Athens: Wine Tasting in Sweet Wines of Greece

Engaging Introduction to the Wine Tasting in Athens

If you’re wandering through the vibrant streets of Athens and have a curious palate for wine, this Sweet Wines of Greece tasting offers a wonderful way to deepen your appreciation for Greek viticulture. Hosted at the charming Brettos Plaka, this 25-minute session promises to introduce you to three distinguished millennia-old Greek sweet wines. Led by knowledgeable certified sommeliers, the experience balances education with enjoyment, making it perfect for curious travelers who love authentic tastes.

Two things we particularly appreciate about this experience are the focused selection of wines—featuring both fortified and naturally sweet wines—and the intimate, small-group setting, limited to just 10 participants. This allows for a relaxed, personal conversation about each wine’s history and unique flavors. One consideration to keep in mind is the brief duration, so it’s more of a quick, insightful sampling rather than an extensive tasting. This tour suits those who enjoy learning about wine as part of their cultural journey and prefer a casual, well-guided introduction rather than a full-day affair.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Who Would Love This Experience?

This tasting is ideal for travelers craving a bite-sized exploration of Greek wine, especially those interested in sweet wines that are less familiar worldwide. It’s perfect for a short stop in Athens, a quick but meaningful cultural activity, or for wine enthusiasts eager to expand their knowledge without committing hours. If you’re someone who appreciates small groups and expert insights, this experience is a great fit.

Keen to taste more of Athens? We've looked into these other food and drink experiences

Key Points

Authentic Experience: Guided by certified sommeliers, offering expert insights into Greek sweet wines.
Diverse Selection: Includes both fortified and naturally sweet wines from famous regions like Samos, Patra, and Santorini.
Historical Context: Learn where the fortified wine method was discovered and its significance.
Intimate Setting: Limited to 10 participants for a personalized experience.
Flexible Booking: Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, with the option to reserve and pay later.
Short Duration: Perfect for a quick cultural and tasting experience during your Athens visit.

A Detailed Look at the Greek Sweet Wines Tour

The Venue: Brettos Plaka’s Charm

Set in the heart of Athens’ historic neighborhood of Plaka, Brettos is a legendary family-run cellar famous for its colorful facades and extensive selection of Greek spirits and wines. The setting offers a cozy, traditional ambience that immediately immerses you in Greek culture. The staff here are friendly and knowledgeable, ensuring your tasting is both informative and enjoyable.

More Great Tours Nearby

The Structure of the Tasting

In just about 25 minutes, your guide will introduce you to four distinct Greek sweet wines, each with its own story and flavor profile. The quick pace ensures you stay engaged without feeling overwhelmed, perfect for travelers with limited time but a desire for depth.

If wine interests you, we've examined these other wine experiences in Athens

The Wines You’ll Sample

1. Fortified Wines from Samos:
Using White Muscat, these are among Greece’s most beloved fortified wines. We loved the way the sweet, aromatic notes of Muscat shine through, offering a balance between richness and freshness. You’ll learn about the fortified wine method—a technique that originated in Greece, now popular worldwide—and its special connection to the island of Samos.

2. Mavrodaphne of Patra:
This deep, dark wine hails from Greece’s third-largest city. Known for its rich history and complex flavor—notes of dried fruit, chocolate, and spice—it’s a fortified wine that has been enjoyed for centuries. One reviewer noted, “You get a real sense of history in every sip,” which perfectly captures its vibe.

3. Vinsanto from Santorini:
This critically acclaimed, naturally sweet wine is made from sun-dried grapes, resulting in intense, honeyed flavors. It’s less known globally but often steals the show due to its elegance and depth. We loved the crisp acidity that balances the sweetness, making it an ideal end to the tasting.

Why These Wines Matter

Each wine not only showcases Greece’s long-standing winemaking tradition but also highlights different techniques and regional specialties. The fortified wines from Samos and Patra reveal Greece’s innovative spirit, while the Vinsanto exemplifies the country’s natural sweetness and sun-dried grape craftsmanship. This curated selection gives you a broad perspective on Greek sweet wines, making it a valuable introduction for beginners and enthusiasts alike.

The Experience: What It Really Feels Like

Participants frequently comment on the personalized attention and the depth of knowledge shared by guides like Maria or Nikos. One review says, “It wasn’t just tasting; it was a story about each wine,” emphasizing the educational aspect. The inclusion of filtered water ensures your palate stays fresh, and the small group size fosters a relaxed, conversational atmosphere.

The Logistics: Ease and Flexibility

The tour’s short duration makes it an easy addition to any Athens itinerary. Booking is flexible, with free cancellation up to 24 hours beforehand, and you can reserve now and pay later, which is handy if your plans are still evolving. The timing of the sessions varies, so checking the schedule ahead is recommended. The English-speaking instructor makes the experience accessible to international travelers.

The Value for the Price

At a relatively modest cost for a guided tasting, this experience offers excellent value—you’re not just drinking wine but also gaining insight into Greece’s cultural and historical context. For wine lovers, this is an affordable way to add a specialized tasting to your Athens trip, especially considering the personalized attention and quality of wines.

Travelers’ Feedback and Common Highlights

Many reviewers appreciate the friendly staff and informative narrative. One mentioned, “The guide explained the history behind each wine, which made the tasting so much richer.” Others enjoyed the charming setting of Brettos in Plaka, adding a scenic, historic backdrop to the experience.

Possible Drawbacks or Considerations

Given the short duration, this tour is more of an introduction than an exhaustive exploration. If you’re seeking a full-day wine tour or wish to explore multiple wine regions, this might feel too brief. Also, since the focus is on sweet wines, those preferring dry or sparkling varieties should look elsewhere.

Final Thoughts: Who Will Benefit Most?

This Greek sweet wine tasting is best suited for travellers looking for a quick, enjoyable introduction to Greece’s wine heritage. If you love learning about regional specialties, appreciate small-group experiences, or simply want to add a touch of local flavor to your Athens visit, this is an excellent choice. It’s particularly appealing for those with limited time, as it packs education, taste, and cultural insight into just under half an hour.

Whether you’re a wine novice eager to discover new flavors or a seasoned enthusiast wanting a curated overview, this experience delivers engaging storytelling and memorable sips in a delightful setting.

FAQ: Your Practical Questions Answered

How long is the tour?
The tasting lasts approximately 25 minutes, making it a quick but meaningful experience.

Where is the tasting held?
It takes place at Brettos Plaka, a well-known cellar in the heart of Athens’ historic Plaka neighborhood.

Is the tour suitable for non-English speakers?
The activity is conducted in English, so it’s best suited for English-speaking travelers.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours in advance.

Is it appropriate for all ages?
While mainly aimed at adults, it’s suitable for anyone of legal drinking age interested in Greek wines.

How many people are in each group?
Groups are limited to 10 participants to ensure a personalized experience.

Do I need to prepare or know anything beforehand?
No prior knowledge is necessary; guides will explain everything clearly.

What should I wear?
Casual, comfortable attire is fine, as the tasting is indoors in a relaxed setting.

Is there a cost difference if I reserve now and pay later?
No, reserving now with the “pay later” option doesn’t alter the price; it just provides flexibility.

Will I get to try wines from different Greek regions?
Yes, the selection includes wines from Samos, Patra, and Santorini, showcasing regional variety.

This Greek sweet wine tasting in Athens offers a charming, educational peek into Greece’s storied winemaking tradition. Perfect for those seeking a short, engaging cultural activity, it promises memorable flavors and stories that will linger long after your visit.