Athens: Tasting of 6 Wines from Kefalonia with Food Pairing

Imagine spending a day exploring the flavors of Greece’s Ionian Islands without leaving Athens. That’s exactly what this wine tasting experience offers. For $79 per person, you’ll join a guided journey through six distinctive Kefalonian wines from Haritatos Vineyard, paired with inventive culinary creations. It lasts about two hours, starting at Spirou Merkouri 22, and is designed for curious travelers eager to learn about Greek wine traditions, local stories, and enjoy some seriously good tastings.

What makes this experience stand out are two key details. First, the expert guidance provided by a knowledgeable host ensures you’re not just sipping but understanding the stories, craftsmanship, and indigenous varieties behind each glass. Second, the unexpected food pairings—like Cretan graviera with dry white Typaldo—transform what you think about wine and food matching.

A potential consideration: this is a private group experience with a set menu, so if you’re hoping for a casual, drop-in tasting or more flexibility, you might find this structured. But if you love deep dives into local wines with personalized attention, this will suit you well.

This tour is perfect for culinary adventurers, wine enthusiasts, or anyone curious about Greece’s lesser-known island varieties. It’s especially ideal for those wanting a taste of Kefalonia’s winemaking renaissance in an engaging, storytelling setting.

Key Points

Authentic Kefalonian Wines: Tasting six distinctive varieties from Haritatos Vineyard, including Moschato and Mavrodaphne.
Food & Water Pairing: Unusual yet delicious pairings such as dry white Typaldo with graviera cheese and season fruits.
Rich Stories: Learn about the revival of a centuries-old vineyard, intertwined with tales of war and love.
Expert Guidance: An experienced wine specialist guides you through each sip, adding context and insight.
Generous Tastings: Enough to substitute for a full meal, with six glasses and accompanying bites.
Flexible & Private: Private groups with flexible booking options and guidance in multiple languages.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Detailed Look at the Kefalonian Wine Experience in Athens

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Setting the Scene: Where and What to Expect

This experience takes place in Athens, but it’s a voyage into the wines of the Ionian Island of Kefalonia. It’s held in a cozy venue at Spirou Merkouri 22, where you’re welcomed into a private setting ideal for tasting and storytelling. Your host, possibly Melina, guides you through the entire process, blending education, fun, and a little Greek flair.

The two-hour session involves tasting six glasses of wine (each about 70ml), paired with six gastronomic creations designed to enhance each sip. From the first glass of Typaldo to the sweet Joya Moschato, each pairing reveals new flavor shifts and culinary surprises. The guide’s explanations, available in multiple languages including English and Spanish, help you understand what makes each wine special—whether it’s a historic revival or a pioneering indigenous variety.

The Itinerary & Highlights

Stop 1: The Starting Point at Spirou Merkouri 22
This is where your wine adventure begins. The setting is intimate, allowing for a relaxed yet engaging atmosphere. You’ll meet your guide, who introduces you to Kefalonia’s unique terroir and the vineyard’s history.

The Heart of the Experience
Over the next two hours, you’ll sample six boutique wines from Haritatos Vineyard, each with its own story and personality:

Typaldo (dry white): Made from Kefalonian Moschato, this wine was the first bottled by Haritatos. Its delicate dryness paired with Cretan graviera cheese and seasonal fruits makes for a memorable start—”we loved the way the wine met its food match,” says a recent review.
Hariton (dry white): Crafted from Vostilidi, a long-neglected indigenous variety, and paired with a veal tartare, this shows how tradition can be reimagined.
Roze Haritatos (rose): This Mavrodaphne-based rose combines spice with a dried cherry tomato croquette, creating a surprising twist in flavor.
Mademoiselle (red nouveau): Paired with sea bass ceviche and mango, it’s a fresh, lively option that highlights Kefalonia’s potential for vibrant reds.
Madame (matured red): Matched with chocolate souffle and blueberries, this wine offers a taste of the vineyard’s aging process.
Joya (sweet Moschato): The perfect dessert wine, served alongside a blue cheese croquette and apple jam, providing a sweet-savory contrast.

Post-Experience Reflection
Throughout, your guide shares insights into the winery’s history—how it was abandoned due to war and earthquakes, then revived by the family. You’ll learn about the local varieties and how Haritatos is helping put Kefalonia on the wine map again.

What Makes This Experience Special?

The unconventional pairings make this more than your average tasting. Instead of standard cheese and crackers, you get creative combinations like lime and potato sticks with dry white or chili pineapple chutney with rose wine. These are designed to show how versatile and surprising Greek wines can be, especially from lesser-known varieties.

The storytelling element adds a layer of depth. You not only taste the wines but also get to hear about the island’s history, wars, love stories, and the resilience of local winemakers. As one reviewer put it, “we loved both the food and the wines,” and another praised the “excellent explanations in Spanish,” highlighting the quality of the guide’s storytelling.

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Value and Practicalities

The price point of $79 is quite reasonable considering you get six full glasses and carefully curated food pairings that would easily cost more at a restaurant. The generous tastings are enough to replace a meal, making this a good value especially for travelers who want a deeper understanding of Greek wines without forking out for a full dinner.

Because it’s a private group, the experience feels personalized. The language options—French, Greek, Spanish, English—also make it accessible for a wide range of travelers.

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Who Will Love It?

This tour is ideal for foodies, wine lovers, and cultural explorers. If you enjoy hearing stories behind what you drink, and appreciate small-batch, indigenous wines, you’ll find this engaging. Those interested in Greek history and local traditions will also appreciate the narrative dimension. It’s probably not suitable for under 17s or pregnant travelers, but for anyone over 18, it’s a delightful dive into Greece’s lesser-known wine treasures.

Final Thoughts

If you’re seeking a refined, educational, and delicious experience in Athens, this Kefalonian wine tasting delivers. The well-curated selection of wines, paired with inventive bites and stories, creates an authentic taste of Greek island terroir. You’ll come away with more than just a full stomach—you’ll understand the heritage and resilience behind each glass.

For travelers who appreciate personalized attention, storytelling, and unusual pairings, this tour offers excellent value and a memorable glimpse into Kefalonia’s wine revival. Whether you’re a seasoned oenophile or a curious foodie, it’s a chance to enjoy Greece’s wine culture in a friendly, intimate setting.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the tour last?
It lasts approximately two hours, giving enough time to enjoy each wine and pairing without feeling rushed.

Can I book this experience as a private group?
Yes, the experience is offered as a private group, making it ideal for families, friends, or special occasions.

Is the tasting suitable for vegetarians or those with food allergies?
While the menu features specific pairings, you should inform the provider at least one day in advance about any allergies or dietary restrictions to ensure a suitable experience.

Are there alternative languages available?
Yes, the guide can speak in French, Greek, Spanish, and English, making it accessible to a diverse range of travelers.

Is this experience appropriate for children or minors?
No, persons under 18 are not permitted to consume alcohol, and the experience is aimed at adults.

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

In sum, this Kefalonian wine tasting in Athens is a wonderful blend of storytelling, expert guidance, and delightful flavors. It’s perfect for those wanting an authentic, educational, and tasty introduction to Greece’s island wines—without leaving Athens.