Greece is not only home to one of the world’s most ancient culinary traditions — it also boasts a wine culture just as old. Together, Greek food and wine create a dining experience that is deeply Mediterranean: simple, seasonal, and focused on harmony of flavor. Whether you’re enjoying a seaside lunch on an island or a rustic meal in a mountain village, the right wine pairing elevates every dish.
This guide explores the best food and wine pairings in Greece, helping you taste the country like a true local.
The Philosophy Behind Greek Pairings
Unlike heavily seasoned cuisines, Greek food relies on fresh ingredients — olive oil, herbs, vegetables, seafood, and grilled meats. Greek wines, made from indigenous grapes that have grown alongside these foods for thousands of years, naturally complement the flavors.
The result?
Balanced, refreshing, and deeply regional pairings.
Classic Greek Food & Wine Pairings
1. Fresh Seafood & Assyrtiko (Santorini)
Assyrtiko, Greece’s iconic white wine from Santorini, is crisp, mineral-rich, and citrusy — the ideal match for:
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grilled fish
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fried calamari
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octopus
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seafood pasta
Its acidity cuts through olive oil and enhances the natural sweetness of seafood.
2. Greek Salad & Moschofilero (Peloponnese)
The floral, refreshing Moschofilero pairs beautifully with the zesty flavors of a classic horiatiki (Greek salad).
It balances:
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tomatoes
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feta
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olives
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cucumber
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Light, bright, and perfect for warm days.
3. Moussaka & Agiorgitiko (Nemea)
Moussaka is rich, creamy, and aromatic — and it needs a wine with structure but smooth tannins.
Enter Agiorgitiko, a velvety red from Nemea that complements:
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béchamel
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roasted eggplants
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spiced ground meat
A comforting, elegant pairing.
4. Lamb Dishes & Xinomavro (Naoussa)
Xinomavro is Greece’s most complex red wine, known for depth and earthy aromas.
It shines with:
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lamb chops
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slow-cooked lamb with herbs
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kokkinisto (lamb in tomato sauce)
This is one of Greece’s top traditional pairings.
5. Meze Plates & Retsina or Vidiano
Meze spreads include many salty and aromatic dishes, like:
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tzatziki
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grilled vegetables
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cheeses
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olives
Retsina (resin-infused wine) cuts through the flavors beautifully.
For a modern alternative, Vidiano from Crete offers soft, fruity notes that pair well with variety.
6. Cheese Pies & Savatiano (Attica)
Savatiano, one of Greece’s oldest grapes, is smooth, mild, and food-friendly — just like cheese pies (tyropites).
Perfect with:
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crispy phyllo pies
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traditional baked pies from villages
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herb-infused cheese fillings
7. Desserts & Mavrodaphne
For sweet endings, Mavrodaphne, a rich, fortified wine, pairs perfectly with:
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chocolate desserts
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walnut pies
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spoon sweets
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baklava
Sweet wine + sweet dessert = harmonious finish.
Tips for Pairing Like a Greek
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Match intensity: Light dishes with light wines, bold dishes with bold wines.
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Consider herbs: Greek food uses oregano, thyme, mint — wines with herbal notes match beautifully.
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Go regional: When in doubt, pair local dishes with local wines. They’ve evolved together for centuries.
Greek food and wine pairings are rooted in tradition, terroir, and simplicity. Whether it’s seafood with Assyrtiko, lamb with Xinomavro, or meze with Retsina, each combination highlights the essence of Mediterranean dining: freshness, balance, and joy.
So next time you sit down to enjoy Greek cuisine, raise a glass of local wine and experience Greece the way its people have for generations — through delicious, harmonious pairings.
