One June Sunday in Athens, in fact it was our last day before our next morning departure, off we went to meet our friends at Diodos Restaurant, just below the Acropolis for dinner. Time had gone too quickly since we first arrived; so here we were saying goodbye.
One Sunday in June, Athens © Spaswinefood
Last May, I returned to Athens to continue my wine country travels in Greece. This time it was an opportunity to spend time with my sister, Georgia while exploring Greek wine country with my #sistersinwine, Anna Aga (Oenologist) and Evangelie Tseliou (Co-owner Cinque Winebars). Athens is unique in that it is one of the world's major cities with wine country nearby. In fact, the very next day after Georgia and I arrived in late May, we were off to Attica wine country.
Anna and Evangelie took us to Roxani Matsa Estate, a historic vineyard established in 1878, in Kantza, 15km from Central Athens.
Anna, Sharon, Roxani, & Georgia, Roxani Matsa Estate © Anna Aga
Roxani Matsa Estate Vineyard © Spaswinefood
They also took us to Nikolou Winery in Attica where we were treated to the absolute best of wine country experiences.
A Nikolou Winery Welcome © Spaswinefood
Attica is known for producing Greek varieties, such as Assyrtiko, Athiri, Agiorgitiko, Malagouzia and Savatiano. The international varieties produced here include Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Syrah. Nikolou Winery is located in the cradle of the Savatiano variety. While Savatiano, Attica's pre-dominant grape variety, is well-known for its use in the making of Retsina, Nikolou Winery also uses Savatiano in the making of white wine, sparkling wines, and of course Retsina. During that visit we would get to taste these styles of Savatiano.
Special thanks to our winery hosts, and Anna and Evangelie for making these visits this possible.
Off to Goodbye Dinner with Friends
That June Sunday afternoon we strolled through the plaza towards the Acropolis, checking the map on my iPhone to our meeting point at Diodos Restaurant.
© Spaswinefood
While over the years I have gotten familiar with the general layout of Central Athens, I still need to follow a map on my iPhone for specific locations.
Dinner with Friends, Athens © Spaswinefood
Dinner with Friends, Athens © Spaswinefood
It was a great conversation over mezes and wine. Dining with the Acropolis in the background is truly an inspiring experience.  |
| The Acropolis at Day's End © Spaswinefood |
All good things have end however, so we posed with the Acropolis in the background. During my Athens visits I have discovered that the Acropolis dominates the Central Athens skyline view.Acropolis from My Breakfast Table © Spaswinefood
A Closer Look at the Acropolis, Athens © Spaswinefood
For sure, whenever I am in Athens, I take advantage of viewing the Acropolis from as many different perspectives as possible. During an earlier walk about I did manage to visit Temple of Hephaestus, and take in the views of the Acropolis from there.
Acropolis, from Temple of Hephaestus © Spaswinefood
Beyond the historical beauty of Athens, with wine country adventures nearby, whenever I am in Athens Evangelie and Greg (Cinque Winebars) warm hospitality always makes me feel so welcome. Special thanks to Evangelie and Greg for such a wonderful welcome back to Greece.
Cinque, Athens is a #Winelover's Gem
Some years ago when I arrived in Athens for a #winelover gathering I just happen to connect with a facebook friend who owned a wine bar in Central Athens. Yes, the wine bar was Cinque. Some places are special because of the people. For Cinque it is not just because they are nice but also because they are knowledgeable about the wines and bring a special passion to serving wine at their wine bar. What I encountered on that initial #winelover outing, (Valentine’s Day, February 14, 2016) at the Cinque Wine Bar and Deli was not only great wines and food, but also amazing hospitality from the owners who are both knowledgeable and passionate about Greek wines. If you happen to be in Athens you must visit Cinque Athens. There is a special #winelover magic in the air at Cinque. Those who have yet discover today's Greek wines now is the time. Now is the time to explore Greek Wines!
We left Athens the next morning with the most amazing memories. Whether it is dining with a view of the Acropolis at Diodos Restaurant, exploring Greek wines at Cinque Athens (at one of its locations: Psirri, Monastirali, an Acropolis), or off to explore Greek wine country I invite you to join me in my wine adventures in Greece at Wine Travels with Dr. Sharon and at Spaswinefood on Bluesky and Facebook. #SeeYouInGreece CHEERS!
Sharon
June 2024
Athens, Greece
© Spaswinefood
Dinner, Acropolis at Day's End © Spaswinefood
Goodbye for Now, Athens © Spaswinefood
One Sunday in Athens © Spaswinefood
Perhaps the first wine story began with the Greek god of wine, Dionysus bringing some wine to Goddess Athena at the Parthenon, Athens. Each visit to Greece I am more, and more impressed by Greek wines, produced from both indigenous and international grape varieties. My wine soul is drawn to Greece, home to over 300 indigenous grape varieties. Greek wines with their impressive history are so exciting to explore. Each time I return my wine world is filled with amazing grape-filled adventures. Whenever I am in Athens, I return to Cinque wine bars where there is always special #winelover magic in the air. For sure each visit to Athens has provided me with the most amazing wine adventures.
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