I never miss an opportunity to explore Greek Wines. We had come to Corfu, a lush green island in the Ionic Sea between Greece and Italy, home to some of the finest coastal scenery in the Mediterranean. Corfu, a crossroads for trade routes across the Mediterranean Sea, has over the centuries been a prize for conquerors. In mythology, it was the island of the Phaeceans, where Odysseus met Nausicaa. In historical times, it belonged to Ancient Greece, later it was occupied by Romans, Byzantines, Normans, Angevins, Venetians, French, Russians and the British. In 1864 it became part of the modern Greek nation. That October day in port we met up with Di and Shawn who were also exploring Greek Wines.
After dismemberment off we went to Old Town. For us it was a nice walk of about 40 minutes using the map on our iPhone. We were excited to checkout the wine scene on this island, given its long and colorful history. Corfu fortress overlooking Old town was the perfect backdrop for our wine adventure. Given our limited time in port, for us a visit to Old Town was an opportunity for a vine-filled experience.
Our Vine-filled Corfu Adventure
Before sharing our vine-filled adventure in Corfu I would like to note that Corfu has had a long history of wine making. Corfu vineyards date back to antiquity. During Roman and Byzantine periods, its wine production played a significant role, albeit more for local consumption than for commercial trade. A significant boost in wine production came during the Venetian rule (1386–1797). It is not a coincidence that many grape varieties on the island bear Italian, or Latin names.
After Corfu became part of the modern Greek state in 1864, wine production experienced several transitions. As the island’s agricultural economy shifted and tourism became a dominant industry, traditional winemaking declined. However, in recent decades, the island has emerged as a destination for authentic wine experiences. Today Corfu produces white wines, rosés, and red blends, which are produced under the PGI Kerkyra and PGI Halikouna designations. Its local grapes according to Google AI summary include:
- Kakotrygis (White): The island's signature white grape; yields light, citrusy, and saline wines, or richer barrel-aged versions with a tannic, red-like profile.
- Robola (White): Though famous in Kefalonia, historic Corfu estates grow it locally to produce vibrant, mineral-forward citrus and honey styles.
- Skopelitiko (Red/Rosé): A light-bodied red grape used for fresh, pleasant tannins and crisp, refreshing rosés.
- Petrokoritho (Red/White): An ancient indigenous variety frequently blended into local whites and rosés.
In addition, according to Wine-Searcher:
The PGI (the same level as France's IGP and IGP/IGT in Italy) covering all of Corfu was established in 1996. Just a handful of wineries produced PGI Corffu wines, with a emphasis on light dry whites from the Kakotrygis variety.
The Halikouna PGI came into law one year earlier. It covers the Agios Mattheos area, in Melitia municipality in the southwest of the island, not far from the Korissia lagoon wetlands. Just a single winery currently uses the designation, again with a focus on Kakotrytis.
There are currently no PDO appellations in place.
During our walk to old town from the cruise port we enjoyed seeing lush vegetation and local architecture. Soon we arrived in an area of narrow streets.
As we got closer to the wine bar on our list our GPS sent us around in circles, up and down narrow streets, before arriving. Based on my earlier online reviews we had decided on Choes for a wine tasting; and so once on shore off we went to find it.
Regrettably upon arrival we discovered it was closed.
We were disappointed that it happened to be closed. On a positive note we met up with Di and Shawn who were also came there in search of Greek wine. It was great to meetup with Shawn, who is also a sommelier.
Once we discovered Choes was not open, off the four of us went to look for another location.
Kati Averoff, Rosé, Metsovo 2025 is a medium dry rosé is produced from Xinomavro grown in the highest-altitude mountain vineyards in Greece at Metsovo. The vineyards have existed since 1959. Katogi Averoff winery and hotel offers unique wine-centric experiences. We had the good fortune of visiting Kati Averoff in 2015 while exploring on the Wine Roads of Northern Greece. During that visit I tasted a 2011 vintage.
One more white wine which I did not list that Di enjoyed was a Malagousia. I may have missed a few wine details from our table.
The Owl Street Bar was an awesome find for us. John and I enjoyed meeting Di and Shawn. We so enjoyed sharing wine experiences with them, as we cruised towards Barcelona, where they would disembark to return home.
It turns out that Di loved the Malagousia wine that day. Wine is always about creating wonderful memories with friends.
More Corfu Memories
After the wine tasting off we went for lunch. Di found a restaurant known for its domas.
We also discovered a wine shop on our way back to port. Of course Shawn loved taking a peek at the wines on the shelves.
Needless to say that looking for wine in Corfu was a great adventure! Indeed Corfu vine-filled memories with friends are the best. Yes, the Corfu Robola is now on my list to explore further. I invite you to join me in my Mediterranean Sea travels and elsewhere at Wine Travels with Dr. Sharon, and at Spaswinefood on Bluesky and Facebook. I am so looking forward to sharing more on my vine-filled explorations.
