Athens: Greek Ancient & Rare Grape Varieties Wine Tasting

Greece’s winemaking heritage runs deep, and the Athens: Greek Ancient & Rare Grape Varieties Wine Tasting masterclass offers a captivating chance to explore it. Guided by an expert sommelier, you will savor a selection of unique wines featuring indigenous Greek grapes like Xinomavro and Assyrtiko. Beyond the flavors, this 45-minute session delves into the rich history and traditions that have shaped the country’s viticultural landscape over the centuries. For those seeking a truly immersive Greek wine experience, this masterclass promises to be a delightful and enlightening journey.

Key Points

• Immerse in a 45-minute masterclass exploring Greece’s diverse indigenous wine grapes, including rare varieties like Xinomavro, Assyrtiko, Mavrodaphne, and Debina.
• Guided by a knowledgeable sommelier, savor a tasting of four or more ancient and unique Greek wines accompanied by authentic nibbles.
• Discover the rich 4,000-year viticultural history of Greece, tracing the evolution of grape varieties and winemaking styles from the Classical Greek era to the modern day.
• Enjoy a hands-on, interactive wine tasting experience suitable for both wine novices and aficionados, with online reservations and free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
• Experience the cultural significance of Greek wines, gaining insight into the country’s viticultural past and the rediscovery of forgotten grape varieties by modern producers.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Activity Overview

The Athens: Greek Ancient & Rare Grape Varieties Wine Tasting is a 45-minute masterclass that offers participants the opportunity to explore the rich diversity of Greece’s indigenous wine grapes.

Priced from $26.98 per person, this intimate experience allows guests to savor four or more rare and ancient wines under the guidance of a knowledgeable sommelier.

Whether you’re a wine beginner or an enthusiast seeking to expand your horizons, this class promises to transport you through the captivating history and flavors of Greece’s unique viticulture.

Reservations can be made online, with no upfront payment required and free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

Grape Varieties of Greece

Greece boasts an impressive array of over 340 unique wine grape varieties, many of which have been cultivated for thousands of years.

From the earthy and robust Xinomavro to the bright and refreshing Assyrtiko, these ancient grapes showcase Greece’s incredible wine heritage.

Nestled among them are rare gems like Mavrodaphne and Debina, each with their own distinct flavors and aromas.

Whether you’re a seasoned oenophile or a curious newcomer, exploring Greece’s indigenous varietals is a true delight for the senses, offering a window into the country’s rich viticultural past.

Vintages and History

Alongside Greece’s incredible wine grape diversity, the country boasts a rich viticultural history spanning over 4,000 vintages. From ancient amphora-aged wines to modern innovations, Greek wines have evolved alongside the country’s storied past:

1. The earliest evidence of winemaking in Greece dates back to the 6th millennium BC, making it one of the oldest wine-producing regions in the world.

2. During the classical Greek era, wines were an integral part of social and religious life, with renowned vintages from regions like Chios and Rhodes.

3. The Byzantine period saw a flourishing of new grape varieties and styles, influenced by trade and cultural exchanges.

4. Today, Greece’s wine heritage is being revived, with producers rediscovering forgotten grapes and honoring age-old techniques.

Wine Tasting Experience

Although the wine tasting experience in Athens transports visitors on a journey through Greece’s millennia-old viticultural heritage, it’s far from a stuffy academic affair.

Led by an expert sommelier, the session offers an engaging, interactive exploration of ancient and rare indigenous grape varieties. Guests savor four or more wines, learning about their unique flavors, aromas, and cultural significance.

An engaging, interactive exploration of Greece’s ancient and rare indigenous grape varieties, led by an expert sommelier.

Beyond just tasting, the experience includes pairings with authentic Greek nibbles, elevating the sensory experience.

Whether a wine novice or aficionado, attendees depart with a newfound appreciation for the diversity and richness of Greece’s ancient winemaking traditions.

