Wine drinking has been a part of Greek culture for 6,500 years, and it’s still going strong! The phenomenon of wine bars throughout Athens, though, is quite recent; prior to this dynamic explosion, spending an evening savoring top Greek and foreign wines meant going to upscale and expensive restaurants where the bill was equally impressive. A wonderful selection of wine bars has now sprung up all over Athens, giving visitors the opportunity to enjoy a relaxed chat with friends over a glass of good wine, complemented by equally delicious bites of food. Wine bars in Athens come in a variety of styles, mainly relaxed and casual, but in some cases more elegant and higher end.
The Greek wine scene has come a long way and local vintages are now winning accolades worldwide. The Santorini-grown Assyrtiko grape (White wine noted for its texture, acidity, and minerality), and the Xinomavro variety (full bodied red wine with rich tannic character and acidity with superb aging potential) from northern Greece are exceptional examples of the local terroir. And you can never go wrong with classics like Moschofilero (lively & floral, refreshing & invigorating white wine), Agiorgitiko (full body red wine, complex aromatics and generous, plummy fruit flavors) and, Malagouzia (best known aromatic white variety). If you really have the appetite to explore, we are happy to inform you that Greece has more than 200 indigenous grape varieties!
Today’s dynamic wine bar scene in Athens, is one that Dionysus, the god of wine, would approve of! (Gia mas / Cheers)!
Heteroclito:
Good things come in small packages, they say, and once you walk into Heteroclito, you will concur. Cuddle up in the tiny, bistro-style interior or grab one of the tables outside for people-watching while you swirl your glass. It has been quickly recognized by international wine magazines and opinion makers mainly from the U.S. and Canada, and has become a reference point for wine in the capital.
This is the go-to place if you’re searching for harder-to-find labels, limited productions, and natural wines, or if you want to compare the same grape varieties from different terroirs, paired with Greek cheeses and cold cuts, homemade pies and other delicacies.
In comparison with other wine bars, the food offerings are modest, as Heteroclito focuses more on a fun, social experience. Through pure wines and in the hearts of Athenians, it remains a hot spot for fond memories and fun nights with friends who love to go back again and again. Please note, all labels on the list are also available for retail purchase at cellar prices.
The 200-label wine list focuses exclusively on Greek wines, with around 20 wines offered by the glass. By the glass selections change on the 1st day of each month. The owner, Madeline, is half Greek and half French! When a Frenchman decides to open a wine bar serving nothing but Greek wines, I think it says it all!
Contact details: Fokionos 2 & Petraki, +30 210 3239 406, https://www.heteroclito.gr/en/ (9min walk from Panepistimio metro station , 5min walk from Syntagma square, 7min walk from Monastiraki square).
Warehouse CO2:
For lovers of bubbles! Founded in 2017, the small and elegant Warehouse CO2 is the younger sibling of much-loved Exarchia wine bar/restaurant, Warehouse. The venue’s key strength is its extensive list of champagnes and sparkling wines from Greece and around the world, offering an impressive list of varietals. Over 75 labels are available by the bottle, and 35 are available by the glass. Truly an impressive collection of sparkling wines that stands out!
The food menu is small and carefully thought out, with dishes that perfectly accompany wine with bubbles. The food at Warehouse CO2 may play a secondary role, but it is well-crafted and well-executed. Expect to find bruschettas, salads, charcuterie boards and cold dishes for sharing, such as sea bass ceviche, beef carpaccio, oysters & caviar (upon availability), rice bowls and desserts. We were told that additional cold dishes will be available from the small kitchen behind the bar, but make no mistake the protagonists in this beautiful place are the bubbles.
We’re at the beginning of the sparkling wine movement in Athens, and as it currently stands, Warehouse CO2 are the pioneers.
Contact details: Yperidou 1, +30 210 324 7048, https://warehouse.gr/en/ (11min walk from Panepistimio metro station, 5min walk from Syntagma square, 11min walk from Monastiraki square).
Psyche:
Although located among the busy streets of Syntagma, it is almost impossible to catch the eye of a passerby. In a portico of the center, Psyche is a place dedicated to good wine and delicious bites that is perfect for relaxed evenings and conversations. The menu is small but delightful, and you will also find an impressive variety of cheeses from different parts of Greece. At Psyche, they offer the wines of many small Greek producers, both native varieties and natural wines which are the latest trend in Athens. Aside from those available in the walk-in cellar, 17 labels are served by the glass, and are rotated frequently.
