Nemea sits in the Argolid region, roughly 120 km southwest of Athens. The name comes from the ancient site of Nemea, where Hercules killed the Nemean Lion as the first of his twelve labours. Today the area is known for two things: archaeology (the Temple of Zeus and ancient stadium) and wine. The two combine naturally into an excellent day trip.

The Wine

Agiorgitiko (St George)

Nemea's star grape, named after the church of Agios Georgios in the town. It's Greece's most widely planted red variety and produces a range of styles:

  • Young/fresh -- Light, fruity, cherry-forward. Good with grilled meats and meze. Drink slightly chilled.
  • Aged/reserve -- Deeper, more structured, with spice, plum, and soft tannins. Some age well for 5-10 years.
  • Rose -- Increasingly popular. Light, dry, excellent with seafood.

The Nemea PDO (Protected Designation of Origin) covers reds made from 100% Agiorgitiko grapes grown in the defined Nemea zone. Wines labelled "Nemea" must meet these standards.

If you're unfamiliar with Greek wine, Agiorgitiko is an excellent starting point -- approachable, food-friendly, and distinctive without being challenging.

The Terroir

Nemea's vineyards range from 250 to 900 metres altitude, which creates significant variation in style. Lower vineyards produce riper, fruitier wines; higher vineyards (around Koutsi and Asprokampos) produce more structured, elegant wines with better acidity. The best producers blend altitudes or bottle single-vineyard wines from specific zones.

Wineries to Visit

Domaine Skouras

One of Greece's most respected producers. George Skouras trained in Burgundy and brought modern winemaking techniques to Nemea. His wines consistently receive international awards.

Must try: Grand Cuvee Nemea, Megas Oenos (Agiorgitiko-Cabernet blend).

Tastings by appointment. Modern winery with good visitor facilities.

Gaia Wines

Known for their clean, modern approach. The "Gaia Estate" Agiorgitiko from old vines is a benchmark Nemea wine. Also produces excellent whites from Santorini Assyrtiko at their Santorini facility.

Must try: Gaia Estate Nemea, Notios Red.

Contemporary winery building. Tastings available.

Semeli Estate

Beautiful estate with vineyard views and an on-site restaurant. One of the more visitor-friendly wineries in Nemea.

Must try: Nemea Reserve, Oreinos Helios (Mountain Sun).

Restaurant serves Greek-Mediterranean cuisine paired with their wines. Reserve a table for lunch.

Palivos Estate

Small, family-run boutique winery. Award-winning Agiorgitiko from organic vineyards. Personal, intimate tastings.

Must try: Nemea Reserve, Kalogeros Vineyard.

Lafkiotis Winery

Family operation since 1963. Traditional approach, good value wines, unpretentious atmosphere. A contrast to the more polished estates.

Papaioannou Estate

One of the oldest established wineries in Nemea, with vines dating back to the 1920s. Known for their Palaia Klimata (Old Vines) bottling -- intense, concentrated Agiorgitiko from pre-phylloxera stock.

Ancient Nemea

While you're in the area, the archaeological site of Ancient Nemea is a natural stop.

Temple of Zeus -- Three Doric columns still stand from the 4th-century BC temple. The site is being actively restored, and additional columns have been re-erected in recent years. Set in a peaceful valley with vineyard views.

The Stadium -- Remarkably well-preserved ancient stadium with a vaulted entrance tunnel (one of the few surviving from antiquity). The starting mechanism for foot races is still in place. Every four years, the Society for the Revival of the Nemean Games holds a recreation of the ancient games here -- participants run barefoot, as the ancients did.

The Museum -- Good collection of finds from the sanctuary, including coins, pottery, and athletic equipment.

Entrance fee: 6 EUR (full), 3 EUR (reduced). Covers site and museum.

How to Get There

By Car (1.5 hours)

Take the A8/E94 motorway from Athens towards Corinth, cross the Corinth Canal, then take the road south towards Argos. Nemea is signposted off the main road. The drive is straightforward. Tolls total about 8-10 EUR.

A car is essential for visiting multiple wineries -- they're spread across the valley and not walkable between them.

The practical choice if you want to taste seriously without worrying about driving.

Tours from Athens typically include transport, visits to 2-3 wineries with tastings, Ancient Nemea, and lunch. Prices range from 90-150 EUR per person. Some include the Corinth Canal as a photo stop.

Operators: GetYourGuide, Viator, Greeking.me, and specialist wine tour companies.

By Bus + Taxi

KTEL buses from Athens to Nemea run a few times daily. From Nemea town, you'd need taxis to reach the wineries. Workable but inconvenient.

Practical Tips

  • Book winery visits in advance. Most Nemea wineries are not walk-in operations. Email or call 2-3 days ahead.
  • Designate a driver or book a tour. Greek drink-driving laws are strict and the police do set up checkpoints on the Nemea-Corinth road.
  • Lunch at a winery is the best approach. Semeli has a restaurant; others offer meze platters with tastings. Alternatively, eat in Nemea town -- several tavernas serve local food.
  • Buy wine at the winery. Prices are 30-50% lower than Athens retail, and you'll find limited-production wines not available elsewhere.
  • 2-3 wineries is realistic in a day trip. More than that becomes rushed and your palate fatigues.
  • Harvest season (September) is atmospheric -- grapes being picked, the air smelling of must. But wineries are busy with production. Spring and early autumn are the best times for leisurely visits.

Combining With Other Stops

Nemea is in the same direction as several other Peloponnese highlights:

  • Corinth Canal -- On the way. Quick photo stop.
  • Ancient Corinth -- 35 km north. Temple of Apollo, Acrocorinth fortress.
  • Mycenae -- 25 km south. The Lion Gate, Treasury of Atreus.
  • Nafplio -- 40 km south. Lunch in Greece's most elegant small town after wine tasting.

A popular full-day loop: Athens -> Corinth Canal -> Nemea (wine + archaeology) -> Mycenae -> Nafplio (lunch) -> Athens.

Nemea is 120 km from Athens, about 1.5 hours by car. Book winery visits in advance. Designate a driver or take a tour.