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Food Pairing Offerings

Complementing the ancient wine selection, the wine tasting experience offers an array of traditional Greek nibbles to elevate the sensory journey.

Theres some good:

1. Briny Kalamata olives, cured to perfection and bursting with Mediterranean flavor.

2. Creamy feta cheese, drizzled with aromatic Greek olive oil and sprinkled with dried oregano.

3. Crunchy dolmades, hand-rolled grape leaves stuffed with fragrant rice and herbs.

4. Savory keftedes, melt-in-your-mouth beef and lamb meatballs seasoned with aromatic spices.

These carefully curated pairings amplify the unique characteristics of the ancient Greek wines, creating a harmonious and immersive tasting experience.

Booking and Reservation Details

How can guests go about booking this captivating wine tasting experience in Athens?

It’s a breeze – no upfront payment is required. Just reserve your spot and pay later. The cancellation policy is flexible, too – you can get a full refund if you cancel up to 24 hours in advance.

When you arrive, check-in at the Wine & Olive Oil Bar using your name. The sommelier-led masterclass includes four or more wines from ancient Greek grape varieties, and you can even taste some ancient nibbles to pair with the wines.

Don’t forget – tips aren’t included, and the experience isn’t suitable for those under 19.

Customer Feedback and Ratings

Travelers have overwhelmingly praised this captivating wine tasting experience in Athens, with a stellar 5-out-of-5 rating based on one review.

This ancient wine adventure offers:

1. Delightful discoveries of Greece’s hidden grape gems, from obscure indigenous varieties to centuries-old vintages.

2. An educational masterclass led by a passionate sommelier, sharing insights on the country’s rich wine heritage.

3. Opportunities to pair the unique wines with traditional Greek nibbles, elevating the tasting experience.

4. A flexible format catering to beginners and wine enthusiasts alike, ensuring an engaging and customized journey.

Age and Gratuity Considerations

Though gratuities aren’t included in the price of this Athens wine tasting experience, attendees are welcome to show their appreciation for the sommelier’s expertise with an optional tip.

This wine adventure is limited to guests 19 years of age and older, as per local regulations. The host recommends arriving early to check-in and start sampling the ancient Greek grape varieties as soon as possible.

With a vibrant atmosphere and educational insights, this immersive tasting is perfect for both wine novices and enthusiasts seeking to expand their knowledge of Greece’s rich viniculture heritage.

Things To Know

Is There a Dress Code for the Wine Tasting Event?

There’s no specified dress code for the event. Guests can dress comfortably in casual attire. The focus is on enjoying the wines and learning about the ancient Greek grape varieties, not on formal dress.

Can I Bring My Own Wine to the Tasting?

No, you can’t bring your own wine to the tasting. The experience is designed for you to sample a curated selection of ancient Greek grape varieties led by a sommelier. Bringing outside wine wouldn’t be permitted.

Are There Any Gluten-Free or Vegan Food Options Available?

The wine tasting offers ancient Greek nibbles, but the availability of gluten-free or vegan options is not specified. It’s best to inquire with the organizers in advance about any dietary accommodations.

Do I Need to Have Prior Wine Knowledge to Attend?

No, you don’t need prior wine knowledge to attend. The wine tasting is designed for beginners and wine lovers seeking to learn about ancient Greek grape varieties. The sommelier-led class will provide all the necessary information.

Can I Purchase the Wines Tasted During the Event?

According to the information, you can indeed purchase the wines tasted during the event. The experience includes four or more wines from ancient Greek grape varieties, so you’ll have the opportunity to buy your favorites after the tasting.

Sum Up

The Athens: Greek Ancient & Rare Grape Varieties Wine Tasting masterclass offers a delightful opportunity to explore Greece’s rich winemaking heritage. Guided by an expert sommelier, you’ll savor unique indigenous varieties, complemented by authentic Greek nibbles. With flexible reservations and free cancellation, it’s an ideal outing for wine enthusiasts aged 19 and older, promising an engaging and memorable experience.

You can check availability for your dates here: