TRAVELLING
EATING
ATHENS
Attica's Vineyards
Did you know that Athens is the only European capital where vineyards and wineries lie within a stone’s
throw from the city? Did you know that this region is the birthplace of the renowned retsina wine? Let
the aroma take you through memorable wine routes in one of the world’s oldest grapevine plantations
and try old classic or new labels in the cellars of local wineries. Feel the sweet euphoria that lives in the
magical world of wine.
Attica is a region favoured with a good climate: the winters are mild, the hours of sunshine many, the
local summer winds (meltemia) and the sea breeze lower the temperature in the summer and create the
ideal conditions for viticulture. 6,500 ha of grapevine fields, modern wineries that respect the age-old
winemaking tradition and indigenous superior quality varieties such as Savvatiano will take you on a
unique palatable journey across Attica. The history of the Attican vineyards goes hand in hand with good
quality, and modern technology helps enhance the production of fine wines. The wineries are open to
visitors for a tour around and some sampling before selection and purchase.
Legend and history
According to Greek mythology, the god Dionysus went on a trip to Attica where he was offered the
hospitality of King Ikarios at the Municipality of Ikaria. He then decided that the area was suitable for
growing his beloved grape vine and taught Ikarios how to cultivate it and produce wine. He then took to
visiting every village in Attica, offering wine to the locals.
Wine and grapes were always considered to be among the most important products of Ancient Athens.
Local wine would travel across the then known world in the Attican amphorae; archaeological finds such
as kylixes [drinking cups], craters and other vessels are proof of the Greek capital’s wine history and the
unique viticultural tradition that dates thousands of years. Today, wine producers cultivate indigenous as
well as imported varieties, they use their know-how and they keep experimenting in order to produce
top quality wines that have earned Attica a fine position in the international wine map.
Attican Varieties
Native and selected foreign varieties grow in the vineyards of Attica. White grape varieties have clearly
prevailed over red ones in the area. This happened mostly because viticulturists have selected
Savvatiano and Roditis two Greek varieties that flourish in 80% of Attica’s fields. Other cultivated
varieties are Athiri, Vilana, White Muscat, Assyrtiko, Robola, Muscat of Alexandria, Muscat of Hamburg,
Fileri and Malagouzia. The well-known Retsina wine is produced from Savvatiano with added pine resins
of the species Pinus Halepensis, whereas kokkineli – its rosé ‘counterpart’ is made from Roditis.
Some of today’s best Greek red wines are made from red varieties, such as mandilaria and agiorgitiko,
which grow well in Attica’s fertile land.
Greek Retsina
The resin-enriched wine boasts an unbroken history spanning 4,000 years. The famous retsina has been
the trademark of Athens as well as Greece from the Interwar Period until the ‘60s. It is said that its
unique taste is owed to a method of sealing the amphorae with pine resin in ancient Greece so as to
prevent the wine from going sour for as long as possible. The ancient Greeks invented the use of the
pine resin in order to seal up the mouth of the vessel. Over time the resin’s special aroma would enrich
the wine. Later on resin was added to the must in order to flavour the wine and preserve it better.
Retsina is a wine with fresh resin notes which make it spicier and it is the perfect accompaniment to
Greek dishes with an intense flavour. It has a mild aroma, the right acidity and a balanced sweetness that
have made it the ideal partner for seafood, oily as well as white fish. It is also served next to strong-
flavoured appetizers such as taramasalata, octopus and risotto, as well as tarts and poultry. Codfish with
skordalia, fried small fish, meatballs, tzatziki, olive oil braised vegetables (lathera); they all need a white
resinated wine to bring out their full flavour.
So, cool a bottle of Savvatiano and enjoy it under the Attican blue sky, the sun and the refreshing breeze
of this magical land with the oldest uninterrupted winemaking history in the world.
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ATHENS
Eating in Athens
One city- numerous gastronomical sceneries.
‘’Souvlaki’’ or ‘’teriyaki’’? ‘’taboule’’ or ‘’soufflé’’? Whatever is your favourite taste, you’ll enjoy it in
Athens! Almost in every corner of the city, you’ll find the world famous greek tavernas, souvlaki corners
as well as ethnic or multi-culti cuisine spots. In the ancient land of olive trees and vineyards, a
connoisseur will discover some of the international gastronomy ‘’temples’’, prized with Michelin stars!
But what is unique about Athens is the extraordinary kaleidoscope of different sceneries for enjoying
your breakfast, brunch, lunch, dinner or simply a coffee or a drink!
Under the Acropolis. Eat and drink like Greek Ancient Gods! In the picturesque neighborhoods of Plaka,
Thissio, Petralona having a breathtaking view of Parthenon.
In the historical- commercial triangle. Syntagma- Omonoia- Monastiraki. Historical squares, industrial
buildings, byzantine churches, hipster’s hot spots compose a unique urban scenery for enjoying your sips
and bites!
By the seaside. Along the Athenian Riviera, in the Piraeus area, on the East Coast of Attica, savour
delicious fresh fish and seafood. At Cape Sounio, close to Poseidon’s temple, don’t miss the experience
of enjoying an aperitif while admiring the sunset.
In the cool gardens of the northern suburbs. Chalandri, Pendeli, Kifissia, Stamata, Drossia offer you the
shade of their plane trees to enjoy great meat barbecues at nearby tavernas!
Vineyards of Attica. Did you know that Athens is the only European capital where vineyards and wineries
lie within a stone’s throw from the city? Come to Athens and let the aroma take you through memorable
wine routes in one of the world’s oldest grapevine plantations and try old classic or new labels in the
cellars. The local wineries are open to visitors for a tour around and some sampling before selection and
purchase.
Taste the superb Attican varieties. Famous Greek and international varieties such as: Savvatiano , Roditis,
Athiri, Vilana, White Muscat, Assyrtiko, Robola, Muscat of Alexandria, Muscat of Hamburg, Fileri and
Malagouzia flourish in the land of Attica.
Cheers with retsina! This unique, resin-enriched, wine was born in the land of Attica and boasts an
unbroken history spanning 4,000 years!
