If you are a wine lover and you happen to be in the magnificent city of Thessaloniki,you should definitely pay a visit to the wineries near Thessaloniki, as there you will find some of the best wine labels of Greece which also have an international reputation because of their exports in numerous foreign countries! 

Northern Greece has a great tradition in winemaking that goes back to the 5th century BC, as Macedonian amphorae from that period have been found across Europe and the regions around the Mediterranean basin! These findings indicate the existence of wine trading during this era. Viticulture continued thriving in the area during the Byzantine years, but started slowing down during the years of Ottoman rule. In the 19th century, the production of wine started increasing rapidly once again as cultivating vineyards became one of the most important agricultural activities in some areas of Northern Greece.

The vineyards of Greek Macedonia are usually planted in mountainous areas with rocky soils but also to more aggrading ones, located on eastern parts of Northern Greece!

Gerovassiliou Estate 

Just a few Kilometers away from Thessaloniki, near the small town of Epanomi you will find one of the most famous estates of northern Greece, which is no other than Gerovassiliou Estate or “Ktima Gerovassiliou”, as it is named in Greek .

Gerovassiliou estate is a single private vineyard stretching over 72 hectares and is surrounded  by the sea! Its soil is mainly sandy with the exception of some craggy areas. In this magnificent vineyard, are cultivated  plenty of Greek and foreign varieties of grapes such as Malagouzia, Assyrtiko, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc! 

Visiting Gerovassiliou Estate you will also have the chance to explore the wine museum in the heart of the estate, that has over 3.000 wine related exhibits Including bottling and cooperage tools from around the world! Among them, there is also an impressive corkscrew collection which has been created by V. Gerovasiliou the innovative founder of Ktima Gerovassiliou. In the museum you will also find texts and photographs illustrating the faction along with the social importance of the displayed items, that will help you delve into the wine history of the region. 

Book Your Ktima Gerovassiliou Tour!

Boutari wineries 

Boutari Wineries are located in the most important geographical regions of Greece when it comes to viticulture allowing the company to produce a great number of different labels based on the unique characteristics of the soil that each location has and also on the local varieties of grapes cultivated there. The 5 wineries of Boutari company are located in the regions of Naoussa, Goumenissa, Crete, Santorini and Mantinia.

Among them there are two wineries located near Thessaloniki! The first one settles in the region of Naoussa! Naoussa is located on the prefectures of Vermio mountain and is the birthplace of the long wine history of Boutari family, starting from 1879. Visiting the winery of the estate you will have the chance to admire the vast selection of wine barrels (more than 3.000) which preserve some of the oldest wines of the country.

The second Boutari winery near Thessaloniki is located in the region of Goumenissa! The Boutari Winery is the oldest winery of the area as it has been operating since 1984. The major varieties cultivated on the vineyard are the varieties of Xinomavro and Negkoska. Furthermore, in the vineyard are also cultivated other varieties such as Chardonnay, Syrah, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon as they seem to adapt really well to the microclimate of the region. 

Ktima Kir-Yianni 

Ktima Kir-Yianni is one of the most famous wineries near Thessaloniki and is a pole of attraction for visitors of northern Greece, who are keen on Oenotourism. Kir-Yanni estate was founded by Yiannis Boutaris, one of the most influential personalities in Greek viticulture after his withdrawal from the Boutari family group in 1997. Today the visitors of the estate can enjoy the majestic views of the Kir-Yianni vineyards settling on the slopes of Vermion mountain and take part in wine tasting including some of the most popular labels of the Estate.

Estate Foundi

Another impressive winery near Thessaloniki that you should absolutely visit if you are a wine lover, is that of Foundi Estate located 4km away from the city of Naoussa and about 75 km away from Thessaloniki! Foundi Estate started operating in 1992 and is the perfect destination for those who are especially fond of the variety Xinomavro, as it is the main vieriety cultivated on Foundi Vineyards! 

Vaeni Winery 

Vaeni Winery is also located near Naousa and is just an hour drive away from the city of Thessaloniki! Visiting Vaeni winery you will not only have the chance to explore the beautiful vineyards of the Vaeni Estate, but you can also taste some of the exquisite labels produced from Vaeni Estate during the wine tastings taking place on the winery.  

Book Your Wine Tour Here!

Wine tours is one of the most popular activities for Thessaloniki visitors as there are plenty of wineries near Thessaloniki! Greek transfer services offer you greatly organized wine tours in the region of northern Greece in order to delve into the world of local viticulture and wine production!