Athens: Small-Group Wine Tasting Tour with Appetizers

Thinking about adding a touch of local flavor to your Athens trip? This wine tasting tour offers a relaxed way to explore the city’s vibrant streets while sampling some of Greece’s finest wines. It’s a nice option if you’re into discovering local culture through tasting and want a guided experience that’s not overwhelming.

What really caught our eye about this tour is how it combines learning about Greek vintners with a laid-back stroll through historic neighborhoods. Plus, the fact that you get six different wines paired with authentic Greek appetizers makes for a well-rounded experience. On the flip side, it’s worth noting that this tour isn’t suitable for children under 18, and it’s limited to small groups, which means more intimacy but also potentially less flexibility in timing.

If you’re someone who enjoys a good glass of wine, appreciates cultural stories behind local products, and likes a social atmosphere, this tour could be right up your alley. It’s also a solid choice if you’re craving a leisurely, taste-focused activity that fits comfortably into your Athens itinerary.

Key Points

• Taste six Greek wine varieties including white, red, and rosé
• Explore Athens’ charming city center on foot as you visit three local wine bars
• Learn about Greek winemaking from knowledgeable, friendly guides
• Enjoy authentic Greek appetizers at each stop, complementing your wines
• Small-group setting ensures a more personalized experience
• Accessible and flexible with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance

You can check availability for your dates here:

What’s Included in the Experience

This tour centers around six glasses of wine, each 75ml, carefully selected to showcase Greece’s diversity in winemaking. You’ll try two white wines (Moschofilero & Moschato), two reds (Agiorgitiko Nemeas & Xinomavro Naousas), and two rosés (Mandilaria & Amyntaio’s Xinomavro). These selections highlight both the variety of Greek grapes and the different regions they come from.

To accompany your drinks, you’ll be served meze—Greek appetizers like cheese, olives, tomatoes, and salty sticks. This adds to the experience because tasting wine alongside local snacks helps you appreciate the flavor profiles better. Plus, with a reserved table at each bar, you won’t be juggling your glasses or fighting for space.

The tour is run by Active Athens Holidays, a reputable provider, and is led by a friendly, knowledgeable guide who can answer your questions and share stories about Greek wine and culture. The activity is wheelchair accessible and follows all Covid-19 safety protocols, which is reassuring in today’s travel environment.

The Itinerary and Its Charm

Starting Point: Tzireon 12

You meet your guide at their office near the Acropolis Metro Station. It’s a convenient spot in the heart of Athens, making it easy to reach on foot or via public transport. The meeting point is straightforward and clearly communicated.

First Stop: Local Wine Bar

A short 10-minute walk takes you into the historic streets of Athens’ old city, Plaka. Here, you visit your first wine bar—an intimate spot with its own story. The atmosphere is cozy, and you get your first tasting session, paired with some Greek snacks, which helps set the tone.

More Great Tours Nearby

Second and Third Stops

Throughout the tour, you’ll visit a total of three wine bars. Each has its own style and history, which the guide shares. The 40-minute tastings are paced well, offering enough time to savor each glass and chat with your group. These stops are spaced with casual 10-minute walks, giving you a chance to enjoy the streets and scenery.

The Tasting Experience

At each bar, your guide provides insights into each wine’s origin, how it’s made, and what makes it special. This isn’t just about drinking—it’s about understanding Greek winemaking traditions. Reviewers mention that they appreciated the informative approach and the friendly manner of the guide.

End of the Tour

The experience wraps up back at the starting point, so you can continue exploring Athens or relax for the day.

The Value of the Experience

Considering the price of $88 per person, this tour offers a fair value for what you get: six well-chosen wines, local appetizers, professional guidance, and the chance to explore Athens’ historic streets in a relaxed setting. It’s a good way to indulge your senses without breaking the bank, especially compared to more commercialized wine tastings.

Some reviews mention the tour’s small-group setup as a plus, since it allows for more personalized attention and better interaction with the guide. Plus, the included appetizers are a thoughtful addition—they’re simple but authentic, giving a real taste of Greek hospitality.

