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Athens is a real world metropolis, with entry to wonderful worldwide wines. It additionally has a very historical connection to grapes and the artwork of wine making with centuries-old wineries surrounding town.
So, it ought to come as little shock that Athens has among the finest wine bars in all of Greece, if not Europe. From pure wines to worldwide superb wines and native vintages, together with a couple of wine bars in your subsequent Athens meals tour helps you get a real style of what town has to supply.
Oinoscent
Photograph credit score: Oinoscent
Oinoscent is an upscale bistro wine bar close to fashionable vacationer points of interest like Syntagma Sq. and Ermou Avenue. It’s an incredible spot to take a seat again for a soothing drink, and a meal after an extended day exploring Athens.
The inside décor at Oinoscent is glossy that includes an air of sophistication with picket accents and strategically smooth lighting. It’s intimate sufficient to have an informal drink with a buddy or come collectively to satisfy with everybody in your group on the finish of the day.
Oinoscent’s wine checklist features a full spectrum of Greek and worldwide wines from France and Italy. To not point out an excellent number of top-shelf pure wines. For those who’re on the lookout for an genuine style of Greek wine, they’ve a stunning number of crimson wines from the Peloponnese and Northern Greece.
On my final go to, the on-hand sommelier beneficial an Assyrtiko white wine from Santorini, which I discovered spectacularly refreshing. I’d been on my ft all day, and the cool white wine, with notes of citrus and salinity was precisely what I wanted to slake my thirst.
Oinoscent (€€) – Voulis 45-47, Athina 105 57, Greece – Open Monday by Friday from 5:30 PM to 1:00 AM. Open Saturday and Sunday from 1:00 PM to 1:00 AM.
Heteroclito
Photograph credit score: Heteroclito
You’ll discover Heteroclito wine bar close to Syntagma Sq. and the picturesque Monastiraki space. Being centrally situated makes it a simple cease for wine lovers who take pleasure in a little bit of historical past. Particularly because the Acropolis and the Historical Agora, are each inside cheap strolling distance.
Heteroclito’s ambiance is cozy and with an intimate vibe. The décor is concurrently rustic and chic with picket tables, and towering cabinets lined with beautiful wine bottles. In good climate, I believe the out of doors seating space is the place to be. It presents up an genuine street-side expertise that’s excellent for people-watching.
The wine checklist at Heteroclito largely focuses on Greek wines. In addition they are inclined to have wine alternatives from different elements of Greece that you just don’t often discover at different wine bars.
For those who’re an oenophile, it’s an incredible alternative to discover wines from rarer grape varieties like Assyrtiko from Santorini, Moschofilero, and even Agiorgitiko. They even have some reasonably uncommon Assyrtiko whites, with astoundingly crisp acidity and mineral notes.
On my final go to, I sampled one of many Xinomavro reds, which had a daring construction and complexity. It completed with a sturdy physique that left my palate aching for extra.
Heteroclito (€€) – Fokionos 2, Athina 105 63, Greece – Open Monday to Thursday from 12:30 PM to 12:00 AM. Open Friday and Saturday from 12:30 PM to 1:30 AM. Open Sunday from 6:00 PM to 12:00 AM.
Cinque Wine & Deli Bar
Photograph credit score: Cinque Wine & Deli Bar
Cinque Wine & Deli Bar is a pleasant wine bar situated within the Psyrri neighborhood of Athens. That is an space identified for its avenue artwork, vibrant tradition, and bustling nightlife. Fashionable points of interest like Monastiraki Sq. and Hadrian’s Library are additionally shut by making Cinque a handy place for a glass of wine.
Cinque’s ambiance is heat and alluring. The décor is rustic stylish with uncovered brick partitions, picket tables, and cabinets with fashionable wine vintages on show. The workers could be very educated, with tons of nice suggestions on wines in addition to the deli meats and charcuterie pairing.
Cinque’s wine checklist is curated to advertise Greek wines from smaller, native wineries and vineyards. It virtually begs you to discover among the lesser-known bottles of wine in hopes of discovering a secret gem. They’ve some nice Assyrtiko wines from Santorini and Xinomavro crimson vintages that you just gained’t simply discover elsewhere.
On my final cease, I loved a Moschofilero white that was fragrant to the purpose of being floral. It paired properly with a small charcuterie board of artisan Greek cheeses, and Lountza cured pork.
Cinque Wine & Deli Bar (€€) – Agatharchou 15, Athina 105 54, Greece – Open Monday to Saturday from 6:00 PM to 11:00 PM.
Kiki de Grèce
Photograph credit score: Kiki de Grèce
Kiki de Grèce is nestled on a comfy pedestrian Ipitou Avenue close to the guts of Athens and Syntagma Sq.. It’s a bit little bit of a quiet oasis in what’s a reasonably frenetic, noisy a part of town. It’s additionally near the historic Plaka neighborhood and the Nationwide Backyard, which provides you a snug place to unwind if wanted.
The environment at Kiki de Grèce is heat and intimate with low lighting and choose seating that’s excellent for a romantic glass of wine with somebody particular. If you would like a bit recent air, there’s a modest out of doors seating space that allows you to watch town go by at a extra relaxed tempo.
Kiki de Grèce’s wine checklist focuses largely on superb Greek wines like Moschofilero and Assyrtiko. In addition they have a meals menu that features a rotating menu of tapas that pair completely with all of the good wines on their menu.
I used to be there on a Wednesday afternoon after they had an aperitivo particular of wine pairings and tapas. I significantly loved the Moschofilero white with spinach quiche. The Moschofilero was mild and floral with brilliant citrus notes and refreshing acidity that completely reduce the richness of the quiche.
Kiki de Grèce (€€) – Ipitou 4, Athina 105 57, Greece – Open Sunday to Thursday from 4:00 PM to 1:00 AM. Open Friday and Saturday from 1:00 PM to 1:00 AM.
Conclusion
The wine bar scene in Athens has risen to turn out to be top-of-the-line in all of Europe. From refined wine bar bistros like Oinoscent to humble institutions like Cinque, there’s one thing for everybody.
In fact, the wine bars on this checklist are simply the tip of a large iceberg. Athens is stuffed with wine outlets, winemakers, and cafes providing excellent wines from Greece and the remainder of the world. With so many choices to select from, you’re positive to seek out a couple of to suit completely into your subsequent Athens meals tour.
