# Wine and Meze in Athens: A Visitor’s Primer

- Link: https://www.traveltoathens.eu/travel-to-athens/eat/wine-bars/
- Published: 2025-05-01T09:00:00+03:00
- Author: Travel to Athens

Athens is a useful place to discover Greek wines and the custom of sharing smaller
dishes. Rather than recommending particular venues, this guide explains how to choose
what suits you.

![Explore Athens: Wine and Meze in Athens: A Visitor's Primer](https://www.traveltoathens.
eu/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/shutterstock_162044447-athens.jpg)

## Greek wine in brief

Common grape names include **Assyrtiko**, associated especially with the Aegean;**
Agiorgitiko**, a red grape strongly linked with Nemea; and **Xinomavro**, known 
from northern Greece. The style varies widely with producer and region, so a grape
name alone will not tell you exactly how a wine tastes.

![Restaurant tables prepared for dining in Athens, Greece](https://www.traveltoathens.
eu/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/traveltoathens-env-athens-greece-greek-tavern-tables-
and-chairs-in-retaurant-2026-09-23-06-31-45-utc-1024x684.avif)

## What is a mezedopoleio?

![Discover Athens: Wine and Meze in Athens: A Visitor's Primer](https://www.traveltoathens.
eu/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/shutterstock_383389930-athens.jpg)

![Discover Athens: Wine and Meze in Athens: A Visitor's Primer](https://www.traveltoathens.
eu/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/shutterstock_252242557-athens.jpg)

The emphasis is usually on small dishes for sharing. Ask for advice about portions
and order gradually, rather than treating each dish as a full individual main course.
If you would rather not drink alcohol, non-alcoholic choices can still accompany
the meal.

## Choosing without a recommendation list

Check menus, prices and opening hours directly. If a tasting experience appeals 
to you, understand whether the booking includes guided explanation, the number of
samples and food pairings. Visitors with dietary needs should confirm ingredients
rather than assuming all vegetable-based dishes are suitable.

![Explore Athens: Wine and Meze in Athens: A Visitor's Primer](https://www.traveltoathens.
eu/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/shutterstock_246621070-athens.jpg)

EAT IN CONTEXT

## Use food stops to support the day.

Markets, coffee stops and tavernas make most sense when they sit naturally inside
a walking route or neighbourhood plan.

[See the walking routes ↗](https://www.traveltoathens.eu/travel-to-athens/guide/walking-routes/)