Psyche is housed in a 1930s-era building, featuring a high ceiling with its ground floor location. Even though it is very central, it gives the feeling of being away from the hustle and bustle of the city. It has a green patio area and tables that create a relaxing atmosphere.
Psyche is the wine bar made by people with passion for creating a place where they themselves could have a good time. And when this happens, all of us who visit love it and make it our home. You will experience this at Psyche when you visit.
Contact details: Kornarou 4, +30 210 322 1271, https://www.psychewinebar.gr/ (8min walk from Panepistimio metro station, 5min walk from Syntagma square, 7min walk from Monastiraki square).
Wine is Fine:
Wine is Fine is a collaboration between two Frenchmen and a Greek Chef. It is a fresh wine bar in the style of Parisian caves à manger. It is casual, yet elegant, classic yet hip. The food has a French bistro approach, where the flavors are not sophisticated, yet not simplistic either, and the atmosphere and decor will remind you of Paris. The wine list consists exclusively of natural and low-intervention wines, mainly from France and Greece.
With about 80 wine options available, only a few labels are by the glass. There is no wine list. You make your choice from the selection inside, with or without the help of a waiter and return to your table. The prices are listed on the bottle.
Located inside the infamous Historical Center of downtown Athens, this wine bar is a testament of how a cool team with some classic treats draws a hip crowd to their white-cloth side-street tables. They do not take reservations thus come early if you want to avoid waiting in line. Open every day for dinner from 18:00-01:00, and lunch is served Tuesday to Saturday from 13:00 to 16:00.
Contact details: Vissis 6, +30 210 323 0304, https://www.instagram.com/wineisfine.athens (7min walk from Panepistimio metro station, 11 min walk from Syntagma square, 5min walk from Monastiraki square).
Drunky Goat (Greek wines & Tapas):
Drunky Goat is not exactly a wine bar, not exactly a deli, and definitely not a restaurant. Drunky Goat is a well curated concept store with the sole purpose to immerse people into the world of Greek wines, while enhancing their experience with local cheeses and other charcuterie. The Wine comes first, and the food just pairs. Only Greek wines are offered, after all you can always drink French wine when you visit Paris. Almost 30 labels are available in bottle, by the glass or take away.
Upon entering, the visitor faces a refrigerator with numerous wine labels and information on each varietal, while the Drunky Goat team is happy to share the story behind each wine and help chose the right one(s) for you. The wines are accompanied by 8 different varieties of fine chesses and cured meats from all over Greece. The unique and tasty combination of bruschettas inspired by Greek cuisine is another option to pair with your wine.
This gem is nestled on a quaint and quiet street a few steps away from the hustling Syntagma. Cozy atmosphere, super warm & welcoming staff and reasonable prices. The music is laid back, adding to the vibe with cool portraits featuring goats in period costumes hanging on the walls. Open Tuesday to Sunday from 15:00.
Contact details: Navarchou Nikodimou 5, +30 210 331 9966, https://drunkygoat.com/ (5min walk from Panepistimio metro station, 5min walk from Syntagma square, 10min walk from Monastiraki square).
Glug Glug:
A sophisticated wine bar with eclectic music and delicious tastes. Petit and cozy, in this warm and atmospheric spritzeria / wine bar, one can choose from a wide variety of fine wines where every sip is a journey through the vineyards of quality craftsmanship, or a refreshing cocktail. The menu also claims a range of cheeses, charcuteries and pizzetti platters carefully selected to complement the wines and create a harmony of flavours.
Love and care are obvious in every detail, from the lighted candles that create the beautiful atmosphere, to the DJ’s music selection.
As the space inside is small, late in the night on weekends, groups spill outside as Glug Glug turns into an upright bar where you can enjoy your drink “on your feet” with a lot of socializing.
Contact details: Karytsi Square 5, +30 698 653 3960, https://www.facebook.com/p/Glug-Glug-Athens-61550749622875/ (5min walk from Panepistimio metro station, 5min walk from Syntagma square, 10min walk from Monastiraki square).
