Greece is a wonderfully diverse destination, effortlessly providing its visitors with myriad experiences to appease all five senses. Those who know and appreciate their wines will especially benefit from incorporating an element of eno-tourism while exploring Greece., whether your island mainland or island-hopping from Athens and other popular destinations. Wine is a premium product that has been traded and enjoyed since ancient times, so Greece has centuries’ worth of experience in terms of winemaking, allowing for rich viniculture spanning wide varieties. In particular, here are 5 Greek wines you need to try on your next holiday, broken down by destination. While some are popular varieties, others are more local finds, inviting the visitor to explore different dimensions of wine flavour, depth and aroma.

Wine tasting in Rethymno Pepi Boutique Hotel

Vidiano (White wine) - Crete
The largest of the Greek islands, Crete, is split into four large prefectures. The aggregate natural beauty that can be found in all four prefectures is absolutely mindblowing. Depending on where you choose to stay, we recommend you ask for the local varieties of Cretan wine. If you come across them, keep your eyes peeled for the Liatiko (red wine) and the Malvasia (white wine). However, the Vidiano (white wine) variety is particularly rare for tracking down an almost extinct appellation found in Rethymno. It is characterised by a bountiful richness and an intense complexity, as it blends stone fruits such as apricot and peach with citrus fruits like pear, bergamot, and quince, as well as some white flower aromas such as jasmine. To explore all the local prefecture's wonders, consider a boutique hotel in Rethymno that will provide a luxurious and convenient spot. It is primely located near the iconic Venetian harbour and the quaint labyrinth of narrow cobblestone streets and alleys full of cafes, tavernas, bars, and shops.

Arikaras (Red wine) - Kythera
Kythera is an island found opposite the south-western Peloponnese. At the crossroads of three seas, it technically belongs to the Ionian island cluster, yet it remains fairly uncharted. This makes it perfect for an island getaway holiday, where nature is infinite and time runs at a slower pace. If this kind of vacation sounds appealing, then consider staying at eco-friendly, bioclimatic, stone suite retreats that provide guests with sophisticated accommodation in Kythera, maximising space, light, and superb conveniences. Kythera has its own viticulture, and among its appellations, you will find Lyritis, Logades, Viglaki, and Petrolanos. However, it is the Arikaras (red wine) variety that you should definitely try while in Kythera. It’s a dry table wine with a characteristically transparent, bright red colour, and it is still pressed manually until today and left to ferment in oak barrels.

Beautiful stream of white wine into the glass

Mantinia (White wine) - Peloponnese

Onto the Peloponnese, an expansive region of the Greek peninsula that is renowned for producing some of Greece’s finest wines. It is a large part of the Greek mainland, essentially a three-legged peninsula, each showing a slightly different appeal. The most prominent red wine variety is the Agioritiko; however, the white variety of Mantinia produces the favourite Moschofilero appellation, among others, known throughout Greece and beyond. It has a characteristically floral intensity and tart crispiness, making it stand out. A classic Blanc de Gris, Mantinia is a special kind of variety. Typically a dry variety, it has a gentle silky white-yellow colour, while it is high in acidity with a medium body, making it a wonderful accompaniment for light meals. Porto Heli is an excellent choice for staying somewhere in the Peloponnese that is not too far from the capital Athens. From there, guests can explore the surroundings, as well as visit the island of Spetses for a day trip from the beach of a four-star hotel on Hinitsa Bay in Porto Heli.

Roditis ( White/Rosé wine) - Thessaly
Thessaly shares a similar warm micro-climate with the aforementioned Peloponnese, and so it is natural that these regions share some characteristics in their viniculture. Thessaly produces the Rhoditis, a pink-skinned grape that produces a tinted white or rosé wine. Although it is not a widely popular wine by name, it is generally a crowd-pleaser. If you have ordered dry white wine or rosé by the glass, chances are you have already tried Rhoditis unknowingly. It is a demure, food-friendly, decent table wine with delicate aromas. Now Thessaly has a handful of intriguing regions with many rural places, towns, and villages that still go about their traditional ways. However, one place that deserves special attention is the Pelion peninsula. It is a mountainous landscape in its majority that has the unique feature of being surrounded by two seasons on both sides of the peninsula. It is a fantastic destination to visit across all seasons, discovering wonderfully picturesque towns to spend a few days in. One of those is charming Portaria. Opt for living the local experience by choosing a traditional hotel in Portaria Pelion with amazing panoramic views to accompany your moments there.

Vinsanto (Dessert wine) - Santorini
Our Greek wine quest also takes us to the gorgeous Santorini island. Vinsanto is a sweet dessert wine with a deep golden-amber hue that has been produced on the island since ancient times. Although Santorini’s flagship white wine grape varieties are Assyrtiko, Athiri, and Aidani, the Vinsanto will raise the bar. Not overly sweet, it has an element of acidity that allows it to be paired with a variety of meals. Of course, the best accompaniment to an exquisite glass of Vinsanto is the island's amazing views. Its raw, natural beauty is, at times, absolutely overwhelming. Sundown is hands-down the most enchanting time to enjoy the simple things in life, such as a glass of delectable wine and vistas that dazzle viewers. Yet when considering where to stay in Santorini, you may want to avoid the overcrowded area of Oia. Choose a more central location that will allow you to reach the vibrant parts of the island by foot but remains tucked away from the noise and clamour, such as newly renovated boutique suites with a private jacuzzi in Fira, Santorini. To discover the rest of the island, rent a car in Santorini; that way, you can have full flexibility of movement during your holiday.

This article has been produced in collaboration with Helen-Marie Joyce.

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