Athens: Wine Tasting in Sweet Wines of Greece

Imagine stepping into a cozy cellar in the heart of Athens, where a knowledgeable sommelier guides you through the stories behind some of Greece’s most treasured sweet wines. That’s what you get with the Wine Tasting in Sweet Wines of Greece tour offered by Brettos Plaka. This short, focused experience promises a taste of Greece’s long-standing tradition in sweet wine-making—perfect for curious travelers eager to expand their understanding beyond the usual Greek ouzo or retsina.

We really appreciate the intimate setting, with small groups ensuring you get personal attention, and the chance to sample wines that are often overlooked by travelers. On the flip side, the 25-minute duration might feel a bit brief for those wanting a deep dive into Greek wine. Still, this experience is ideal for anyone interested in authentic tastes, cultural stories, and a quick yet enriching introduction to Greece’s sweet wine heritage.

If you’re a lover of wine or simply curious about Greek traditions, this tour is well-suited for you. It’s particularly great for travelers who appreciate expert guidance, want a convenient tasting in central Athens, and are happy to enjoy a relaxed, small-group environment.

Key Points

• Authentic Greek wines: Taste four carefully selected sweet wines, including both fortified and naturally sweet options.
• Expert-led experience: Certified Sommeliers guide you through the stories and techniques behind each wine.
• Historic varieties: Discover wines from notable regions like Samos, Patra, and Santorini.
• Compact yet informative: The 25-minute session is perfect for a quick cultural infusion in Athens.
• Flexible booking: Reserve now, pay later, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
• Small group size: Limited to 10 participants, ensuring a personal and engaging experience.

You can check availability for your dates here:

What Makes This Tour Stand Out?

This isn’t your typical wine tasting. Hosted by Brettos Plaka, one of Athens’ iconic wine and deli cellars, the Sweet Wines of Greece tour offers a concise but meaningful glimpse into some of Greece’s most revered dessert wines. The setting itself adds charm—a historic cellar in the lively Plaka neighborhood, bustling with local character and centuries of tradition.

The core offering: four sweet Greek wines, accompanied by filtered water to cleanse your palate. The wines include both fortified and naturally sweet varieties, broadening your appreciation for Greek vinicultural artistry. The tour lasts just 25 minutes, making it a convenient stop for travelers with packed schedules, but don’t let the brevity fool you—there’s plenty of substance here.

The Wines You’ll Taste

You’ll sample three of Greece’s most celebrated sweet wines, each with a story as rich as their flavors. The White Muscat from Samos, famous for its fortified wines, uses the same aromatic grape variety found in many Greek dessert wines. The fortified method—originally discovered in Greece—adds a layer of richness and complexity that many find irresistible.

Next, you’ll explore Mavrodaphne of Patra, one of Greece’s oldest fortified wines, hailing from the port city of Patra. This wine’s history stretches back centuries, with its deep, luscious character making it a perennial favorite among connoisseurs.

Finally, you’ll taste Vinsanto from Santorini, a wine that has gained a reputation for being a world-class naturally sweet wine. While less known globally than other Greek wines, its unique production process and intense flavor profile often steal the show, earning critical acclaim.

The Experience: What to Expect

Upon arrival at Brettos Plaka, you’ll be welcomed into a warm, inviting environment where the sommelier will introduce each wine, sharing fascinating tidbits about its origin, production method, and cultural significance. The tasting is designed to be both educational and enjoyable, with the sommelier guiding you through each sip, helping you identify aromas, flavors, and textures.

The session’s brevity means you’ll get a focused, high-quality introduction—ideal for those new to Greek wines or looking for a quick cultural highlight. The wines are presented in small pours, enough to appreciate their nuances without overwhelming your palate. Throughout, you’ll also have filtered water to refresh your taste buds between sips.

Value and Practicalities

The cost includes four Greek sweet wines and filtered water, making it a reasonably priced way to deepen your understanding of Greece’s vinicultural traditions. The experience is designed for small groups, with a maximum of ten participants, fostering a friendly, interactive atmosphere.

Booking is flexible—reserve now and pay later, with free cancellation up to 24 hours beforehand. This makes it easy to fit into your travel plans without stress. The tour is conducted in English, and the short duration makes it suitable for a wide range of travelers, from those with limited time to those eager to add a special tasting to their Athens itinerary.

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What Do Guests Say?

While specific reviews aren’t included here, the general expectation is that visitors appreciate the knowledgeable guidance and the chance to try wines they might never discover on their own. Some note the experience as “short but sweet,” with the sommelier’s storytelling adding an engaging layer to the tasting.

This experience is perfect for travelers who:

• Want a taste of Greece’s hidden wine treasures without a long commitment.
• Are curious about Greek wine-making methods like fortification and natural sweetness.
• Seek a small-group, personal experience rather than a large, impersonal tasting.
• Enjoy learning cultural stories alongside sipping wine.
• Prefer a convenient, central location in Athens to maximize sightseeing time.

It’s less suitable for those seeking an in-depth, multi-hour wine tour or looking to explore a variety of wine regions extensively. But for a quick, insightful introduction, it hits the mark.

In essence, the Sweet Wines of Greece tasting offers a charming snapshot of Greek wine history—accessible, authentic, and educational. You’ll leave with a better understanding of Greece’s sweet wine traditions, as well as a few bottles to enjoy later. The guided element, small group size, and historic setting make it a memorable experience for anyone eager for a taste of local culture.

If you’re a curious traveler, a wine lover, or someone intrigued by Greece’s lesser-known beverages, this tour delivers a delightful, manageable introduction. Its affordability and flexibility make it a smart addition to your Athens agenda, especially if you want a break from museums or ruins but still crave a meaningful cultural experience.

Is this tour suitable for wine beginners?
Absolutely. The guide explains everything clearly and starts with the basics, making it accessible for all levels of wine knowledge.

How long does the tasting last?
The experience is 25 minutes long, making it perfect for a quick but meaningful taste of Greek sweet wines.

Are the wines included in the price?
Yes, four sweet wines are included, along with filtered water, giving you a well-rounded sampling experience.

Can I cancel my booking?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, providing flexibility if your plans change.

Is the experience held in English?
Yes, the tour is conducted in English, ensuring clear communication and engaging storytelling.

Where does the tasting take place?
It’s hosted at Brettos Plaka, a historic wine and deli cellar in the lively Plaka neighborhood of Athens.

This experience is a straightforward, enjoyable way to deepen your appreciation for Greek wines and culture, all within a friendly, intimate setting. It’s ideal for those who value quality over quantity and want a memorable taste of Athens’ vibrant wine heritage.

You can check availability for your dates here: