Athens Old Town: Wine Tasting based on Ancient Greek Grapes

Exploring Greece’s Ancient Grapes: A Taste of History in Athens Old Town

When it comes to experiencing Athens beyond its iconic ruins, a wine tasting centered around ancient Greek grapes offers a fascinating glimpse into the country’s vinicultural past. This 40-minute experience at Brettos Plaka, nestled in the lively heart of Athens, combines history, storytelling, and tasting in a way that’s both educational and delightful. While we haven’t personally taken this tour, reviews and detailed descriptions suggest it’s an engaging way to connect with Greece’s long-standing wine traditions without the need for a dedicated vineyard tour.

What stands out most about this experience are three things: the chance to sample five of the best ancient Greek grapes, the insights delivered by certified sommeliers into terroir and evolution, and the blend of myth and history that makes wine tasting here more than just a sip-and-swirl affair. However, since the experience is relatively short—just 40 minutes—those seeking a comprehensive wine journey might find it more of an appetizer than a full-blown tasting.

This tour is ideal for curious travelers wanting to quickly enrich their understanding of Greek wine, culture, and history, especially if they prefer intimate, small-group settings. It’s also perfect for visitors in Athens with limited time but a keen interest in authentic local flavors and stories.

Key Points

Authentic insight: Led by certified sommeliers, the experience offers expert knowledge on ancient Greek grapes and wine regions.

Historical flavor: It’s a fun way to travel through Greece’s past, blending mythology, history, and viticulture.

Taste variety: You get to sample three white and three red wines crafted from ancient grapes, providing a well-rounded view in a short period.

Limited duration: At just 40 minutes, it suits those with a busy schedule but still seeking quality educational moments.

Small group intimacy: Limited to 10 participants, ensuring personalized attention and engaging stories.

No food or transport included: Keep in mind, this tasting is purely about wine and stories—no meals or hotel transfers are part of the package.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Deep Dive into the Experience

Location and Setting

Brettos Plaka, the host, is a well-known name in Athens for its long-standing history, cozy cellar ambiance, and prime location in the historic Plaka neighborhood. Walking into the cellar feels like stepping back in time, with wooden shelves and vintage decor setting the perfect scene to focus on the wines and stories ahead.

The Core of the Tour: Ancient Greek Grapes

The main attraction here is the tasting of five wines derived from ancient Greek grapes. Certified sommeliers guide you through each sip, explaining how these grapes have evolved or persisted through centuries. You’ll learn about terroirs and PDO (Protected Designation of Origin) regions, offering insights into what makes Greek wines uniquely special.

The Tasting and Stories

Expect to try three white and three red wines, each selected for their historical significance. These wines are presented with entertaining stories that often dance between mythology and reality, making the tasting more engaging than just a straightforward wine-drinking session. A reviewer mentioned that the stories “have a very thin line between mythology and history,” which adds an entertaining layer to the experience.

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What You’ll Learn

• The history of Greek viniculture and how ancient grapes have survived or been revived.
• The meaning of PDO wine regions in Greece and their impact on flavor profiles.
• The answer to the age-old question: which is the world’s most ancient grape? While the tour doesn’t specify the answer outright, the exploration of ancient grapes certainly hints at it being a topic of discussion.

Practical Aspects

The session lasts about 40 minutes, with starting times varying depending on availability. The small group size (capped at 10) creates an intimate environment, perfect for asking questions and engaging with the sommeliers. Since the tour is led in English, it’s accessible to international visitors.

The tour price includes five wine tastings and filtered water, but does not cover transportation, meals, or additional drinks. For many, the cost offers good value considering the quality of the wines and the expert storytelling.

Reviews and Additional Insights

One review highlights the fun and engaging nature of the stories, emphasizing that the sommeliers are knowledgeable and passionate. Another reviewer appreciated the “entertaining stories that make the experience memorable,” adding that it’s an ideal complement to a day exploring Athens’ historical sites.

While the experience is succinct, it delivers a focused snapshot into Greece’s ancient grapes, making it an excellent introduction rather than an exhaustive wine tour. If you’re a wine enthusiast or a history buff, you’ll find this session offers both education and enjoyment in a cozy setting.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience suits travelers with limited time but a curiosity for Greek culture and wine. It’s especially appealing if you prefer small, personalized groups and enjoy storytelling alongside tasting. Perfect for those wanting a quick, educational peek into Greece’s winemaking heritage without the need for long vineyard visits or complex tastings.

It’s also a great activity for couples, small groups of friends, or solo travelers looking to add a cultural and sensory dimension to their Athens trip. If you’re seeking a deeper dive into Greek wine, you might want to follow this up with a more comprehensive tasting or vineyard visit.

Practical Tips for Visitors

• Reserve early, as the experience is limited to small groups and can fill up quickly.
• Since no food is included, consider pairing the tasting with a light snack or meal afterward to enhance the flavors.
• Arrive promptly for the scheduled start to make the most of the session.
• Bring questions about Greek wine or history—you’ll likely have the chance to ask the sommeliers directly.
• Remember, the experience doesn’t include hotel transfers, so plan your route accordingly—most enjoyable if combined with a walk through Plaka.

FAQs

What is included in the tour?
The tour includes the tasting of five wines based on ancient Greek grapes and filtered water.

How long does the experience last?
It lasts approximately 40 minutes, with specific starting times available based on availability.

Is there a group size limit?
Yes, groups are limited to a maximum of 10 participants for a more personalized experience.

What language is the tour conducted in?
The experience is offered in English.

Are transportation or meals included?
No, transportation and food are not included in the price—only the wine tasting and stories.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is this suitable for wine beginners?
Absolutely. The focus is on storytelling and education, making it accessible to all levels.

What should I wear?
Comfortable clothing is recommended, but no special attire is necessary.

Is this experience good for kids or underage guests?
Since it involves alcohol consumption, it’s suitable for adults only, typically 18+.

In summary, this Athens Old Town wine tasting based on ancient Greek grapes offers a quick but enriching glance into the history of Greek viticulture. Led by passionate sommeliers, it combines education, storytelling, and authentic wines in a cozy setting. Ideal for those short on time but eager to deepen their understanding of Greece’s wine heritage, it’s a charming addition to any Athens itinerary—especially if you love a good story with your sip.

You can check availability for your dates here: