Experiencing the Northern Greece's vineyards
The Wine Routes of Northern Greece offer visitors the chance to explore some of the most beautiful and unique wineries in Europe. From the high hills of Macedonia to the plains of Thrace, the wine routes offer a diverse selection of wineries and vineyards.Whether you’re a wine enthusiast or just looking for a unique day out, here’s a guide to the best vineyards in Northern Greece.
Visitors can explore the historical sites and the beautiful countryside, taste the local wines, take part in a variety of activities, such as wine tasting and grape stomping and learn about the history of the wineries. The region is also home to some of the oldest vineyards in Greece, making it the perfect place for wine lovers to explore.
Thessaloniki is home to some of the oldest wineries in the country, making it the ideal place to start exploring the Wine Routes of Northern Greece.
Here's our list with the top 8 wineries everyone should visit around Thessaloniki.
1. Alpha Estate:Alpha Estate is a Greek winery in Amyndeon, Greece. Established in 1993, the winery is located in the rolling hills of Amyndeon, in the northern part of Greece. Alpha Estate produces a range of wines from indigenous Greek varieties, and has received numerous awards for its wines. Visitors to Alpha Estate can take part in winery tours and tastings. Guests can learn about the winemaking process and explore the vineyards and cellars. Alpha Estate also offers food pairing experiences, in which guests can enjoy a selection of local dishes paired with the winery’s wines. Alpha Estate also hosts events throughout the year, such as concerts, lectures, and special wine tastings.
2. Boutari Winery: The Boutari Winery in Naoussa is a destination must-visit for those looking to experience Greek wine culture in a unique and beautiful setting. The winery is located in the picturesque village of Naoussa, with stunning views of the surrounding vineyard-lined countryside. The winery offers visitors a range of options for exploring the local winemaking scene. Guests can take a guided tour of the winery and its vineyards, learning about the viticulture and winemaking process. There is also a tasting room, where visitors can sample the winery’s range of wines, including both white and red varieties. The winery also offers an array of events, such as winemaker dinners and seminars, as well as a range of educational activities for children..
3. Fountis Winery: Located in the outskirts of Thessaloniki, Fountis Winery is one of the oldest wineries in the region, with a history that dates back to the early 19th century. The winery produces a variety of red and white wines, including local varieties such as Agiorgitiko, Asyrtiko, and Xinomavro. The wines are made from grapes sourced from the family-owned vineyards in the vicinity of Thessaloniki, and are aged in oak barrels for a minimum of 18 months before being bottled. Visitors to the winery can take part in a guided tour, tasting session, and wine-pairing meal. The winery also has a restaurant that serves traditional Greek dishes, as well as a gift shop.
4. Ktima Gerovasiliou: Ktima Gerovasiliou is a Greek winery located in the Epanomi region of Macedonia, Greece. The winery was founded by Evangelos Gerovasiliou in 1992 and has grown to become one of the most acclaimed wineries in Greece, producing some of the country's most highly regarded wines. The winery is located on the slopes of the mountain of the same name and specializes in the production of Greek varietal wines, primarily from the indigenous Greek grape varieties Assyrtiko and Malagousia. The winery also produces several international varietals, including Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc. The winery has received numerous accolades for its wines, including a five-star rating from the Greek Wine Guide.
5. Tsantali Winery:Tsantali Winery is a family-owned winery and vineyard in Greece. It is one of the oldest wineries in the country, having been founded in 1879. The winery is located in the northern part of the country in the region of Halkidiki. Visitors to Tsantali Winery can take a tour of the vineyards, learn about the winemaking process, and sample some of the winery's award-winning wines. The tour typically lasts one to two hours and includes a tasting of five Tsantali wines. Visitors will have the opportunity to learn about the different grape varieties used in the production of Tsantali's wines and the winemaking process. After the tour, visitors can purchase bottles of Tsantali wines to take home..
6. Dalamara Winery: Dalamara Winery is located in the small village of Loutra in the Prefecture of Thessaloniki, about an hour's drive from Thessaloniki. From the moment you enter the winery grounds, you are surrounded by a feeling of tradition and quality: the oldest vines are over 80 years old and are part of the “Vineyard of the Gods”, the oldest vineyard in Greece. Dalamara Winery produces a variety of wines, from crisp whites to full-bodied reds and sweet dessert wines. The winery offers tours and tastings, during which you can learn about the winemaking process and sample some of their finest wines.
7. Thymiopoulos Winery: In the village of Trilofos is the Thymiopoulos winery where winemaker Apostolos Thymiopoulos focuses on making terroir-driven wines expressing their unique origin while praciting organic and biodymanic viticulture. They offer guided tours of their vineyards and winery, as well as tastings of their wines.
8.Kechris Winery: Kechris winery is open to all wine lovers and anyone eager for the art of winemaking. Visits comprise of a short introduction to the winemaking tradition and philosophy of Kechris family and a guided tour around the wine-production, ageing and bottling areas. Visitors can taste our top-quality retsinas and wines in the special wine-tasting room.
Whether you are a wine connoisseur or just looking for an enjoyable day trip, the Wine Routes of Northern Greece will give you an unforgettable experience.
