Athens: Greek Wine Tasting and Picnic on Philopappou Hill

If you’re visiting Athens and want to add a touch of local flavor beyond the usual sightseeing, this Greek Wine Tasting and Picnic experience might just be what you’re looking for. Curated by knowledgeable oenologists, it combines a leisurely outdoor tasting with a scenic walk and a picnic on Philopappou Hill. It’s a chance to enjoy Greece’s renowned wine culture in a relaxed, small-group setting.

What we really like about this tour is how it balances education and enjoyment. First, you’ll get to taste 4 different wines made from native Greek grape varieties, which is a highlight for wine lovers eager to explore regional flavors. Second, the setting — with views over Athens from a quiet hilltop — makes for a memorable backdrop.

That said, a potential consideration is the uphill walk to the picnic spot, which isn’t suited for everyone, especially if you have limited mobility or are expecting a very leisurely, flat experience. It’s best suited for travelers who enjoy a bit of gentle activity paired with good conversation and scenic views.

This tour is especially perfect for those who want a relaxed, authentic experience that combines local wine traditions with the beauty of Athens’s landscape — those who appreciate good wine, scenic strolls, and a chance to learn without feeling overwhelmed.

Key Points

• Authentic Greek Wines: Taste 4 indigenous varieties, carefully curated to showcase Greece’s diverse wine regions.
• Educational & Fun: Learn about the origins and production methods of Greek wines using visual tools like flavor wheels and maps.
• Scenic Setting: Relax on Philopappou Hill with views over Athens, away from busy streets.
• Small Group Feel: Limited to 10 guests, ensuring an intimate experience and personal attention.
• Outdoor Picnic: Enjoy a simple but flavorful picnic with sourdough bread, cheese, olives, and extra virgin olive oil.
• Accessible Information: Perfect for wine enthusiasts and curious travelers wanting a taste of local culture in a relaxed environment.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Detailed Look at the Experience

Meeting Point & Walk to Philopappou Hill

Your adventure begins on Dionysiou Areopagitou Street, a charming and central spot just outside the Odeon of Herodes Atticus. From here, you’ll take a short, scenic 10-minute walk up Philopappou Hill. This gentle ascent offers lovely views and a chance to get acclimated to the surroundings before settling in for your tasting.

The meeting spot is easy to find — look for the host with a straw picnic basket sitting in the shade, ready to welcome you. The walk itself is manageable, but do keep in mind that it’s uphill and on uneven paths, so comfortable shoes are a must.

The Wine Tasting Experience

Once you reach your quiet picnic spot, you’ll dive into a guided tasting led by certified oenologists. They’ll introduce you to 4 premium Greek wines, all made from native varieties. The emphasis on indigenous grapes makes this experience distinctive, especially if you’re used to wines from elsewhere or simply want to deepen your appreciation of Greek terroirs.

Participants rave about the diversity of flavors—from light and crisp whites to richer reds—and how the experts explain the origins, production, and what makes Greek wines unique. According to some reviews, the experience is informative without being overwhelming, with plenty of time for questions and discussion.

Enhancing the Tasting

To make the most of your wine journey, you’ll be provided with a visual wine flavor wheel and a Greek wine map. These tools help you identify aromas, tastes, and regional differences, making the tasting more interactive and educational.

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The Picnic & Pairings

The wines are paired with local bites — fresh sourdough bread, cheese, olives, and extra virgin olive oil. These are simple, high-quality items selected to complement each pour. The pairing is designed to enhance the tasting experience, and many find it perfectly balanced — not too heavy, just enough to savor the flavors.

Scenic Walk Back & Final Impressions

After the tasting and picnic, you’ll take a leisurely walk back down along a different path — a nice way to digest and soak in the views. The entire experience lasts around 2 hours, making it a manageable addition to a day of sightseeing.

Practicalities & What to Know

Duration & Timing: The experience lasts about 2 hours. Check availability for starting times, as they can vary.

Group Size: Limited to 10 guests, which helps keep the vibe intimate and allows for personalized insights.

Cost & Value: While the tour doesn’t specify a price here, it includes four wines, local snacks, and educational materials. Given that these wines are premium and the guide is a certified oenologist, it’s a good value for those interested in authentic Greek wines and learning about them.

What to Bring: Wear comfortable shoes, hats, sunscreen, and weather-appropriate clothing — especially since it’s outdoors and involves a bit of walking uphill.

Age Restrictions: Participants must be 18 or older to taste alcohol, so it’s not suitable for children.

Accessibility: The walk involves uneven paths and a gentle uphill climb, which might not be suitable for those with limited mobility.

Who Will Love This Tour?

If you’re someone who enjoys wine, cares about local traditions, and appreciates beautiful outdoor settings, you’ll find this tour rewarding. It’s best suited for travelers who are comfortable with a bit of light walking and looking for a relaxed, informative experience in Athens. It’s also a good choice for couples, small groups of friends, or solo travelers who want a different perspective on Greek culture beyond the typical temples and museums.

Those seeking a family-friendly activity might want to skip this one, as it’s geared toward adults and involves alcohol tasting. But if you’re interested in a peaceful, scenic, and authentic local experience, this ticks the box.

Final Thoughts

This Greek wine tasting and picnic on Philopappou Hill offers a genuine taste of Greece’s vinicultural heritage combined with some of the best views in Athens. It’s an experience that balances education and relaxation, served in a small-group setting that fosters genuine conversation and memorable moments.

For travelers who love wine or want to learn more about Greece’s indigenous grapes, it’s a lovely, manageable way to enjoy the city’s natural beauty while sipping on carefully selected local wines. The scenic walk, paired with simple but thoughtfully chosen snacks, makes it more than just a tasting — it’s a chance to connect with the landscape and culture in a laid-back, memorable way.

If you’re after a taste of local life in a beautiful outdoor setting, this tour is a solid pick. Just be sure to dress comfortably and prepare for a bit of uphill walking, and you’ll likely walk away with not just new wines, but a deeper appreciation for Greece’s vinicultural pride.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for people with limited mobility? Not really. The walk involves uneven paths and a gentle uphill climb, so it might not be ideal if you have mobility issues.

Can I join if I don’t drink alcohol? No, participants must be 18 or older to taste the wines, so this tour isn’t suitable for children or those avoiding alcohol.

What should I wear? Comfortable walking shoes are a must, along with hats, sunscreen, and weather-appropriate clothing, since it’s outdoors.

How long does the tour last? About 2 hours, including walking, tasting, and the picnic.

What’s included in the price? The tour covers four premium Greek wines, local snacks (bread, cheese, olives, olive oil), educational materials, and the guided experience.

Are additional drinks or food available? No, only what’s included, so if you’re hungry afterward or want more wine, you’ll need to purchase it separately.

Is transportation provided to the meeting point? No, you’ll need to make your own way to Dionysiou Areopagitou Street.

Is this tour family-friendly? No, it’s designed for adults due to the alcohol tasting component.

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

What languages are the guides available in? The tour is offered in Greek, English, and French, catering to a diverse group of travelers.

To sum it up, if you’re looking for a laid-back, authentic way to explore Greek wine and enjoy some stunning views, this small-group tasting on Philopappou Hill offers a memorable and educational experience that’s worth considering. Just remember to wear good shoes and bring your curiosity — and perhaps a camera for those scenic vistas.

You can check availability for your dates here: