Private Wine Tasting Experience of Greek Awarded Wines at Athens Wine Suburb

Explore Award-Winning Greek Wines in a Private Setting

This private wine tasting experience near Athens offers an intimate journey into Greece’s celebrated winemaking scene. For $206.35 per person, guests enjoy approximately 4 hours of guided tastings, visits to two distinguished wineries, and an insightful tour of a historic wine museum. The tour begins with pickup from your hotel or preferred location in Athens, ensuring a convenient and comfortable start to your half-day adventure.

What makes this experience stand out is the opportunity to sample multiple award-winning wines from Greek vineyards. The tour caters to those interested in discovering authentic Greek wines, learning about traditional harvest methods, and exploring local wine history—all with the comfort of private transportation and expert guidance. While it’s a richly educational experience, it’s best suited for those who appreciate wine, culture, and a relaxed, personalized atmosphere.

Key Points

• Private half-day wine tour starting with hotel pickup in Athens
• Visits to two renowned wineries: Markou Vineyards and Domaine Vassiliou
• Tastings of Greek and global award-winning wines including Silver and 3-star rated labels
• Includes a tour of a historic wine museum, showcasing traditional harvesting and processing techniques
• All transportation, tastings, and cheese/bakery accompaniments included for a seamless experience

Discovering the Wineries Outside Athens

The tour’s first stop is Markou Vineyards, where the focus is on Greece’s ancient winemaking traditions. At this location, visitors taste three award-winning labels, including the Schinopefko Retsina, which earned a Silver award at the 2017 PAR Wine Award International. Other tastings feature Pixie (a PGI of Attica with a 3-star rating) and Savvatiano (a 100% Attica white wine rated 3 stars). These wines are complemented by Greek and global cheeses and bakery items, enhancing the tasting experience.

Next, the tour moves to Domaine Vassiliou, part of the Nemeion Estate. This family-owned winery has been producing high-quality wines from indigenous Greek varieties since 1905. The third-generation winemaker, George Vassiliou, operates this winery along with the Nemeion Estate. Guests learn about the family’s history and the distinct qualities of their wines, which are enjoyed worldwide. The visit here lasts about an hour, providing ample time to explore the estate and taste their offerings.

The Wine Museum: A Step Back in Time

A key highlight of this tour is the wine museum visit, which lasts approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes. Here, visitors see photographs and machinery illustrating traditional Greek vineyard harvests and winemaking techniques from the 19th century. This part of the experience offers a visual journey through historic methods, making the connection between past and present winemaking practices clear and fascinating.

The museum visit enriches the tasting experience with contextual knowledge, helping guests appreciate the tradition behind each sip. Admission to the museum is included, making it a smooth, educational addition to the day.

Comfortable Transportation and Expert Guidance

Throughout this private tour, guests benefit from air-conditioned transportation in an executive car or mini van. The driver is an English-speaking local, providing insights and answering questions, which adds a personalized touch. The private nature of the tour ensures a relaxed pace and tailored experience, avoiding crowded group settings.

Plus, the tour offers a lunch stop if the extended option to the Temple of Poseidon is chosen. This allows guests to enjoy a seaside meal, often regarded as a highlight by previous participants. Note that lunch and entrance fees for the temple are not included unless the extension is selected.

The Authenticity of Greek Award-Winning Wines

The core appeal of this tour lies in its focus on Greek wines that have received international recognition. For example, the Schinopefko Retsina with a Silver award reflects the quality and heritage of Greek winemaking. The Pixie and Savvatiano wines, both rated 3 stars, underscore the consistency and excellence that the tour introduces to guests.

Guests get to taste multiple wines during guided sessions, with expert explanations about harvest traditions, grape processing, and winemaking techniques. These insights help deepen the appreciation of Greek wines, whether one is a connoisseur or simply curious.

Visiting Two Historic Wineries with a Rich Legacy

Markou Vineyards and Domaine Vassiliou are both steeped in history and tradition. Markou Vineyards highlights ancient Greek winemaking customs, while Domaine Vassiliou emphasizes indigenous Greek varieties cultivated by a family with over a century of experience.

Both wineries produce award-winning wines that showcase Greece’s unique terroir and winemaking expertise. Visiting these sites allows guests to understand how Greek wine has evolved from historical practices to modern excellence, all within a private, immersive atmosphere.

Exploring the Wine Museum’s Heritage

The wine museum offers a rare glimpse into the historic machinery and photographs depicting traditional Greek harvests and wine processing. This part of the tour provides a visual narrative of how wine was historically produced, connecting the ancient roots with contemporary methods.

Guests can observe machinery used from the 19th century, gaining a richer understanding of the evolution of winemaking. The museum visit is included in the tour price and complements the tasting sessions with tangible historical context.

Logistics and Booking Details

The tour is designed for most travelers, with confirmation received at booking. It is a private experience, meaning only your group participates, which ensures personalized attention and flexibility. The price is $206.35 per person, with the booking generally made 84 days in advance on average.

The pickup service makes it easy to start the tour without logistical worries. The group discounts are available, and the entire experience lasts around 4 hours, making it suitable for a half-day activity. Cancellation up to 24 hours in advance is free, providing flexibility in case plans change.

Why Choose This Greek Wine Tour?

This tour appeals primarily to wine enthusiasts and those interested in Greece’s rich winemaking heritage. The combination of award-winning wines, historic winery visits, and an informative wine museum makes it a comprehensive and engaging experience. The private nature of the tour ensures a relaxed pace and personalized insights from guides and the driver.

While it does not include lunch unless the extended option to the Temple of Poseidon is selected, the visit offers a perfect balance of tasting, history, and scenic views. Its high 5-star reviews reflect consistent quality, with guests praising the knowledgeable guides, beautiful views, and top-notch wines.

Exploring the Distinctiveness of This Tour in Athens

Compared to other local tours, this experience specializes in Greek award-winning wines and the historic wineries outside Athens. It provides a unique opportunity to taste internationally recognized Greek wines and understand local traditions firsthand.

Guests appreciate the expert guidance and the opportunity to visit both a historic wine museum and family-run wineries. The scenic drive along the coast to the wineries adds a relaxing touch, with options for a seaside lunch if desired.

Who Would Enjoy This Tour the Most?

This experience is ideal for wine lovers wanting to explore Greek wines with international awards. It suits those who prefer private, intimate tours over large group activities and value learning about winemaking traditions. The tour also appeals to history buffs interested in Greek cultural heritage, especially through the museum visit.

Travelers seeking a relaxed, scenic half-day trip outside Athens, combined with tastings of high-quality wines, will find this tour particularly rewarding. The comfortable transportation and expert explanations make it accessible and engaging for a wide audience.

The Sum Up: A Wine Odyssey in Greece

This private wine tasting tour offers a personalized journey into Greece’s acclaimed winemaking traditions. Visiting two historic wineries, tasting award-winning Greek wines, and exploring a heritage wine museum creates a well-rounded and enriching experience. The private transport, knowledgeable guides, and delicious cheese accompaniments provide added comfort and value.

While not including lunch by default, the option to extend the tour to the Temple of Poseidon makes this experience adaptable for different interests. It’s best suited for wine enthusiasts, culture lovers, and those seeking a relaxed, scenic escape from Athens. The consistent 5-star reviews affirm its quality, making it a highly recommended choice for a half-day cultural and gastronomic adventure.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of this wine tour?
The tour costs $206.35 per person.

How long does the tour last?
The tour lasts approximately 4 hours.

What locations are visited during the tour?
Guests visit Markou Vineyards, Domaine Vassiliou, and the wine museum.

Are transportation and tastings included?
Yes, private transportation, guided tastings of award-winning wines, and cheese and bakery accompaniments are included.

Can I extend the tour to include the Temple of Poseidon?
Yes, the lunch stop and temple extension are available as an option, but entrance fees are not included unless selected.

Is this tour suitable for children or non-drinkers?
While primarily a wine tasting experience, non-drinkers can still enjoy the museum visit and scenic drive.

Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, the tour is typically booked around 84 days in advance.

Is this a group or private experience?
It is a private tour, with only your group participating.

What makes this tour unique compared to others in Athens?
Its focus on award-winning Greek wines, visits to historic wineries and a wine museum, and the personalized, private setting distinguish it from other options.

What should I wear or bring?
Comfortable clothing and a sense of curiosity are recommended; transportation and tastings are organized for convenience.