Top 10 Wine Bars in Athens

At the wine bars in Athens, get a taste of one the oldest wine cultures in the world and the capital’s modern yet laid back vibe.   

Wine Bars in Athens Worth Visiting

Greece’s wine industry is up and coming. There have been so many great achievements in recent years including the introduction of award-winning wines, stylish family-run vineyards and the increased notoriety of Greece’s excellent varieties.

So, while it’s on the rise – and if you love wine – take time out during your visit to discover Greek wine at the top wine bars in Athens.

What to Order at Wine Bars in Athens

Don’t know much about Greek wine?  Knowledgeable sommeliers will advise you with pleasure. To get you familiar, some popular wine varieties include the citrus edged Assyrtiko, the velvety red Agiorgitiko and the smooth red Xinomavro. My favorite is a white variety called Moschofilero. If you love whites, you have to try it.

What I also love is the opportunity to try out some of the little Greek plates and dishes listed in the fantastic pairing menus. I also think enjoying the best wine bars in Athens is a pretty economical night out too. A glass of wine is typically around four to six euro.

Top 10 Wine Bars in Athens

Heteroclito

If you find yourself strolling Athens’ busiest shopping street head a bit off the way for a break and a glass of vin at one of favorite wine bars in Athens called Heteroclito.

The French bistro like setting is simply charming. In case you are wondering what the name means, it means heterogeneous.

It’s very vintage inside, and the beautiful bar takes up most of the first floor. Even though there’s a second floor, the spaces are tight so you might not score an indoor table.  The weather is nice most of the year in Greece, so the outdoor seats along the pedestrian way would be just perfect.

Pair your selection with Greek cheeses and cold cuts.  My sweet dessert wine came with a bit of Greek chocolate. Loved that.

Fokionos 2 & Petraki, Monastiraki 105 63; +30 210 323 9406; www.heteroclito.gr

Sideways

Sideways is one of the newer wine bars in town.  It’s near Syntagma on a cozy downtown corner that seems to be removed from any urban noise. I liked the design of the place and the staff is super friendly. There are 80 Greek wine labels to choose from and a Greek wine pairing menu to consider.

Iperidou 1, Athens 105 58; +30 210 324 9100

Vintage Wine Bar and Bistro

This sophisticated wine bar is centrally located around  where Plaka and Monastiraki meet.  Find a wine collection that is 200 labels strong and a full dinner menu.  Friendly service.

Mitropoleos 66-68; +30 213 029 6570; www.vintagewinebistro.com

Fabrica De Vino

Housed in a refurbished factory, I almost missed the entrance to this wine bar which is located on an itty bitty street near dodgy Omonia Square. Don’t let that stop you from going. Walk inside to experience a world of wine including a long, modern and stylish bar, shelves stacked with fine wines and a cozy backroom wine restaurant.

Choose from wines by the glass. There’s a food pairing menu as well.

Oinoscent

This is the wine bar in Athens that started it all. Around since 2008, Oinoscent offers a monthly selection of 35 wines are served by the glass.

Wine lovers can poke around in the cellar where there are 800 labels waiting for a tasting.

Voulis Street 45-47, Athens 105 57; +30 210 322 9374;www.oinoscent.com

Winepoint

If you’re only looking for quality Greek wines head here.  I liked this place because it was simple yet cozy.  You could easily miss it since it’s hidden on a small street near the Acropolis. Winepoint serves thousands of labels from 200 local Greek varieties.

Also, choose from the Greek cheese and charcuterie menu.

Porinou Street 2, Athens 117 42; +30 210 922 7050; www.wine-point.gr

Kiki de Grece

I found this wine bar tucked away on a corner pedestrian lane next to two other nightlife hubs.  Very cute and quiet with nice outdoor seating.

There are more than 50 labels with tastings by the glass.  The name is a bit funky. I learned it was inspired by a French artist named Kiki de Montparnasse who said, “In hard times the only thing I need is a piece of bread, an onion and a bottle of wine.”

The seasonal dishes are nice to try too.

Ipitou 4, Syntagma 105 57; 30 210 321 1279; www.kikidegrece.gr

By the Glass

You’ll find this wine bar in beautifully refurbished 19^th century mansion near the National Gardens. Like its name reveals, you pretty much order by the glass.

There are up to 50 wines that can be poured in 25 ml, 75 ml and 150 ml by-the-glass servings. In warm weather, the outdoor garden alley is just charming.  In cooler weather, this venue remains smoke free.

3 Souri, Stoa Ralli 105 57; +30 210 323 2560; www.bytheglass.gr

Cinque Wine and Deli Bar

At this super cozy little Psirri establishment, taste Greek wines by the glass.  The list includes 30 labels from all over Greece.  There’s also a Greek plates food menu to check out.

Agatharchou 15, 10554; www.cinque.gr

Cava Vegera

For those of you staying in the beautiful beach bordering Athens Riviera, I recommend Cava Vegera.   It is has a laid back stylish atmosphere, appropriate for its location. Select from 50 wines by the glass and a nice little meal from the bistro or pairing menu.

That sums of some of my favorite wine bars in Athens.

Are you a local and love wine? Tell me about your favorites in the comment boxes below!

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