Wine and winemaking in Greece
Sailing and Greek Wine
Did you know that ancient Greeks always diluted their wine with water?
In classical Greece, drinking wine straight was considered uncivilized—something only barbarians would do.
The wine was strong, intense, and sacred—meant to be shared in balance, not consumed in excess.
From The Odyssey to the laughter of Athenian symposia, wine was more than a drink. It was a cultural act, a ritual, and often—a companion at sea.
Dionysus himself, the god of wine, was also a seafarer in myth, arriving at islands by ship, bringing joy and madness alike.
When you uncork a bottle of Greek wine aboard a sailing yacht today, you're not just drinking. You're reviving a tradition thousands of years old.
🍇 Wine and the Sea: A Natural Pairing
There’s something elemental about drinking wine on a boat.
The salt air, the changing light, the rhythm of the waves—all seem to enhance the aromas in your glass.
And Greece, with its hundreds of inhabited islands and centuries of viticulture, offers the perfect backdrop.
🍷 Island Wines: Local Grape Varieties with Global Character
Greek island wines are vivid, honest, and alive. Often grown close to the sea, on volcanic or rocky soils, they absorb the light and the breeze in a way that’s hard to put into words.
- Assyrtiko, found mostly on volcanic islands, is dry, salty, and razor-sharp—unlike any Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc you’ve tried.
- Robola, from the green Ionian islands, is citrusy and soft, great with grilled fish or simple summer meals.
- Mandilaria and other native reds bring spice and rustic charm—leaner than a Syrah, earthier than a Pinot Noir.
These wines aren’t made to impress with power. They’re made to fit the moment—and there’s no better moment than anchoring at sunset with something cool in your glass.
Modern Greek wines
Greek wine has made significant strides in recent years, elevating its status among other international wines.
While Greece may not have the global recognition and market share that countries like France and Italy have, its unique grape varietals and terroir produce wines with distinct flavors and aromas.
Compared to heavy international wines, Greek wine varieties are light on oak, moderate in alcohol, and made for real life—not for trophies.
Where to Find Wine During Your Trip
Almost every island has a local wine shop, often within walking distance from the marina. Don’t expect big brands—look for handwritten labels, family names, and dusty bottles in wooden crates.
Ask your skipper or our base team at Kavas—they know the spots where real islanders buy their wine.
Let the Wine Anchor You
Keep it simple.
Cool whites and rosés store best on board, while reds can tolerate cabin heat better than you'd expect.
Pair your wine with whatever the island offers—grilled fish, feta chese, olives, or just good bread and olive oil.
Don’t worry about glassware; a basic tumbler is fine. Elegance lies in the moment, not the shape of the glass.
But beyond taste, wine does something more: it teaches you to stop.
When you sail, you move. When you drink wine, you pause. That’s the balance Greece offers—motion and stillness, discovery and reflection.
A bottle opened in the cockpit under the stars isn’t just refreshment. It’s a reminder that some of the best moments in life ask for nothing more than good company, a soft light, and a glass filled with what the land has given.
So yes—taste the wine. But more importantly, let it teach you how to slow down.
Sailor's Sommelier: Secrets from Serious Wine Tasters
Even if you’re not a trained sommelier, you can enjoy wine more deeply with a few simple tricks from the pros:
- Swirl with purpose: A gentle swirl helps oxygen mix with the wine, releasing aromas. Do it slowly—especially on a moving boat!
- Smell twice: The first sniff wakes up the senses; the second reveals more. Close your eyes, and think of fruit, herbs, salt, smoke—even sea breeze.
- Don’t overchill whites: Cold mutes flavor. Let island whites warm slightly in the glass to reveal their character.
- Use a neutral glass if you can: No colored rims, no heavy perfume nearby. Let the wine speak.
- Taste in silence: The best moments often come when no one’s talking—just the sea, the light, and a long finish on the tongue.
And remember: the best wine isn’t the most expensive one. It’s the one that fits the moment—and in Greece, the moment is always generous.
KAVAS YACHTING & WINE
Kavas, being a genuine admirer of this Mediterranean gem that is Greek wine, offers to his clients a bottle of one of the most refined varieties from the Papoutsis Estate to accompany their journey.
Using exclusively organic methods of farming, George Papoutsis and his spouse Despina, both oenologists, produce exceptional dry, red and white wines, which you are welcome to enjoy at their winery located just 2km outside of Atalanti.