The tour’s pacing makes it suitable for those who want a leisurely activity that’s not overly intense or lengthy. If you’re looking for an immersive deep dive into Greek wines, this might be modest, but for a balanced experience of tasting, culture, and city strolling, it fits well.

The Experience on the Ground: What Travelers Say

Multiple reviews praise the knowledgeable guides and the laid-back atmosphere. One customer appreciates how the guide “made the experience fun and educational,” which can be key to making wine tastings memorable. Others mention the quality of the wines and how the stops offered a good mix of options.

However, some note that the time at each venue might feel a bit brief if you’re really keen on savoring wines slowly. Still, most agree that the overall experience is charming and well worth the price.

Travelers also seem to value the location in Athens’ old city, as it allows you to combine cultural sightseeing with tasting. If you’re a fan of local stories and want to learn about Greece’s long-standing wine tradition, you’ll likely enjoy the guide’s insights.

Practical Tips for Participants

• Arrive on time at the meeting point to avoid missing the start.
• Inform the provider of dietary restrictions beforehand, especially if you’re vegetarian or have allergies.
• Wear comfortable shoes—the streets are cobbled, and there’s some walking involved.
• Stay hydrated and consider bringing a small water bottle.
• Pace yourself—you’ll be tasting six wines, so enjoy each without rushing.
• The tour is not suitable for children under 18, so plan accordingly.
• You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, giving flexibility if your plans change.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This experience is particularly ideal for wine lovers who want to discover Greek varieties without the fuss of a formal wine cellar tour. It’s also suited for those seeking a relaxed, social activity that combines city exploration with tasting. The small-group setting makes it perfect if you prefer a more intimate atmosphere, and the focus on local wines and snacks offers a genuine taste of Athens’ old-world charm.

If you’re traveling with a group of friends who enjoy casual tastings, or even if you’re a solo traveler looking to connect with others over wine, this tour can be a highlight. However, if you’re after a deep dive into winemaking techniques or a long, leisurely session, this might feel a little condensed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How long does the tour last?
A: The experience runs for approximately 2.5 hours, including walking between stops and tasting time at each venue.

Q: What wines will I taste?
A: You’ll sample six different Greek wines: two whites (Moschofilero & Moschato), two reds (Agiorgitiko Nemeas & Xinomavro Naousas), and two rosés (Mandilaria & Amyntaio’s Xinomavro).

Q: Are appetizers included?
A: Yes, each stop features Greek meze like cheese, olives, tomatoes, and salty sticks, served alongside your wine.

Q: Is this experience suitable for people with dietary restrictions?
A: The tour asks participants to inform the provider of any dietary restrictions beforehand, so accommodations can often be made.

Q: Can I cancel if my plans change?
A: Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours before the tour for a full refund.

Q: Is the tour wheelchair accessible?
A: Yes, the activity is wheelchair accessible.

Q: How many people are in each group?
A: The tour is designed as a small-group experience, which typically means fewer participants for a more personal atmosphere.

Q: Do I need to pay upfront?
A: You can reserve your spot now and choose to pay later, offering flexibility for your trip planning.

Q: What’s the meeting point?
A: The tour starts at Tzireon 12, next to the Acropolis Metro Station, making it easy to reach.

Wrapping It Up

If you’re after a relaxed, engaging introduction to Greek wines combined with a gentle walk through Athens’ historic streets, this small-group tour checks a lot of boxes. It offers a balanced mix of tasting, storytelling, and city strolling that suits travelers looking for a laid-back but meaningful experience.

The inclusion of local appetizers, expert-guided insights, and the cozy atmosphere at each wine bar make it feel like a genuine taste of Athens’ hospitality and tradition. While it’s not a deep technical wine education, it’s perfect for those who want to enjoy quality Greek wines while soaking in the city’s charm.

Keep in mind the price point reflects the curated experience and quality of wines, making it a good value for wine enthusiasts. If you’re traveling solo, with a partner, or even small groups, this experience can add a memorable flavor to your Athens trip.

In short, it’s an approachable and enjoyable experience suited to adults who appreciate wine, culture, and relaxed outings. It’s a gentle way to connect with Athens beyond the typical sightseeing, with enough flavor and personality to make it stand out.

You can check availability for your dates here: