Table of Contents:
The Three Northern Greece Wine Regions.
Macedon Wine.
Epanomi.
Mount Olympus.
Kozani.
Naousa.
Filotas.
Goumenissa.
Ossa.
Halkidiki.
Are Macedonian Wines New?
The Macedonian Wine scene has gone global in recent years.
Northern Greece is one of four distinct climatic zones in Greece. Most people do not realize that Greece has so many climates. Of course, travel posters almost always promote sunny beaches or architectural wonders with rocky backdrops.
Most of Northern Greece is a wet climate with cold, wet winters (rain and snow) and semi-mountainous terrain. For this reason, there is a slower growth of grapes, which, in turn, leads to more complex tastes.
As a result, Macedonian Wine today is in a competition (and comparison) to French, Italian, and California wines.
The Three Northern Greece Wine Regions.
- Thrace. – To the east of Thessaloniki. The Thrace region covers parts of Bulgaria (Northern Thrace), Turkey (Eastern Thrace), and Greece (Western Thrace).
- Macedonia. – To the north. Greece and the Republic of Macedonia now share the region.
- Epirus. – To the west.
Surprisingly, there are over 300 indigenous grape varieties in Greece. Although many of the wineries are growing several of these, the significant types today are the following:
White
- Assyrtiko. (A seer’ tee ko.) – Originally from the island of Santorini, where it is very successful. Therefore, it is now growing in several areas of Greece.
- Malagousia. ( mah-lah-gou-ZYA.)– This Greek grape was almost extinct until lake view in the north brought it back. As a result, it is the most planted white wine grape in this region.
- At the same time, other whites, including Roditis. (roh-VEE-tees.) and Sauvignon blanc are famous.
Red
- Xinomavro. (K-see-NOH-mah-vroh.) – This grape is the most popular red grape in Thessaloniki Wine. It has high-tannin and medium-plus acidity. As a result, many compare it to the reds of Italy’s Piedmont region.
- Also, other reds include a mixture of Limnio, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Syrah.
Great Macedonian Wine
What is “great” wine? The “experts” will go on about tannins and acidity and…. In short, to me, it is only excellent if I like it.
Now, what you like may be different from what I prefer. Heck, I sometimes drink red wine with fish. In contrast, white wine with a peanut butter sandwich. (Don’t judge.)
Instead of dissecting every Macedonian wine, I will list the “wine” towns in northern Greece.
Furthermore, I will reduce the focus to only those towns/areas 2 hours or less driving from Thessaloniki. As a result, I think a day trip.
I will tell you of the wineries I, or my traveling companions, admire. And some of the reasons.
Although most wineries produce white and red wines, I will list their importance in order. In other words, red, white, and rose would mean the winery produces all three. But red is their most popular. White is the next popular, then rose.
It will then be up to YOU. Taste the Macedonian wines and choose the best for YOU.
This list is not the “ultimate, definitive” list of wines from Northern Greece. However, it should give you an excellent overview and direct you towards the vineyards you will like the best.
Above all, it should serve as a perfect introduction to these delicious wines. Also, maybe make their pronunciation and terminology a little less Greek.
Macedonian Wine.
(Within Thessaloniki.) The terrain is slightly rolling fields of sand and clay composition. Equally important is the influence of the Aegean’s sea breeze warming the grapes. As a result, this is a prime area for red and white grapes.
- Stelios Kechris Domaine. – An award-winning winery in the western part of the city, 20 minutes taxi from Aristotelous Square. Specifically, their specialty is Retsina. But try it! Regardless of what you may hear, it may positively surprise you.
Epanomi.
(40 minutes S.) In like manner to the city, it has the same rolling fields and sand/clay composition. Also, the influence of the Aegean Sea and its breezes.
- Ktima Gerovassiliou. – Whites, also reds. Since 2005, their white wines have been winning awards. Also, visit the vineyard’s museum. It has a collection of winemaking, bottling, and cooperage tools from around the world.
- Kitrus. – Whites & red. The Malagousia white is buttery. Although, during my visit, the Syrah wine was attracting more tasters.
Mount Olympus.
(1 hour 40 minutes S.) The vineyard sits at the foothills of the mountain. Because of this, the mountain acts as a wind block, and the winters are mild. The terrain is a sandy clay mixture.
- Domaine Katsaros. – Red and white. A limited yield allows the vintners to spend quality time on their wines. Although they are using Xinomavro grapes, the tannins and acidity are not “in your face.” (think Pinot). The Chardonnay is delicious with Meze, or it’s excellent for the entree. Or both.
Kozani.
(1 hour 30 minutes SW.) The sandy clay soil with a mild climate is perfect for red and white grapes.
- Ktima Voyatzi. – White, rose, and red. Despite its modern facilities, you feel the family’s presence. In this case, by the third generation. I give the reds and the whites’ thumbs up. The lake view does not hurt the experience.
