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Vineyards in Greece: The Most Famous Regions for Winemakers.

Northern Greece

This part of Greece is home to Epirus, Macedonia, and Thrace, with a mild, wet climate that has echoes of the Mediterranean as well as cold winters, and occasional high winds up in the mountainous regions. In Zitsa in Epirus, the cooler climate lends itself to the white grape Debina, which is capable of producing a light, delicate and floral wine.

In Macedonia, you’ll find our much-loved Xinomavro grape, which grows in the Naoussa and Amyndeo regions. Limestone-rich clay soils in these regions are where the Xinomavro vineyards thrive, and it gives the wine they produce a certain bold fruitiness.

Other vineyards found across northern Greek produce grapes such as Malagousia, Assyrtiko, and Roditis, varieties that produce some stunning white wines.

Southern Greece

Southern Greece is generally the hottest part of the country, encompassing Crete, Peloponnese, and Kefalonia. These warm, dry conditions are ideal for many white grape varieties, including Moschofilero, Vidiano, Muscat Blanc, Robola, and Roditis.

Agiorgitiko is a red grape commonly found in southern Greek regions, producing wine loved for its red fruit flavors such as plum and raspberry, and offering a spicy alternative for Merlot lovers. This is a grape that’s frequently used for some lovely rosés too.

Grapes being harvested to create Aphrodise

Aegean Islands

These Mediterranean islands are the quintessential Greek picture-postcards, complete with whitewashed buildings, glorious seafood, and of course, the dazzling blue ocean. It’s no surprise then that the climate around these islands is arid, with Santorini in particular needing a lot of its water brought to it from elsewhere.

There is one liquid that the island is known for though, and that’s wines produced using the Assyrtiko grape; those produced on Santorini are often fruity, citrusy, and flinty, with Nykteri varieties having been oaked to some degree too.

The ancient, aromatic Muscat Blanc wine originates from none other than Samos in the Aegean sea, with bottles ranging from sweet to dry but always featuring that famous Muscat perfume.

It’s not all white wines though; the island of Límnos is home to a grape named Limnio, from which an exquisite red wine is produced. In fact, it’s said to date back to Aristotle’s time, which ties in with the ancient Greek roots that we mentioned earlier.

Central Greece

Central Greece is responsible for a third of the country’s wine production, and its arid climate is somewhat to thank. Sitting east of the Pindus and Agrafa mountains, this central area encompasses Central Greece, Attica, and Thessaly.

In terms of grapes, central Greece is known primarily for producing white varieties, such as Savatiano, Malagousia, Assyrtiko, Begleri, Athiri, and Chardonnay.

Savatiano is found in the hot areas around Athens, which in the past has produced a cheap white wine that was not exactly loved amongst connoisseurs. These southern areas of central Greece do produce red grapes too, including the aforementioned Xinomavro, as well as Vradiano, which pairs exceptionally with braised meats.

Greek history is more intertwined with viticulture than you may originally realize; even if you’re already familiar with the beautiful wines that the Xinomavro grape from northern Greece can produce, like our own sparkling rosé Aphrodise.

Discover the taste of northern Greece