Greek Alcoholic Beverages

Ouzo is one of the best-known Greek specialties whose large-scale production started in 1830. It is distilled from neutral alcohol that is diluted with water and flavored with a combination of aniseed and various botanicals, such as fenne... READ MORE

Metaxa is a popular Greek spirit that is made from brandy (usually produced from Savatino, Sultanina, and Black Corinth grapes), a secret combination of botanicals, and the aromatic and carefully selected Muscat wines from the island of S... READ MORE

This strong Greek spirit is distilled from pomace—solid components of grapes that are left after the juice has been pressed. According to some records, tsipouro was first produced in the 14th century by Orthodox monks. The drink com... READ MORE

Tsikoudia is a Cretan spirit that is distilled from fermented grape pomace (strafylo)—the solid remains that are left after the grapes have been pressed. Tsikoudia is traditionally distilled in October and November, usually... READ MORE

Retsina is an ancient Greek wine that is flavored with resin—a sticky sap that is typically secreted by pine trees. Historians believe that the resin has been used in Greece for over four thousand years, and while its initi... READ MORE

This Greek white grape variety is indigenous to the island of Santorini, but it can also be found on other Aegean island such as Paros. The soil of the island, which is rich in volcanic ash, seems to enable the grapes to retain their acidity regar... READ MORE

Rakomelo is a Cretan drink that combines honey and tsikoudia, a clear Cretan spirit that is sometimes referred to as raki, though it is not anise-flavored like the namesake Turkish spirit. The drink is often flavored with herbs and spices... READ MORE

Agiorgitiko is the most widely planted red grape variety in Greece. It is cultivated in several wine regions, but Nemea, where the grape originated, is its most important region. Agiorgitiko is a versatile grape that can be vinified into ... READ MORE

Vinsanto is a dessert wine hailing from Santorini. It is made with sun-dried Assyrtiko and Aidani grapes. Despite a surprisingly similar name, this Greek wine does not have much in common with the more famous Vin Santo from Tuscany. The g... READ MORE

Xinomavro is a noble Greek red grape mostly cultivated in northern Greece. It is the second most planted dark-skinned grape in the country that is often compared to the legendary Italian Nebbiolo. The grape is usually made into dry red wi... READ MORE

Roditis is a pink-skinned variety from Greece that is cultivated throughout the mainland. It is the second most planted grape in Greece, used both in varietals and blends. The grape was mostly used for bland, inexpensive bulk wines, but t... READ MORE

Malagousia is an ancient, white-skinned Greek grape that was saved from extinction by Vangelis Gerovassiliou, who brought it back from obscurity in the 1970s. The grape produces aromatic dry wines, which are usually of excellent quality. ... READ MORE

Naousa is a Greek appellation located in the region of Macedonia. The wines produced under the designation are made exclusively from Xynomavro—an indigenous Greek grape that is often compared to Pinot Noir and Nebbiolo. Naousa wines... READ MORE

Moschofilero is a Greek grape that hails from Peloponnese. It is an aromatic and late-ripening variety that delivers high yields, but it is sometimes sensitive and finicky to grow. Despite its common presence, Moschofilero was only popula... READ MORE

Located in the northeastern part of the Peloponnese, Nemea is a Greek appellation that produces varietal red wines from the native Agiorgitiko grapes. Although the wines may vary in style, from easy-drinking to rich and full-bodied, they ... READ MORE

Patras is a wine-growing region located in the northern parts of Peloponnese. It is praised for aromatic and light-bodied white wines made from Roditis – an abundant pink-skinned grape that is also used as a blending variety in the ... READ MORE

Mantinia is a Greek designation that produces light and aromatic white wines from Moschofilero—an indigenous pink-skinned Greek grape. The region is located on the eastern side of the Peloponnese, an area characterized by its cool m... READ MORE

Vidiano is a native white grape from Crete that is mostly cultivated around Rethymnon. The grape is not widely known, but it has seen an upsurge in popularity in the last decade. It is usually used in varietal examples that are typically ... READ MORE

Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains is one of the oldest and most esteemed varieties of the Muscat grape family. Known for its small berries and tight clusters, this variety is highly prized for its aromatic qualities and versatility in winemaking... READ MORE

Mavrotragano is an old Greek variety that is currently experiencing a revival. The grape originates from Santorini, and it was mostly used in bland dessert wines and blends. It was nearly extinct until the winemakers Haridimos Hatzidakis ... READ MORE