- Diofili. (Website in Greek Only) – Rose, red and white. In this case, two friends, one a Boutari family member, began this winery. At first, it was to help stimulate winemaking in this area. It is a small but modern winery. While some good to excellent wine now, I think you will hear more from them in the future.
Naousa.
(1 hour 30 minutes W.) The location on the south-eastern slopes of Mt. Vermion protects the grapes from the cold winds. Also, the vines receive the afternoon sun.
This is a great region to include on a visit to Pella, or Vergina
,
- Boutari. – Red Wines. This vineyard is Boutari’s original location (1879). This company is mainly responsible for the reemergence of the Xinomavro grape. Despite its size, I think Boutari still produces excellent wines.
- Karydas Estate. – Red. This small family-run winery only produces one Xinomavro wine. At the same time, they do it well.
- Dalamara Winery. – (Website in Greek Only) Red and white. Several of the reds are award-winning. With this in mind, it is worth a stop for red wine lovers.
- Ktima Kir Yianni. – Whites, Roses and Red. Established by a member of the Boutari family, it specializes in artisanal wines. While attracting much attention from its pedigree, I like it for its simpleness.
- Foundi Estate. – Whites, Reds. This small family-run winery plants Xinomavro grapes predominantly. Although I told you these grapes were for red wine, they also produce tasty white wines from the same grape.
- Diamantakos. – One red, one white. This winery is one of my favorites. For one thing, it is small, friendly, and straightforward. It reminds me of trips to the Napa Valley back in the early 1980s. Cakebread tastings at the kitchen table and Mr. Grgich was pouring the wine in his barn. Also, the setting in the vineyard is magical.
Filotas.
(1 hour 45 minutes W.) At a higher altitude (1900 feet +) and with a continental climate, both red and white grapes do well.
- Alpha Estate. – Red, white and rose. Famous for their red wines. As a result, comparing them to Italian Barolos is not unusual. Also, some of the whites are very good.
- Domaine Karanika. – Greek bubbly. You should try it. Then again, you drive right past this domain on the way to the Alpha Estate. Therefore, you deserve to try Greek sparkling wine. It is a bubbly end to the afternoon.
Goumenissa.
(1 hour 10 minutes NW.) In the foothills of Mt. Paiko, they receive a continental climate, with cold winters and dry summers. Grape varieties are predominantly red. (Xinomavro and Negoska). You can also spot several monasteries in the area that do not require a boat ride to see.
- Domaine Tatsis. – A small family-run (two brothers) winery. As a result, it is small, hands-on, and the focus is on a few wines they do well.
- Domaine Chatzivariti. – Red and white. Best known for reds. In contrast, their Sauvignon Blancs have won several awards as well.
- Boutari Goumenissa. – Reds and white. Starting in the late 1980s, Boutari invests in this area to help stimulate the local viticulture. As an example, the majority of their vines are Xinomavro and Negoska. As a result, they now have some delicious red wines. Also, they are introducing Merlot, Chardonnay, and Cabernet Sauvignon.
- Aidarinis winery. (Website in Greek Only)– Red and white. A family-run winery near Goumenissa. Some excellent, but small production, red wines.
Ossa.
(50 minutes NE.) A hilly terrain here receives humidity and chilly winds from the Aegean.
- Babatzimopoulou Estate. – White, rose & reds. They also produce Ouzo and Tsipouro.
Halkidiki.
(1 hour 10 minutes SE.) A mountainside terrain with a humid dry-warm climate from the Aegean. Check it out and the nearby monasteries of
- Domaine Porta Carras – White, red, and rose. It possibly could be the setting and views that make this wine so enjoyable. The Malagouzia grape is making a comeback, and it can thank Domaine Porto Carras for its revival. This grape dates from the ancient days of Macedonian winemaking. Some of their reds use the Greek Limnio grape, which appears in the texts from Aristotle. In other words, it is possibly the most ancient variety of grape in use in the world.
Summary of Macedonian Wine.
If you miss the Napa or Sonoma valley of the 1980s, you will love the Macedonian Wine trails. Picture this, small wineries on back roads, far from the maddening crowds.
Many of the wineries band together to create what they call the “Wine Roads of Northern Greece.” This link can help with route planning.
However, not all the wineries in this blog appear on this map. It is only their members.
Remember, this article does NOT include all the Macedonian wines, and this is NOT the “only” list to use.
In other words, use it as a starting point.
Understand that with every new harvest, there are new wines to try. The best Macedonian wine is yet to come.
In contrast, this is NOT the Napa Valley; winery visits are not as popular.
Therefore, many wineries are not open for guests to stop by without a reservation. Some are open on weekdays; others are not.
Please check their website before travel begins.
Also, many require reservations in advance.