The 4 Best Wine Bars in Athens

Athens is a true world city, with access to amazing international wines. It also has a truly ancient connection to grapes and the art of wine making with centuries-old wineries surrounding the city.

So, it should come as little surprise that Athens has some of the best wine bars in all of Greece, if not Europe. From natural wines to international fine wines and local vintages, including a few wine bars in your next Athens food tour helps you get a true taste of what the city has to offer.

Oinoscent

Photo credit: Oinoscent

Oinoscent is an upscale bistro wine bar near popular tourist attractions like Syntagma Square and Ermou Street. It’s a great spot to sit back for a relaxing drink, and a meal after a long day exploring Athens.

The interior décor at Oinoscent is sleek featuring an air of sophistication with wooden accents and strategically soft lighting. It’s intimate enough to have a casual drink with a friend or come together to meet with everyone in your group at the end of the day.

Oinoscent’s wine list includes a full spectrum of Greek and international wines from France and Italy. Not to mention an outstanding selection of top-shelf natural wines. If you’re looking for an authentic taste of Greek wine, they have a lovely selection of red wines from the Peloponnese and Northern Greece.

On my last visit, the on-hand sommelier recommended an Assyrtiko white wine from Santorini, which I found spectacularly refreshing. I’d been on my feet all day, and the cool white wine, with notes of citrus and salinity was exactly what I needed to slake my thirst.

Oinoscent (€€) – Voulis 45-47, Athina 105 57, Greece – Open Monday through Friday from 5:30 PM to 1:00 AM. Open Saturday and Sunday from 1:00 PM to 1:00 AM.

Heteroclito

Photo credit: Heteroclito

You’ll find Heteroclito wine bar near Syntagma Square and the picturesque Monastiraki area. Being centrally located makes it an easy stop for wine lovers who enjoy a bit of history. Especially since the Acropolis and the Ancient Agora, are both within reasonable walking distance.

Heteroclito’s ambiance is cozy and with an intimate vibe. The décor is simultaneously rustic and elegant with wooden tables, and towering shelves lined with exquisite wine bottles. In nice weather, I think the outdoor seating area is the place to be. It offers up an authentic street-side experience that’s perfect for people-watching.

The wine list at Heteroclito largely focuses on Greek wines. They also tend to have wine selections from other parts of Greece that you don’t usually find at other wine bars.

If you’re an oenophile, it’s a great opportunity to explore wines from rarer grape varieties like Assyrtiko from Santorini, Moschofilero, and even Agiorgitiko. They even have some rather rare Assyrtiko whites, with astoundingly crisp acidity and mineral notes.

On my last visit, I sampled one of the Xinomavro reds, which had a bold structure and complexity. It finished with a robust body that left my palate aching for more.

Heteroclito (€€) – Fokionos 2, Athina 105 63, Greece – Open Monday to Thursday from 12:30 PM to 12:00 AM. Open Friday and Saturday from 12:30 PM to 1:30 AM. Open Sunday from 6:00 PM to 12:00 AM.

Cinque Wine & Deli Bar

Photo credit: Cinque Wine & Deli Bar

Cinque Wine & Deli Bar is a delightful wine bar located in the Psyrri neighborhood of Athens. This is an area known for its street art, vibrant culture, and bustling nightlife. Popular attractions like Monastiraki Square and Hadrian’s Library are also close by making Cinque a convenient place for a glass of wine.

Cinque’s ambiance is warm and inviting. The décor is rustic chic with exposed brick walls, wooden tables, and shelves with popular wine vintages on display. The staff is very knowledgeable, with tons of great recommendations on wines as well as the deli meats and charcuterie pairing.

Cinque’s wine list is curated to promote Greek wines from smaller, local wineries and vineyards. It almost begs you to explore some of the lesser-known bottles of wine in hopes of finding a secret gem.  They have some great Assyrtiko wines from Santorini and Xinomavro red vintages that you won’t easily find elsewhere.

On my last stop, I enjoyed a Moschofilero white that was aromatic to the point of being floral. It paired nicely with a small charcuterie board of artisan Greek cheeses, and Lountza cured pork.

Cinque Wine & Deli Bar (€€) – Agatharchou 15, Athina 105 54, Greece – Open Monday to Saturday from 6:00 PM to 11:00 PM.

Kiki de Grèce

 

Photo credit: Kiki de Grèce

Kiki de Grèce is nestled on a cozy pedestrian Ipitou Street near the heart of Athens and Syntagma Square. It’s a little bit of a quiet oasis in what is a rather frenetic, noisy part of the city. It’s also close to the historic Plaka neighborhood and the National Garden, which gives you a comfortable place to unwind if needed.

The atmosphere at Kiki de Grèce is warm and intimate with low lighting and select seating that’s perfect for a romantic glass of wine with someone special. If you want a little fresh air, there’s a modest outdoor seating area that lets you watch the city go by at a more relaxed pace.

Kiki de Grèce’s wine list focuses largely on fine Greek wines like Moschofilero and Assyrtiko. They also have a food menu that includes a rotating menu of tapas that pair perfectly with all the good wines on their menu.  

I was there on a Wednesday afternoon when they had an aperitivo special of wine pairings and tapas. I particularly enjoyed the Moschofilero white with spinach quiche. The Moschofilero was light and floral with bright citrus notes and refreshing acidity that perfectly cut the richness of the quiche.

Kiki de Grèce (€€) – Ipitou 4, Athina 105 57, Greece – Open Sunday to Thursday from 4:00 PM to 1:00 AM. Open Friday and Saturday from 1:00 PM to 1:00 AM.

Conclusion

The wine bar scene in Athens has risen to become one of the best in all of Europe. From sophisticated wine bar bistros like Oinoscent to humble establishments like Cinque, there’s something for everyone.

Of course, the wine bars on this list are just the tip of a massive iceberg. Athens is full of wine shops, winemakers, and cafes offering outstanding wines from Greece and the rest of the world. With so many options to choose from, you’re sure to find more than one to fit perfectly into your next Athens food tour.