Athens: Wine Tasting in Premium Greek Wines

Athens: Wine Tasting in Premium Greek Wines offers a delightful escape into Greece’s lesser-known wine treasures, all within the vibrant heart of Athens’ historic Plaka neighborhood. For $52 per person, you’ll spend around 1.5 to 2 hours sampling five expertly curated wines, guided by certified sommeliers who share their knowledge in English. The experience specifically celebrates rare Greek grape varieties alongside popular international ones, providing a well-rounded, educational, and enjoyable journey through Greece’s wine heritage.

What we love most about this tour is the personalized freedom to select your favorite wines—whether you prefer a crisp Assyrtiko, a fragrant Malagouzia, or something more unique like ancient or uncommon varieties. Plus, the intimate setting at Brettos Plaka—a historic wine and deli cellar in one of Athens’ most charming neighborhoods—creates an authentic backdrop that elevates the tasting experience.

A potential consideration is that this tour is quite flexible; it’s not a structured, guided tour with a fixed itinerary, so it relies on the expertise of the sommeliers to keep things engaging. If you’re someone who appreciates a more curated or guided experience with set stops, this might feel more relaxed than structured.

This experience suits wine enthusiasts eager to explore Greek wines beyond the usual labels, or curious travelers seeking a tasteful, relaxed introduction to Athens’ local flavors. It’s ideal for those who enjoy learning about wine in a friendly, informal setting, and for travelers who want a break from the bustling streets with a focus on authentic, high-quality wines.

Key Points

• Indigenous Varieties: Experience rare Greek grape varieties like Assyrtiko, Malagouzia, and Xinomavro.
• Flexible Tasting Options: Choose 4, 5, or 6 wines to suit your preferences.
• Expert Guidance: Certified sommeliers explain each wine’s story and flavor profile in English.
• Authentic Atmosphere: Enjoy the historic ambiance of Brettos Plaka, a storied wine cellar in the heart of Athens.
• Value for Price: For $52, you get high-quality wines, expert insights, and a relaxed setting—great value for wine lovers.
• Accessible & Convenient: Located in central Athens, this experience is easy to incorporate into your sightseeing plans.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Deep Dive into the Wine Tasting Experience in Athens

What Makes This Tour Stand Out?

This wine tasting experience is all about highlighting Greece’s lesser-known wine treasures. While many visitors are familiar with the famous Assyrtiko from Santorini or the bold reds from mainland Greece, this tour takes you into the realm of indigenous grape varieties with limited bottlings. That’s a real treat for those wanting to taste something truly authentic and rare.

The fact that you can mix and match wines—from popular grapes like Agiorgitiko to ancient or rare ones—adds a layer of flexibility that’s often missing in more rigid tours. Whether you’re a novice or a seasoned wine enthusiast, this approach allows you to tailor the tasting to your palate, making the experience more personal and engaging.

The Setting: Brettos Plaka

Located in the bustling Plaka neighborhood, Brettos is one of Athens’ oldest wineries and a beloved spot for locals and visitors alike. Its colorful, historic cellar exudes character, with shelves lined with bottles and a warm ambiance that makes you feel instantly welcome. The setting itself enhances the tasting, giving you a tangible sense of Greek tradition and craftsmanship.

The Guides: Certified Sommeliers

Guided by knowledgeable sommeliers, you’ll learn about each wine’s origin, unique qualities, and pairing suggestions. The guides’ professionalism and fluency in English ensure clear explanations and a friendly atmosphere. As one reviewer noted, “The sommeliers were very knowledgeable and made the experience fun and informative.” This mix of education and friendliness helps deepen your appreciation of Greek wines without feeling overwhelming.

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The Wines: Indigenous & International Varieties

You’ll sample a total of four, five, or six wines, depending on your choice. The list often includes traditional Greek grapes like Assyrtiko, famous for its crispness and minerality, Malagouzia, with its floral and fruit-forward profile, and Xinomavro, known for its tannic structure and aging potential. International varieties may also be featured, giving a broader context for comparison.

This flexibility is ideal because it caters to different tastes—whether you’re seeking lighter whites, more robust reds, or a mix of both. Several reviews mention the “rare varieties that I wouldn’t find elsewhere,” emphasizing the value of trying local grapes in a relaxed setting.

What’s Included & How to Book?

The price includes your selected number of wines and filtered water to cleanse the palate. You can reserve your spot in advance with the option to pay later, which is handy for flexible travel plans. Plus, the cancellation policy allows you to cancel up to 24 hours beforehand for a full refund—making it a risk-free option for last-minute planners.

Duration & Group Size

While the exact duration isn’t specified, most similar tasting experiences last around 1.5 hours. The setting suggests small groups, fostering an intimate environment where questions and discussions flow easily. This personal touch is often highlighted as a feature by past participants.

Practical Tips

• Arrive on time to enjoy the full experience.
• Mix and match wines based on your preferences—don’t be shy to ask questions!
• Take notes if you’re serious about remembering unique flavors.
• If you’re part of a larger group or traveling with friends, this private setting ensures everyone’s tastes are considered.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

If you’re passionate about wine or just curious about Greek varieties beyond the standard labels, this tasting offers a genuine, hands-on look into Greece’s unique vineyards. It’s perfectly suited for travelers who enjoy relaxed, educational activities and want to deepen their understanding of local culture through flavor.

It’s also great for those who prefer a flexible, semi-private experience over larger, more scripted tours. If you’re in Athens for a short stay but want a memorable, authentic taste of Greek winemaking, this is a solid choice.

The Sum Up: Is It Worth It?

In a city full of historic sights and bustling streets, taking time to savor Greek wines in an authentic setting offers a welcome pause. For just $52, you get a selection of rare and indigenous wines guided by knowledgeable sommeliers, all in a charming, historic cellar in Plaka. The ability to customize your tasting makes it a highly personal experience, perfect for wine lovers who enjoy learning as they sip.

We found the tour to be particularly valuable for its authentic focus on Greek grapes, especially those you might not find elsewhere. The relaxed atmosphere encourages questions and discovery, making it suitable for both novices and seasoned wine enthusiasts. Plus, the central location makes it easy to fit into your sightseeing schedule.

While it doesn’t follow a rigid itinerary, that’s part of its charm—your experience is shaped by your preferences and the expertise of the guides. If you want a laid-back, educational, and flavorful introduction to Greece’s wine scene, this tour offers a genuine taste of Athens’ wine culture.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for beginners in wine tasting?
Absolutely. The guides explain each wine in clear, friendly English, making it accessible even if you’re new to wine.

Can I choose the number of wines I want to sample?
Yes, you can select four, five, or six wines depending on your preference and the price tier.

Are the wines local Greek varieties?
Many are indigenous Greek grapes like Assyrtiko, Malagouzia, and Xinomavro, with some international varieties also available.

What’s included in the price?
Your fee covers the wines selected, filtered water, and the guided tasting experience.

Is the experience held indoors or outdoors?
It takes place in the cozy, historic cellar of Brettos in Plaka, offering an authentic indoor setting.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

How long does the tasting last?
While not explicitly stated, most tastings are around 1.5 hours, providing enough time to savor each wine without feeling rushed.

Is this experience suitable for groups?
Yes, small groups are typical, fostering a personal, engaging atmosphere.

Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, booking ahead guarantees your spot, but you have the option to pay later to keep your plans flexible.

You can check availability for your dates here: