Enjoy a wine-growing tradition in Nemea that feels like it was gifted by the gods
EXPERIENCE

Exploring the wine routes of Nemea

At vineyards that are all the more magical for the incredible scenery of the Peloponnese, enjoy a wine-growing tradition that feels like it was gifted by the gods.
Thrace region-id="pin-13"; Macedonia Macedonia Epirus Thessaly Sporades Ionian Islands Western Greece Central Greece Attica Peloponnese Crete Cyclades North Aegean Islands Dodecanese Dodecanese Karpathos Astypalea Tilos Sitia Faistos - Matala Patmos Kastelorizo Kasos Kos Leros Halki Rhodes Symi Sfakia - Loutro Rethymno Elounda - Agios Nikolaos Agia Galini Plakias Hersonissos - Malia Ierapetra Heraklion Chania Nisyros Ikaria Lipsi Tzia - Kea Thasos Samos Lesvos Samothrace Limnos Chios Kalymnos Paros Naxos Zante - Zakynthos Lefkada Corfu Santorini Milos Kythnos Kimolos Serifos Syros Sifnos Koufonisia Ios Kefalonia Mykonos Paxi Ithaca Arta Ioannina Tinos Parga - Sivota Metsovo Anafi Sikinos Folegandros Donousa - Iraklia - Schinoussa Antiparos Zagori Mountainous Arkadia Porto Heli - Ermioni Preveza Amorgos Andros Delos Messolongi Ancient Olympia Aegina Kythira Archea Epidavros Patra Nafplio Kardamyli Kalamata Ilia Corinth Western Messinia Kalavryta Elafonissos Nafpaktos Spetses Poros Hydra Alexandroupolis Pylos Mycenae Monemvasia Loutraki Piraeus Athens Arahova Xanthi Galaxidi Mystra - Sparta Mani Edipsos Karpenisi Delphi Chalkida Karystos Evia Skyros Vergina Alonissos Volos Karditsa Skopelos Skiathos Kastoria Thessaloniki Prespes Agios Athanasios Edessa Serres Veria Larissa - Tempi Elati - Pertouli Trikala Pelion Meteora Drama Ammouliani Mount Athos - Ouranopolis Nymfeo Mount Olympos Katerini Halkidiki Grevena Lake Kerkini Naoussa Kozani Kilkis Kavala Pella Lake Plastira
Duration
4-5 days or 2-3 hours
Season
All year round

OVERVIEW

When the god Dionysus shared with Oeneus the secret of viniculture and urged him to go forth and multiply the vines of the world, it could well be that the Valley of Nemea is where he asked him to pay special attention. The gently undulating terrain of Nemea, in the northwest Peloponnese, isn’t just beautiful on the eye. It happens to be home to one of Greece’s most celebrated grape varieties and its largest Protected Designation of Origin zone. 

In a setting of olive groves and cypress trees, the hillside vineyards successfully produce many of Europe’s leading grape varieties (Chardonnay, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah…). But it is the aromatic Agiorgitiko grape for which Nemea has rightly developed international renown and that gets oenophiles purring with excitement. 

There are plenty of wineries to visit, each offering its own experience. You can look forward to tours of vineyards and cellars and wine-tasting accompanied by local products. And when you’re done, don’t forget to buy a bottle or two of spicy, full-bodied Agiorgitiko … so you, too, can continue Oeneus’ work when you’re home and help spread the word. 

Read More Read Less

DON'T MISS

Where there’s culture, there’s wine … and vice versa. So while you’re visiting the vineyards, make sure you explore other highlights of the Peloponnese. 

Ancient Nemea & Museum

Dating from the 6th century BC, this archaeological site is where the Nemean Games (one of the four Panhellenic Games of Ancient Greece) were staged. The stadium predates the one in Ancient Olympia, with the difference being that at these Games, the winners received a wreath of wild celery leaves, not olive leaves). The museum holds exhibits from the Sanctuary of Zeus, to whom the site is dedicated, and other artefacts from here and the wider region. 
 

Ancient Corinth & the Acrocorinth Castle

Close to the canal that now divides the Peloponnese from the rest of the mainland, Ancient Corinth dates to the 10th century BC. At its height, it easily competed in terms of wealth and fame with Athens and Thebes, and its fortified acropolis (the Acrocorinth), 1km to the south and dedicated to Aphrodite, was considered one of the most spectacular of antiquity. The towers you can explore today are mostly from Frankish and Venetian times. 

Lake Stymphalia & the Environment Museum 

Situated in a mountainous plateau at an altitude of 600m, Lake Stymphalia is part of the Natura 2000 network of protected European biotopes. It’s a wonderful birdwatching site, with 170 recorded species either passing through or residing here. On the slopes of one of the surrounding hills, where (according to mythology) Hercules slew the Stymphalian birds, the Environment Museum aims to explore the balance possible between man and nature. 

Read More Read Less

Book your trip

All your holiday planning needs in one place, letting you book direct and benefit from official online rates

There are many wineries in Nemea (and the wider Corinth area), so it’s best to plan your trip.
Directions to a selection of wineries are given below.

You can find more information on wineries here

From Athens

  • Many of the wineries of Nemea are open to visitors all year round (some upon request). 
  • The best experience is to visit during April-May, when the vineyards come to life and the weather is often ideal for walking and picnics. Or from mid-August to September during the harvest period. 
  • Autumn
  • Spring
  • Summer
  • Winter
  • To visit all the wineries mentioned takes 4-5 days (including the cultural bonuses).
  • The experience at each winery, including wine tasting and touring the vineyard and cellar, will take 2-3 hours. It’s worth contacting each winery before visiting.
Nafplion town as seen from Palamidi Castle

Scale the heights of Palamidi Castle in Nafplio

You’ll feel it all the way from the lofty fortifications-Palamidi Castle is an experience in itself

A walking tour of Nafplio’s romantic Old Town

Agora Modiano Food Market in Thessaloniki

A tour of Agora Modiano, the central food market of Thessaloniki

Touring the vineyards and cellars will give you an appreciation of the first rate facilities

Exploring the wine routes of Thessaloniki

If there’s a city that’s become synonymous with nightlife and entertainment, this is Thessaloniki

The best of Thessaloniki’s legendary nightlife scene

Nights out don’t get any more legendary. Signature cocktails as the sun begins to set.

The best Mykonos nightlife and dining spots

Whether you visited Rhodes in antiquity, the Middle Ages or today, you’d be in for a culinary treat.

A guide to the local products and food of Rhodes