Prepare to be surprised as your plane dips below the clouds and Athens sprawls beneath you. Beyond the bustling cityscape, tucked into the sun-drenched folds of Attica, lies a secret paradise: 29,000 acres of emerald-green vineyards cradling 32 masterfully crafted wineries. Each slope whispers stories of sun-kissed grapes and the very air thrums with the promise of world-class labels waiting to tempt your palate.
Greece's love affair with wine is a timeless tale, woven into the very fabric of its history and culture. For over three and a half millennia, "krasi" has not simply graced dining tables; it has pulsed through the veins of Greek life, becoming an emblem of hospitality, celebration, and the divine.
Legend whispers of Dionysus, the boisterous god of wine, gracing the sun-drenched slopes of Attica with his intoxicating presence. His mythical journey echoes the reality unearthed by countless archaeological finds – amphoras, stout vessels that once transported precious vintages, and kylixes, delicate cups that cradled laughter-filled libations. Each unearthed fragment speaks volumes about a love affair that transcends time.
More than just a thirst-quencher, wine is a thread woven into the tapestry of Greek gastronomy. It dances on the palate alongside succulent roast lamb, mingles with the vibrant melody of feta and olives, and adds a touch of sunshine to every shared meal. From humble tavernas to bustling city feasts, the clinking of glasses becomes a symphony of shared joy, a testament to the enduring power of "krasi" to bring people together.
So, if you find yourself on Greek shores, raise a glass and embrace the enchantment. Let the warm amber liquid tell its ancient story, a tale of sun-kissed grapes, divine blessings, and the enduring spirit of a culture eternally intertwined with the magic of wine.
The dry, warm climate and abundant sunshine in Attica through most of the year certainly help – both in the production of wine and in providing the perfect opportunity to visit wineries to taste and shop local varieties in 30 to 60 minutes of travel from the centre of town. Attica also produces honey, pistachio nuts, and prized black figs in season.
The areas of Kapandriti, Koropi, Pikermi, Spata, Pallini and Stamata are where you’ll find the wineries of Attica, where the famous Savvatiano and Roditis, as well as Retsina, made from Savvatiano wine with added pine resins. “Savatiano is like drinking the Greek summer,” said global wine expert Tara Thomas to Wine & Spirit magazine, “fruity, complete in taste, easy to drink, with the scents of citrus and green apple popping out of the glass; a world-class grape.”
More modern varieties include Malagouzia, Assyrtiko, Fileri, Cabernet Sauvignon, Agiorgitiko, Athiri, Vilana, Merlot, Robola, White Muscat, Muscat of Hamburg and Muscat of Alexandria. GCT spoke with leading oenologist Nico Manessis to get some top tips on the most highly recommended Attica wineries to visit. Manessis is a leading expert on the wines of his native Greece. He authored the pioneering 'The Greek Wine Guide' and the' Illustrated Greek Wine book. His travels on the wine routes continue to chronicle developments, which are published on his excellent and informative website, Greek Wine World.
“It is little known that the Attica vineyard remains the largest in size. The age-old Savatiano white grape is a star in its own right. Few wines are so versatile with food,” he says. “There are a number of Attica wineries geared for gratifying wine tourism, and it’s well worth visiting most. However, if you’re short on time, I recommend you shouldn’t miss four. Please note that it’s important to call ahead to arrange your visit, especially if you want to taste the wines: 1. Milonas Wines a family run artisan producer; 2. Gikas Winery, a historic winery that has been competitively producing good wine since 1875, 3. Papagiannakos, a modern winery awarded for its energy-efficient architecture and 4. Ktima Kokoutou a family-managed winery that also hosts events.”
Manessis, who spends his year travelling around Greece and reporting on wine culture – from the ancient to the ultra-modern – also recommended his best Attica wine choices for GCT readers, whether you get to visit the wineries or just your closest city cava.
“My favourite wines from Attica are unsurprisingly from the wineries I most recommend one should visit: from Milonas, try Savatiano ‘Naked Truth’, a single vineyard wine showcasing Attica's lighter bodied character. From Gikas, taste the ‘Vradiano & Merlot’, a rare Greek grape with some cosmopolitan French and a kiss of oak from this fruity red wine. From Papagiannakos winery, try ‘Old Vines’, which has a sophisticated minerality with staying power. Age it for 3-5 years. And from Ktima Kokotou, try the barrel-fermented ‘Chardonnay’.”
For more detailed information for planning your trip along Athens’ wine routes, see the Wines of Athens site: Wines of Athens - Δρόμοι Κρασιού Αθήνας - Wines of Athens (wineroadsofathens.com)
