Athens: Greek Wine Tasting and Picnic on Philopappou Hill

Key Points

• Authentic Greek Wine Tasting: Sample 4 premium wines made from native Greek grape varieties, carefully selected to showcase regional diversity.
• Expert-Led Experience: Led by certified oenologists who share insights into the wines’ origins, production methods, and unique qualities.
• Scenic Picnic Spot: Enjoy a relaxing walk up Philopappou Hill to a quiet picnic area with panoramic views over Athens.
• Local Bites Included: Pair your wines with sourdough bread, local cheese, olives, and extra virgin olive oil for a well-rounded tasting.
• Small Group Experience: Limited to 10 guests, ensuring personalized attention and a friendly atmosphere.
• Flexible Timing: Tours last around 2 hours, with available start times checked upon booking.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Athens Greek Wine Tasting and Picnic on Philopappou Hill: An Authentic Sip of Greece

This 2-hour experience offers a genuine taste of Greece, combining expert-led wine tastings with a scenic outdoor picnic. Hosted by Oenolocas, this tour is perfect for wine lovers looking to discover native Greek grape varieties in an intimate setting. Starting just outside the Odeon of Herodes Atticus on Dionysiou Areopagitou Street, the experience begins with a short, scenic walk up Philopappou Hill to a peaceful picnic spot with outstanding views of Athens.

We like how the tour balances education and relaxation. The certified oenologists guide you through the tasting, providing insights into each wine’s history, origin, and production methods, from ancient traditions to modern techniques. The visual aids, including a wine flavor wheel and Greek wine map, help deepen understanding of aromas, tastes, and regional differences—making it a memorable learning experience for both wine novices and enthusiasts alike.

Meeting Point and Walk to Philopappou Hill

The journey begins at a convenient meeting point on Dionysiou Areopagitou Street, just across from the main entrance of the Odeon of Herodes Atticus. The guides wait in the shade, recognizable by their straw picnic basket. From there, a short 10-minute walk takes the group through charming streets and natural paths, leading up to the quiet picnic area on Philopappou Hill. The ascent involves a gentle uphill walk on uneven paths, so comfortable shoes are recommended.

This walk offers a chance to enjoy breathtaking views of Athens as the city unfolds below the hill. The landscape and serenity of the spot set the perfect scene for a wine tasting outdoors, away from busy city streets.

Tasting Four Native Greek Wines

At the picnic spot, the core highlight begins: tasting 4 carefully selected wines from indigenous Greek grape varieties. Each wine is chosen to represent the diversity of Greece’s wine regions. The guided explanation helps guests understand what makes Greek wine distinctive, from ancient roots to contemporary styles.

Participants learn about the origins and production techniques of each wine, gaining appreciation for the craftsmanship behind Greece’s winemaking. The visual aids support this learning, making it easier to explore aromas, tastes, and regional features with confidence.

Pairing Wines with Local Bites

The tasting experience is complemented by a pairing of local bites. The sourdough bread, local cheese, olives, and extra virgin olive oil are thoughtfully chosen to enhance each pour. These fresh, high-quality snacks allow for a more immersive tasting, highlighting Greek culinary traditions alongside the wines.

The pairings are designed to bring out the best in each wine, offering a balanced experience that combines flavor, texture, and regional freshness. This makes the picnic not just relaxing but also a culinary adventure.

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The Scenic Return Walk and End of the Tour

After the tasting and picnic, the group takes a leisurely walk back down the hill along a different path, providing new perspectives of Athens below. The stroll offers a peaceful conclusion to the experience, with views of the city and the hill’s natural landscape.

The activity ends back at the starting point on Dionysiou Areopagitou Street, allowing participants to continue exploring Athens or head to other nearby attractions.

Logistics, Group Size, and Practical Tips

This tour is limited to 10 participants, ensuring a small-group atmosphere where everyone can engage comfortably with the guides. The activity includes a guided wine tasting, 4 wines, local snacks, and use of visual aids like the wine flavor wheel and Greek wine map.

The meeting point is well-marked, making it easy to find, and the walk to the hill is part of the experience. Comfortable shoes are recommended due to uneven paths, and participants should bring sunscreen, a hat, and weather-appropriate clothing, as the activity is outdoors.

The experience is suitable for adults aged 18 and over, and not suitable for children. It does not include transportation to the meeting point or additional food and drinks beyond those provided.

What Sets This Tour Apart in Athens

What makes this experience stand out is the combination of scenic outdoor setting, expert-guided wine education, and local culinary pairing. The small group size and personalized attention ensure an intimate, engaging experience that blends learning and leisure seamlessly.

The guided walk through the hill follows a gentle uphill path, making it accessible for most with moderate mobility, but not ideal for those with limited mobility. The scenic views and outdoor atmosphere make it a refreshing alternative to indoor wine tastings.

Who Will Appreciate This Experience Most

This tour suits wine enthusiasts, curious travelers, and those interested in Greek culture and culinary traditions. It’s especially appealing to visitors who want a relaxed outdoor activity with nature, panoramic views, and authentic Greek wines.

It’s a good fit for those who appreciate small-group experiences and enjoy combining learning with scenic leisure. If you’re seeking a casual, educational, and scenic way to explore Greek wines, this tour offers a genuine taste of Athens’ wine heritage.

The Sum Up: A Unique Wine and Picnic Experience in Athens

The Athens Greek Wine Tasting and Picnic on Philopappou Hill provides an authentic glimpse into Greece’s wine-making traditions within a beautiful outdoor setting. The guided tasting of four native wines, paired with local bites, and set against panoramic city views make for a memorable outing.

While the walk involves uneven paths and the tour is limited in duration, the personalized guidance and scenic location are significant advantages. This experience is perfect for adventurous wine lovers and outdoor enthusiasts who wish to combine cultural discovery with relaxation.

This tour offers excellent value for those eager to explore Greek wines in a small, friendly group, creating a tasting experience that’s both educational and enjoyable.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is transportation included to the meeting point?
No, transportation to the meeting point on Dionysiou Areopagou Street is not included; guests are responsible for reaching the starting location.

What should I wear for this outdoor tour?
Comfortable shoes are recommended due to natural paths, and weather-appropriate clothing, including a hat and sunscreen, is advised for outdoor conditions.

How many wines are sampled during the tour?
Participants taste 4 premium Greek wines, selected from indigenous grape varieties.

Are children allowed on this tour?
No, participants must be 18 years or older to participate, as the experience involves wine consumption.

How long is the walk to the picnic spot?
The walk from the meeting point to Philopappou Hill takes about 10 minutes and involves a gentle uphill climb.

What is included in the price?
The price covers the guided wine tasting, 4 selected wines, local snacks (sourdough bread, cheese, olives, olive oil), and the use of visual aids like the flavor wheel and wine map.

Can I cancel the tour if my plans change?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the scheduled start, allowing full refunds.

Is there any additional food or drink not included?
Yes, any food or drinks beyond those provided during the picnic are not included.

What makes this tour unique compared to other wine experiences in Athens?
Its combination of scenic outdoor setting, small group size, expert guidance, and local culinary pairing offers an intimate way to enjoy Greek wines amid nature.

Is the tour suitable for people with limited mobility?
The tour involves a gentle uphill walk on uneven paths, so it may not be suitable for guests with significant mobility limitations.

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