The holiday season is here, filled with cherished moments, festive meals, and cozy gatherings. To help take your festive experiences to another level, we present the top five Greek wines of choice for Christmas and NYE. These limited-production gems are selected for their exceptional quality and unique character.
With each wine, we suggest pairings to enhance your festive dining experience with refined and sophisticated flavors.
Let’s raise a glass to a memorable holiday season filled with warmth, love, and outstanding wine. Wishing you a joyous season filled with health, love, and the perfect glass of wine. Cheers!
01
Manousakis X Karanika, The Illustrius Hartman
Two wineries, one from Chania in Crete and the other from Amyntaio in northern Greece, united to create this masterpiece. Crafted using the traditional Champagne method, the wine was harvested in 2018 and aged for four years on lees.
Food Pairing
Made from Xinomavro and Romeiko (Blanc de Noir), it offers complex aromas of herbs, citrus, brioche, and nuts. Its dry, rich palate with crisp lemony acidity makes it perfect for canapes or as an aperitif on the Christmas table. The elegant label adds a touch of sophistication.
02
Assyrtiko L 2023 – Lilantia Gi
Hailing from the Lelantian Plain in Evia, this barrel-aged white wine boasts aromas of hazelnuts, almonds, lemon, and lime, complemented by a mineral freshness. Evia is emerging as an exciting wine region to watch. Decanting enhances its complexity, revealing the full potential of this rare, limited-production wine.
Food Pairing
Its vibrant acidity pairs beautifully with rich dishes such as stuffed turkey or creamy pasta.
03
Petrokoritho 2022 – Grammenos Winery
From western Corfu’s Sinades, this rose is crafted from Petrokoritho, a rare local variety. Aromas of rose, pomegranate, wild strawberry, and cherry shine through, with moderate acidity and a delicate body.
Food Pairing
Ideal pairings include salmon, green salads with figs, and prosciutto-topped bruschetta. Grammenos Winery excels in highlighting Corfu’s winemaking heritage.
04
Zafiri Winery Agiorgitiko 2022
From Nemea, Greece’s largest PDO region, this Agiorgitiko ages 12 months in old French barrels, delivering aromas of sour cherry, plum, vanilla, and sweet spices. Under the guidance of talented young winemaker Georgia Zavou, Zafiri Winery is setting new standards for Greek winemaking.
Food Pairing
Pair it with roasted goat in tomato sauce, pork with prunes and figs, or pork tenderloin in wine sauce.
05
Liastos 2008 – Magoutes Winery, Siatista
This naturally sweet red wine, made from 100-year-old Xinomavro and Moschomavro vines, ages for years in barrels. Its aromas of dried plum, fig, chocolate, and sun-dried tomato lead to a full-bodied, luscious palate with high acidity.
Food Pairing
Pair it with mature yellow cheeses, blue cheese, chocolate desserts, or festive Greek melomakarona. Its aging potential makes it a collector’s dream.
