Achaea & Attica

Greece taught Rome everything about wine.

Greece taught Rome everything about wine. Walk where Plato's symposia debated philosophy over wine, visit vineyards that have made wine for 3,000 years, and taste Nemea's 'Blood of Hercules' in the valley where the hero slew the Nemean Lion. This is where Western wine civilization began.

A Wine Memories curated trail · winememories.fi

9 experiences 🇬🇷 Greece easy 1 week

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Curated by Wine Memories

  1. 1
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    Athens: Acropolis & Agora

    Wine was central to Greek democracy and philosophy. The Agora where Socrates debated was surrounded by wine merchants. The Acropolis temples received wine offerings. This is where Western wine culture began.

    tour $$
  2. 2
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    Athens Wine Bars (Plaka)

    Plaka, the ancient neighborhood below the Acropolis, is now home to excellent wine bars serving Greek wines. From natural wines to indigenous varieties, Athens is having a wine renaissance.

    wine_bar $$
  3. 3
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    Attica Wineries

    The hills around Athens have produced wine since antiquity. Savatiano grapes dominate, used for Retsina and increasingly good still wines. Modern producers are reviving the region's reputation.

    tasting $$
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    Retsina Production

    Retsina — wine preserved with pine resin — is a 3,000-year unbroken tradition. Originally practical (the resin sealed clay amphorae), now cultural. Modern producers make quality Retsina that's a far cry from the tourist stuff.

    tour $
  5. 5
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    Nemea: Blood of Hercules

    Hercules killed the Nemean Lion here in his first labor. The blood-red Agiorgitiko wine is called "Blood of Hercules." Ancient stadium, temple ruins, and excellent modern wineries in the same valley.

    adventure $$
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    Mycenae

    The Bronze Age civilization that predates classical Greece. The Lion Gate, Treasury of Atreus, and palace ruins tell of a wine culture that existed before Homer. Wine vessels found here are 3,500 years old.

    tour $
  7. 7
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    Nauplia & Peloponnese

    Venetian-Ottoman-Greek layers on Roman foundations. Greece's first capital after independence, with beautiful old town, fortress, and excellent wine bars. Perfect base for Peloponnese exploration.

    adventure $$
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    Mantinia Plateau

    High-altitude whites from Moschofilero grapes at 650m elevation. Cool climate produces aromatic, floral wines unlike anything else in Greece. The plateau was an ancient breadbasket and wine source.

    tasting $$
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    Delphi

    The Oracle of Apollo at the "navel of the world." Wine was central to the rituals here — the Pythia priestess may have been intoxicated during prophecies. Stunning mountain setting overlooking olive groves.

    tour $$

Plan the trip

Insider tip. Visit Nemea during the biennial Nemean Games revival — athletes compete nude as in ancient times (wine helps with the spectating).

Getting there and around

Car required
Yes
Parking
Free at most wineries, paid at archaeological sites
Nearest airport
Athens (ATH) - direct to city center
Drinking and driving
Greece is relaxed about wine — just use common sense on mountain roads
Other airports
  • Kalamata (KLX) for Peloponnese focus
Without a car
Buses to major sites but very slow

Where to stay

Base yourself in
Athens + Nauplia
Why there
Athens for Attica, move to Nauplia for Peloponnese (most charming town)
Booking tip
Book Nauplia hotels early in summer — Greeks love this town
Nightly range
€60-250/night

Recommended stays

Budget
Athens hostels in Psyrri
Luxury
Hotel Grande Bretagne Athens or Amanzoe
Mid-range
Boutique hotels in Plaka or Nauplia old town
Vineyard stays
Semeli Estate guesthouse in Nemea

What it costs

Includes
Accommodation, car rental, tastings, site entries
Meals
€30-60/day
Per person
€600-1,000
Ways to spend less
  • Many archaeological sites are free on certain days
  • Greek tavernas are incredibly good value
  • Buy wine at wineries — much cheaper than shops
Tasting fees
€5-15 average

Booking and timing

Lead time
1-2 weeks
Closed days
Some wineries close Sundays
Peak season
Easter week is very crowded
Best time of day
Morning for sites (avoid heat), afternoon for wine
Group size
Most wineries accommodate walk-ins

Where to eat

Lunch
  • Nemea tavernas
  • Mycenae village
  • Nauplia waterfront
Dinner
  • Plaka tavernas in Athens
  • 3Sixty cocktail bar Nauplia
  • Taverna O Noulis (Nauplia)
Winery restaurants
  • Semeli Estate
  • Domaine Skouras
  • Gaia Wines terrace

If your time is short

Do not miss
If you only have one day
If it rains
Athens Acropolis Museum is world-class and covered; wine bars in Plaka
Skip if time is short

Mistakes to avoid

  • Don't try to see everything — Greek archaeology is overwhelming
  • Don't skip Nemea — it's both historically and vinously important
  • Don't dismiss Retsina — modern versions are actually good
  • Don't drive to Delphi in the dark — the mountain roads are intense
  • Don't forget to pour a libation at Delphi — respect the gods

Worth stopping for

  • Acropolis at golden hour (arrive at opening or stay until close)
  • Nemea stadium with cypress trees
  • Mycenae Lion Gate
  • Nauplia from Palamidi fortress
  • Delphi theater with valley below