The Perfect Greek Summer Wines for 2025

Sommelier Christos Theodoropoulos spends his days pouring at Hervé and his weekends chasing bottles across the islands. For this summer short-list he’s rounded up the Greek wines he keeps coming back to: sea-sprayed whites, bright rosés made for the golden hour, even a chill-able red that loves anything off the grill.

Each bottle marks a recent stop on his road-and-ferry circuit across the mainland and the Aegean and Ionian seas. Stock a few and you’re set for long lunches, late swims and every table that smells of oregano and sun-cream.

“Strawberries, cherries and an
angel’s kiss in spring,
My summer wine is really made
from all these things…”

01 Wild Rose 2024, Paliatsas Winery

“Let’s start with the first wine, a rosé called Wild Rose 2024 from the Paliatsas Winery, located near the lighthouse of Avlida, just outside Chalkida,” Christos says. “It’s made from 98% Muscat of Psamathousa in Laconia, with grapes influenced by sandy soils, and 2% Merlot. This blend gives the wine a refreshing summer character, with floral notes reminiscent of jasmine petals, while the Merlot contributes richness and color. It’s a perfect wine for sipping at sunset after a hot summer day, cool and relaxing.”

02 Orange Amphora, Abraam’s Vineyards

“Next is a special Malagousia I discovered on a recent Easter trip to Amyndeon,” Christos, who never stops researching wineries around the country, shares. “It comes from Abraam’s Vineyards located in Komninades, northern Greece near the Albanian border – a stunning landscape, almost biblical in its beauty. The Malagousia IGRA 22 offers distinctive aromas like orange peel and bitter orange, balanced by refreshing acidity and richness. This wine is perfect for a leisurely summer lunch; it’s the kind of wine you’d enjoy while relaxing at a tavern, savoring the tranquility.”

03 Chronos 2020, Argyrakis Estate

“Moving on, we have a wine from Naousa by Argyrakis Estate- two young winemakers doing fantastic work. Named Chronos 2020, this is a Xinomavro blanc de noir, meaning it’s a white wine made from red grapes. It features peppery notes, depth, and a creamy texture. It pairs wonderfully with grilled fish, creamy sauces, or pork dishes, versatile enough for casual dining or a fine dining experience,” Christos says, adding his dream scenario for enjoying this wine to the fullest: “I imagine drinking this wine somewhere beautiful, having caught some big fish that you’re grilling over beachside charcoal, enjoying good company and perfect views – that’s the vibe this wine inspires.”

04 Xinomavro Amyndeon, Vegoritis

“Next is a red wine from a recent visit to Amyndeon, a region renowned for its reds. At Vegoritis Winery, owned by Christos Boskos, I discovered this elegant 2018 Xinomavro,” Christos says. “It’s refined, filled with aromas of strawberry, tomato, red cherries, and herbal hints. Slightly chilled, it’s perfect after a day hiking in the mountainous regions of inland Greece. Picture yourself in the evening, under plane trees at a quaint tavern, a crisp, cool breeze, enjoying local meat dishes with red sauces—this Xinomavro provides a perfect, refreshing contrast.”

05 Mavri Spilia, Raptis Winery

“Next, we have an Assyrtiko from southern Greece, from Leontio in Nemea. Produced by Raptis Winery, it’s named Mavri Spilia (Black Cave), after a historical cave used by locals as a hideout during wars,” Christos reveals. “The 2021 vintage is mineral-driven and lemony, ideal for pairing with raw seafood dishes like ceviche or carpaccio at a refined restaurant.”

06 Malvasia, Moraitis Winery

“Now onto a sweet wine: a Malvasia from Moraitis Winery in Paros. The 2016 Malvasia varietal evokes late summer celebrations. Perhaps at a friend’s house at dusk, pairing beautifully with desserts like a traditional orange cake from the Peloponnese topped with vanilla ice cream—a delightful way to end a meal!” Christos says.

07 Ancestral, Olenos Estate

“Now let’s enjoy some sparkles,” Christos says. “Ancestral, from northern Greece, is a sparkling wine from Olenos Estate, where they use the ancestral method with the Limniona grape. It has vibrant notes of sour cherry and strawberry, a lively acidity, and a gentle fizz. It’s ideal for a beach picnic under a shady tree, chilled in a cooler, paired with a simple salad of salted cherry tomatoes and cheese—a wonderful complement to swimming and seafront summer chilling.”

08 Assyrtiko 2024, Domaine Sergiou

“Lastly, from Kastoria, we have the Assyrtiko 2024 from Domaine Stergiou, a winery set against a picturesque lakeside backdrop,” Christos says. “This wine has herbal notes, aromas of bread and yeast from lees aging, and a rich, satisfying texture. I can imagine using it to surprise or impress friends during a blind-tasting adventure, for it’s sure to spark curiosity and conversation during an exploration of different regions through their distinctive flavors.”