Thessaloniki: Small-Group Wine Tasting Tour with Appetizers

Starting with a nod to Greece’s wine heritage, this 2.5-hour tour takes you through Thessaloniki’s lively city center, sampling six carefully selected Greek wines alongside traditional meze. For about $86, you’ll visit three unique wine bars—each with its own history and personality—sharing stories from passionate guides like Vassilis and Elli who make Greek wine come alive.

What we love about this experience is how it combines scenic city walks with educational tasting. You get to see Thessaloniki’s bustling streets, feel the local vibe, and genuinely understand what makes Greek wines special. Plus, the reserved tables mean no rushing, and you can really enjoy the tasting at each spot.

One thing to consider is that this tour doesn’t include a full meal, so if you’re expecting a big feast, you might want to supplement your experience with extra snacks. Still, for wine lovers or curious travelers eager to explore Greece’s wine culture in an authentic setting, this tour hits the right notes.

This experience suits those who love learning about local food and drink, enjoy walking through vibrant city streets, and appreciate small, friendly groups. It’s perfect for travelers wanting a relaxed but insightful way to spend an afternoon in Thessaloniki.

Key Points

• Educational and flavorful: Learn about Greek wine varieties like Xinomavro, Mavrotragano, Vidiano, and Asyrtiko.
• Authentic venues: Visit three distinct, locally loved wine bars with their own charm.
• Paired with meze: Enjoy Greek appetizers at every stop, enhancing each wine’s flavor.
• Flexible booking: Reserve now, pay later, and cancel up to 24 hours in advance with no penalty.
• Expert guide: Friendly, knowledgeable guides like Vassilis and Elli make the experience enjoyable.
• City walk: The tour combines walking between venues with sightseeing, not just tasting.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Deep Dive into the Experience

Exploring Thessaloniki’s Historic Heart

The tour begins at the Electra Palace Thessaloniki, located in the lively Aristotelous Square. This central spot is an ideal starting point: a hub of activity, historic architecture, and a great place to gather before heading out on foot. From here, we walk through the city’s bustling streets, soaking in the energy and vibrant street life, which sets the perfect scene for a wine adventure.

The First Stop: A Local Wine Bar

Our first tasting takes place at a well-loved wine bar with a warm, inviting atmosphere. Here, we try two white wines, Moschofilero and Moschato. The guide explains that Moschofilero is a fragrant, aromatic white grape typical to Greece, often enjoyed for its crispness and floral notes. The accompanying meze—rusks, cheese, olives, and tomatoes—are carefully chosen to complement the wine’s freshness, making for a balanced start.

Second Venue: An Intimate Venue with a Story

After a short walk, we arrive at the second bar, which holds a history of local wine-making. Here, the focus shifts to red wines—specifically Agiorgitiko from Nemea and Xinomavro from Naoussa. The guides share insights into these grapes, which are among Greece’s most renowned reds. The Xinomavro is often compared to Nebbiolo for its tannic structure and aging potential.

The meze at this stop includes cheese, olives, and tomatoes, all seasoned to highlight the wine’s tannins. Several reviewers have praised their guides’ storytelling, sharing how Vassilis made everyone feel comfortable and crafted an engaging experience.

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Final Stop: A Trendy Wine Bar with a View

The last venue combines modern vibes with a local twist. Here, we sample two rosés—Mandilaria and Xinomavro from Amyntaio—each with its own character. The rosé options provide a nice contrast, with lighter, fruitier profiles. As the tour wraps up, we enjoy a final round of meze, pairing perfectly with these refreshing wines.

The Wines and Their Origins

Greece’s wine varieties like Mavrotragano and Vidiano aren’t everyday fare in other parts of Europe, making this tour a treasure trove for wine enthusiasts. According to reviews, the wines are carefully selected to showcase Greece’s diverse terroirs, which adds educational value to the tasting.

Group Size and Atmosphere

With a small group, conversations flow easily, and you get personalized attention. The reserved tables at each venue ensure a relaxed environment to savor each sip. The guides’ enthusiasm and knowledge shine through, making this more than just a tasting—it’s a window into Greek culture.

The Value of the Tour

At $86 per person, you receive six glasses of high-quality Greek wine, each 75ml, along with Greek meze—a real value considering the depth of tasting and the locations visited. The tour also offers insights into Greek wine production and history, which elevates the experience from casual to educational.

Although it doesn’t include a full meal, the combination of wine and appetizers provides a satisfying balance. Plus, the tour’s flexibility—book now, pay later, and cancel up to 24 hours in advance—adds convenience for travel planning.

Why It Stands Out

What makes this tour special is the combination of authentic venues, expert guides, and a carefully curated selection of Greek wines. The reviews consistently highlight the guides’ ability to share wine stories engagingly, making the experience lively and informative. It’s clear that this tour offers more than just tasting; it’s an introduction to Thessaloniki’s vibrant wine culture.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

If you’re a wine lover, eager to explore Greece’s native grape varieties, this tour is a natural fit. It’s also ideal for travelers who enjoy small-group settings and appreciate local, authentic venues. Those interested in learning about wine production and regional differences will find this tour rewarding.

However, if you’re expecting a large-party atmosphere or a full sit-down meal, this experience might feel more intimate and casual than some other food tours. It’s perfect for those wanting a relaxed afternoon with good company, good wine, and a taste of Thessaloniki’s lively streets.

FAQs

How long does the tour last?
The tour lasts approximately 2.5 hours, with time spent walking between three wine bars and tasting at each.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins in Aristotelous Square in front of the Electra Palace Thessaloniki and concludes back at the same meeting point.

Is there a minimum group size?
This is a small-group experience, ensuring personalized attention and a friendly atmosphere.

Are the wines Greek varieties?
Yes, all wines sampled are produced in Greece, including well-known varieties like Xinomavro, Moschofilero, and Mavrotragano.

Do I need to make a reservation?
Yes, reservations are required. You can book now with the option to pay later and cancel up to 24 hours beforehand.

Is food included in the price?
You receive Greek meze at each stop—such as cheese, olives, tomato, and salty sticks—but not a full meal.

Can I join this tour if I don’t drink alcohol?
While the tour is centered on wine tasting, if you don’t drink, you might want to consider other experiences, as this is primarily a wine-focused activity.

Final Thoughts

This Thessaloniki wine-tasting tour offers a well-rounded, authentic glimpse into Greece’s diverse wine landscape, paired with charming local venues and expert guides. It’s a perfect choice for travelers who want to combine city exploration with a flavorful journey into Greek wine traditions. The small-group setting ensures a friendly, educational atmosphere where you can ask questions and truly savor each glass.

Whether you’re a seasoned wine enthusiast or simply curious about Greece’s wine heritage, this tour provides both context and enjoyment in a relaxed, scenic environment. The focus on local wines and meze makes it a deliciously memorable part of any Thessaloniki visit.

Enjoy exploring the city’s flavors and stories—this tour transforms a simple glass of wine into a delightful cultural experience.

You can check availability for your dates here: