

Gaia Wines -- Known for their Nemea Agiorgitiko and the distinctive "Notios" range. Architecturally interesting winery. Tastings available.

Lafkiotis Winery -- Family-run since 1963. Traditional approach, good value wines. Welcomes visitors.

Semeli Estate -- Beautiful estate with vineyard views. Good restaurant on site. Tastings and meals by reservation.

Palivos Estate -- Boutique winery with award-winning Agiorgitiko. Intimate tastings.

The Ancient Stadium of Nemea

While you're in the area, the archaeological site of Ancient Nemea is worth a stop. The Temple of Zeus (three standing columns), the museum, and the ancient stadium are nearby. The stadium is where the Nemean Games were held -- one of the four Panhellenic Games alongside the Olympics. Entrance 6 EUR.

Organised Wine Tours

If you'd rather not drive (sensible when wine is involved), several operators run day tours from Athens:

Attica wine tours: Half-day, visiting 2-3 wineries near Athens. Usually include transport, tastings at each winery, and sometimes a light meal. Prices from 60-90 EUR per person.

Nemea wine tours: Full-day, visiting 2-3 Nemea wineries plus Ancient Nemea or the Corinth Canal. Transport, tastings, and lunch typically included. Prices from 90-130 EUR per person.

Private tours: From 200+ EUR for a vehicle. Worth it for groups of 3-4. You set the pace and choose which wineries to visit.

Book through GetYourGuide, Viator, or specialist operators like Greeking.me or Athens Wine Tour.

Greek Grapes to Know

Most visitors to Greece are unfamiliar with the indigenous grape varieties. Here's a quick guide:

White: - Savatiano -- Attica's workhorse grape. Light, citrusy, refreshing when well made. The base of retsina (but modern Savatiano is nothing like the pine-resin wine of old). - Assyrtiko -- Santorini's famous grape, but also grown in Attica. Mineral, crisp, high acidity. Greece's most acclaimed white. - Malagousia -- Almost extinct until rescued in the 1970s. Aromatic, floral, peach and citrus notes. Gaining international recognition. - Moschofilero -- From the Peloponnese. Aromatic, spicy, rose-petal notes.

Red: - Agiorgitiko (St George) -- Nemea's star. Versatile: makes everything from light rosé to serious, age-worthy reds. Soft tannins, red fruit, spice. - Xinomavro -- From northern Greece (Naoussa). Powerful, tannic, often compared to Nebbiolo. Not common near Athens.

Practical Tips

  • Book ahead. Most Greek wineries are not walk-in operations. Call or email 2-3 days in advance.
  • Don't drive to Nemea if you're tasting seriously. A tour with a driver is the responsible choice. For Attica wineries, designate a driver or limit tastings to sips.
  • Spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October) are the best times. Harvest season (September) is especially atmospheric.
  • Greek wine is good value. Even premium bottles rarely exceed 30 EUR at the winery. You'll taste wines that cost 8-15 EUR per bottle and wonder why you've never heard of them.
  • Pair with food. Some wineries offer meze or meals. The combination of Greek wine with local cheese, olives, and grilled meats is the real experience.

Combining Wine With Other Stops

Attica wineries + Marathon -- Kokotos Estate is near Marathon. Combine wine tasting with the battlefield and Schinias Beach.

Nemea + Mycenae -- Both in the Argolid. Wine tasting, then the Lion Gate.

Nemea + Ancient Corinth -- Stop at the Corinth Canal, visit the ruins, then continue to Nemea for wine.

Nemea + Nafplio -- Wine tasting, then lunch and a stroll in Greece's most elegant small town.

Attica wineries are 30-45 minutes from Athens. Nemea is about 1.5 hours by car. Book tastings in advance.