Kidonitsa is a rare and ancient Greek grape that was once nearly extinct. It was saved by several producers from the Peloponnese region who realized that the grape has an excellent potential to produce aromatic white wines with a unique c... READ MORE

Robola is a white-skinned Greek grape that is grown in central Greece and the Ionian islands, but it is mainly associated with Cephalonia (Kefalonia), which is the home of the only Robola appellation. In the past, Robola was often mistake... READ MORE

Tentura is a traditional liqueur that hails from Patras. It is prepared by infusing brandy or rum with herbs and spices. The most common flavorings include cinnamon and cloves, but the recipes often also use nutmeg and citrus fruit. Tentu... READ MORE

Often dubbed as a true Mediterranean grape, this red-skinned variety from Greece typically produces aromatic wines that are high in alcohol but usually lack acidity and color. This is why Kostifali is mainly used in blends—most comm... READ MORE

Savatiano is a white grape native to Greece, where it is used in varietal and blends. It was mostly used for unimpressive and bland table wines and the somewhat infamous Greek retsina—wine flavored with pine tree resin. Savatiano is... READ MORE

Chios Mastiha is a Greek liqueur that is made with Masticha Chiou—a resinous sap of the Schinias tree. Although Schinias is found in other Mediterranean countries, the plant only produces resin on Chios, presumably because of the is... READ MORE

Limniona is a red Greek grape native to Thessaly. Although it is still rare, it is slowly becoming one of the trendiest Greek wines. The grape is used in the production of dry red wines. It was mainly used as a blending grape throughout h... READ MORE

Kitron is a traditional citron liqueur hailing from the Greek island of Naxos. It is made from citron leaves (Citrus medica) that are macerated in neutral alcohol. The macerate is distilled, and the spirit is then mixed with suga... READ MORE

Produced on the island of Chios, this Greek spirit is distilled from sun-dried and fermented figs in traditional copper stills, similar to those used for making ouzo or raki. Traditionally, the production of souma starts... READ MORE

Samos Vin Doux is the most popular wine from Samos. It is produced from Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains, which is locally known as Moschato Aspro. Apart from this style, the appellation also includes dry wines and the renowned Samos N... READ MORE

Debina is a white grape considered native to Epirus, Greece. The grape is best known for its high acidity. It is mostly used in the production of dry white wines and sparkling styles in Zítsa region. Although it does not classify a... READ MORE

Anthemis is a style of wine that hails from Samos. It is made entirely from Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains, the island's signature grape known as Moschato Aspro. Essentially, Anthemis is the aged version of vin doux, the most popular... READ MORE

Oinomelo or krasomelo is a Greek take on aromatic mulled wine. This Greek version is made with a base of red or white wine and honey, while the spices usually include cinnamon and cloves. Other spices or citrus zest are also comm... READ MORE

Nectar is a wine style that hails from Samos. The wine is produced from Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains, which is locally known as Moschato Aspro. The style is made with late-harvested and sun-dried grapes, and the wines have to be oa... READ MORE

Located on the eponymous Greek island, Muscat of Limnos is a Greek appellation that produces sweet dessert wines exclusively from white Muscat of Alexandria grapes. The wines can be fortified or naturally sweet—when they are classif... READ MORE

Vilana is a white grape variety native to Crete that produces fresh and light white wines. It is a very productive and resistant grape that was mainly used as a workhorse variety that often created unimpressive bland wines. However, it wa... READ MORE

Mavro Messenikola is a red wine grape variety from Greece, named after the region of Messenikolas in Thessaly. This grape is used primarily to produce dry red wines. The Mavro Messenikola designation of origin was established in 1989. The wines pr... READ MORE

Fatourada is an orange-flavored liqueur from the Greek island Kythira. It is made with a strong pomace spirit (tsipouro), spices, and a citrusy infusion attained from local citrus fruit. The liqueur has an ancient tradition on the island,... READ MORE

Ikaria has been known for its wine production since the ancient times when the wine carried the name Pramnios Oinos—given after the mountain peak Pramnos. The wine was produced from sun-dried Fokiano grapes, and it was quit... READ MORE

Begleri is a white grape that is only found on the Greek island of Ikaria. It is believed that it is somehow connected to Begler—an ancient Syrian grape variety. The wines produced from Begleri tend to be aromatic, lively, bright, a... READ MORE

Mournoraki is a rare Cretan spirit that is distilled from black mulberries. It is usually quite potent, and it is mostly enjoyed as a welcoming drink, but it also works well as an aperitif or a digestif. Mournoraki is not easily found on ... READ MORE