Vera’s recently back from her trip to Santorini, where she committed to the study of Greek wine with gusto. This has inspired a spotlight on bottles from the sun-soaked islands to the mountainous mainland of Greece.
Scroll down to discover some exciting Greek wines we have on the shelves and explore indigenous grape varieties that deserve far more attention that they get. Yamas!
Penteskoufi Rosé, Kontogiannis Family, 2024
Region: Peloponnese
Grape: Agiorgitiko
The Kontogiannis family’s vineyards in the Peloponnese date back to the late nineteenth century and are now run by fifth-generation siblings Theo and Hope Kontogiannis. Inspired by their grandfather’s passion for organic farming, they have embraced biodynamic practices and a holistic, dry-farmed approach that reflects the region’s terroir.
The vineyards range from coastal sites to the foothills of Acrocorinth and higher mountain slopes. This direct-press Agiorgitiko rosé is fermented with wild yeasts and made with minimal intervention, without oak ageing.
Tasting notes: Wild strawberry and woodland fruit aromas with subtle herbal notes. Rounded and supple with off-dry red fruit, delicate spice, honey, and a fresh finish.
Ammonite, Gaia Wines, 2023
Region: Santorini
Grape: Assyrtiko
This is a very special wine from Santorini winemaking pioneers Gaia. Founded in 1994 by visionary agriculturists Yiannis Paraskevopoulos and Leon Karatsalos, the winery has played a pivotal role in putting Greek wines back on the world wine map where they deserve to be.
Ammonite is a striking expression of Assyrtiko from Thalassina, a single ancient vineyard at the highest point of Megalohori in Santorini. Grown in volcanic soils and shaped by the island’s sea winds, the old vines deliver intense minerality, vibrant acidity, and elegance. Crafted with a minimal-intervention approach – mainly stainless steel with a touch of old oak – Ammonite balances power and precision beautifully. Its name and Fibonacci spiral label symbolise the natural harmony between land and sea, Santorini and Nemea, where Gaia have their wineries.
Tasting notes: Rich and powerful yet beautifully smooth, with refreshing acidity layered with zesty citrus and a distinctive smoky flintiness. A complex, refined wine with exceptional length and character.
Tsigello Dry Mavrodaphne, Rouvalis, 2024
Region: Peloponnese
Grape: Mavrodraphne (aka Tsigello)
Founded in 1990 by Angelos Rouvalis and now led by Theodora Rouvalis and Antonio Ruiz Pañego, this Aigialeia estate combines international winemaking experience with a respect for its mountainous terroir. The steep, north-facing vineyards above Aigion, between 500–1,050 metres, benefit from cooling northern breezes and sandy clay soils that preserve freshness and balance.
Hand-harvested in early September, the grapes undergo three days of skin contact before fermentation, malolactic conversion, and ageing in French oak and amphorae. Bottled unfiltered, the wine expresses the raw elegance of the region.
Tasting notes: Laurel, rosemary and cocoa layered with ripe red berries and cinnamon. Well-structured with a long finish.
Terre de Zeus Xinomavro, Navitas Winery, 2022
Region: Pieria
Grape: Xinomavro
Named after the Latin word for energy and vitality, Navitas was founded by Maria Dimitriadis and Grigoris Sotiriadis in Litochoro, at the foothills of Mount Olympus in Northern Greece. The 16-hectare vineyard, planted up to 400 metres altitude, benefits from cool-climate conditions that enhance freshness and aromatic intensity.
Fermented with indigenous yeasts after cold maceration, the wine is matured for 12 months in French oak and concrete tulip vats before being bottled unfiltered for added character and complexity.
Tasting notes: Sun-dried tomato, black olive and violet aromas with grippy tannins, fresh cherry notes, and a lifted finish.
