A Thousand-Year-Old Wine-making Tradition
Athens is the only European capital with historic vineyards and wineries within easy reach of the city centre. With its ideal climate, abundant sunshine, and the sea breeze cooling the 6,500 hectares of vineyards, Attica offers the perfect conditions for producing fine wines that combine centuries of tradition with modern technology.
Myth and History
According to mythology, the god Dionysus taught the art of wine-making to King Icarius, recognising the suitability of Attica’s soil. In antiquity, wine was one of the most valuable products of Athens, with Attica amphorae transporting this high-quality good throughout the world. Today, wine-makers continue this legacy, placing Attica on the global wine map.
Varieties and the Renowned Retsina
The vineyards are dominated by white grape varieties, with Savvatiano and Roditis being prominent, accounting for 80% of the production. Assyrtiko, Malagouzia, and red varieties such as Mandilaria and Agiorgitiko are also cultivated.
Retsina, the traditional resinated wine with a 4,000-year history, is a hallmark of the region. Its unique flavour derives from the use of pine resin, a practice that began in antiquity to seal and preserve amphorae. Today, retsina is considered an ideal accompaniment to the intense flavours of Greek cuisine, such as seafood, cod with garlic sauce, salads, and traditional meze dishes.
Visitable Wineries
The modern wineries of Attica are open to visitors, offering wine enthusiasts the opportunity for special tastings in their cellars and purchases directly from producers. A stroll through the lush vineyards is the best way to discover the magical world of wine and to relish the sweet bliss offered by the land of Attica.
Myth and History
According to mythology, the god Dionysus taught the art of wine-making to King Icarius, recognising the suitability of Attica’s soil. In antiquity, wine was one of the most valuable products of Athens, with Attica amphorae transporting this high-quality good throughout the world. Today, wine-makers continue this legacy, placing Attica on the global wine map.
Varieties and the Renowned Retsina
The vineyards are dominated by white grape varieties, with Savvatiano and Roditis being prominent, accounting for 80% of the production. Assyrtiko, Malagouzia, and red varieties such as Mandilaria and Agiorgitiko are also cultivated.
Retsina, the traditional resinated wine with a 4,000-year history, is a hallmark of the region. Its unique flavour derives from the use of pine resin, a practice that began in antiquity to seal and preserve amphorae. Today, retsina is considered an ideal accompaniment to the intense flavours of Greek cuisine, such as seafood, cod with garlic sauce, salads, and traditional meze dishes.
Visitable Wineries
The modern wineries of Attica are open to visitors, offering wine enthusiasts the opportunity for special tastings in their cellars and purchases directly from producers. A stroll through the lush vineyards is the best way to discover the magical world of wine and to relish the sweet bliss offered by the land of Attica.
