Best Luxury Wine Tours and Destinations to Visit in Greece
Wine plays a significant role in Greek culture and religion. Back in the ancient world, Greece was one of the most important winemaking regions in the world. Therefore, one of the most exciting ways to explore Greece is to combine great activities with wine tastings.
In fact, wine tours in Greece are a popular activity for tourists. The country is home to some of the world’s oldest wineries that offer guests the chance to explore and taste various local wines while learning more about the history of winemaking in the country. What’s even more exciting is that most of the wineries in Greece still use traditional winemaking techniques because they believe that this is the only way to achieve the most authentic flavor.
Whether or not you’ve already had your fill of wine tours, here are several ways you can enjoy wine in Greece.
Wine & a Sunset in Athens
Athens is home to some of the most phenomenal wine bars in Greece. The recent popularity of wine bars around the city has made wine more accessible to the broader public. Therefore, savoring the most exquisite wines in Athens no longer requires going to fancy restaurants. But if you want to splurge a bit and sip wine over sunset, head to one of the city’s top rooftop bars.
Set at the top floor of the Hilton Hotel, the Galaxy bar and restaurant overlooks the spectacular view of Athens, as well as the Lycabettus Hill and the Acropolis. It’s the perfect place to unwind and catch a glimpse of the beautiful sunset while indulging in the most exquisite Greek wines. Considered one of the world’s best rooftop bars, the Galaxy Bar also serves traditional Greek cuisine.
RECOMMENDED: Schedule a Wine Tasting Beneath the Acropolis UNESCO World Heritage Site
Another place to enjoy wine over sunset is at the Skyfall restaurant and bar. Located right next to the Kallimarmaro Stadium, the bar has a spacious rooftop veranda where you can marvel at the magnificent sunset over Athens. From here, you can also view the Acropolis and Athens’ historical center. The restaurant has a great selection of local and international wines, and their signature cocktails are also worth a try.
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Stay in a Villa by the Pool in Mykonos
Mykonos is home to several vineyards, as the island’s Mediterranean climate makes it ideal for growing grapes. Because of this, you will find wine almost anywhere on the island. In fact, Mykonos is home to several large Mykonos villas with infinity pools with views, where you can enjoy a glass of wine as you relax by the pool.
In Mykonos, you can stay at a luxury hotel set on a rocky hillside by the Aegean Sea. There’s also the Del Mar bar, a swim-up bar where you can enjoy a glass of delectable Greek wine under the sun. They also serve a premium selection of cocktails, champagne, and spirits. With loud music playing in the background, this bar is the perfect place to unwind and party with friends.
Wine Tours, Bars and Beaches in Crete
Crete is an ideal destination for the most dedicated beach bums in the world. The island’s beaches come in all shapes and sizes, from the white sand lagoons in the west to the islets ringed with pink-tinted sand in the south. What’s more, you can drive through the entire stretch of the island for only a couple of hours, which means that the beaches are easily within reach.
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Aside from its stunning beaches, Crete is also home to some of the best beach bars in Greece. Here, you can enjoy a glass of your favorite wine while soaking up under the sun. The Cabana Mare Beach Resort in Agia Marina is a great bar to check out. Aside from offering a delectable selection of wine and other alcoholic drinks, this bar is also known for its gorgeous views, especially when you travel in May, which overlook the island of Agioi Theodoroi. But this bar is not only about the drinks and the views. It also has comfortable sunbeams and private Jacuzzis, where you can enjoy your wine and relax in comfort and luxury.
There are hundreds of other things to do and see around Crete, but if we had to recommend a few incredible options, consider taking a luxury catamaran cruise offshore, embark on a landrover safari, offroad in a 4-wheeler around the island, or participate in a wine and olive oil tour.
Sip at a Cliff Top Bar in Santorini
Of all the islands in Greece, Santorini is probably the most popular of them all. The magnificent beauty of this volcanic island is not like anywhere else. It’s home to whitewashed buildings with blue domes, cobblestone streets, and candy-colored houses that perfectly blend with the dazzling turquoise waters.
But Santorini’s true essence lies in its pulse, culture, people, and tastes. What can be equally exciting is the various activities and experiences that you can enjoy on the island. From luxury Greek sailing tours to a plethora of water sports, Santorini is an island full of adventure. And after a whole day spent exploring the island and taking part in the various experiences and activities, take a seat at one of the clifftop bars and treat yourself to a glass of Assyrtiko, a Greek white wine indigenous to the island.
RECOMMENDED: Take a Day or Sunset Tour and Visit Some of Santorini’s Best Wineries
Eat Moussaka Anywhere in Greece
Greece is not only famous for its seriously delicious wine. The country is also known for its tasty dishes. With influences from Europe and beyond and made using fresh ingredients such as vegetables, lamb, seafood, olives, herbs, cheese, and yogurt, there’s a Greek dish for every taste bud, and of course, a wine to match.
In case you are wondering what to order with your Greek wine, choose the moussaka. This eggplant-based dish pairs best with rich, peppery, and lighter reds, such as Sangiovese, Tempranillo, Barbera, or Shiraz. Moussaka is usually made with a meaty tomato sauce, which makes it perfect for acidic red wines. Most bars and restaurants in Greece serve moussaka, so ordering it with your wine should not be a problem. And if you’re into light to medium-bodied red wines, pair them with grilled and barbecued meats such as gyros or souvlaki. For white wine lovers, spanakopita is the best dish to pair with your wine. It’s a savory spinach pie perfect with a glass of fuller and textural white wine varieties.