Papagiannakos Winery — Attraction in Municipality of Vari - Voula - Vouliagmeni

A Hidden Gem in Attica: Papagiannakos Winery – A Testament to Greek Excellence

If you’re seeking a truly exceptional wine experience in Greece, look no further than Papagiannakos Winery – a boutique, family-run estate just outside Athens that deserves every bit of praise it receives. With roots going back over a century, this remarkable winery is a shining example of heritage meeting modernity, producing limited quantities of world-class wines with profound respect for the land, history, and craftsmanship.

I had the pleasure of meeting Vassilis Papagiannakos himself, along with his gracious wife and daughter, and was immediately struck by their warmth, humility, and unwavering passion for their craft. Vassilis doesn’t just make wine—he tells a story in every bottle. A story of Greek soil, sun, and spirit.

The winery specializes in white wines, masterfully expressing the distinct minerality and freshness of the Attican terroir. Their Savatiano, often underestimated elsewhere, is an absolute revelation here—crisp, elegant, and layered with citrus and herbal notes that speak of the Mediterranean breeze. Their Assyrtiko rivals anything found in Santorini, and the reds, while fewer, are bold, balanced, and structured to age beautifully.

But the standout surprise? The rosé. Move over Whispering Angel—this is the real deal. Dry, aromatic, and with a vibrancy that lingers on the palate, it’s sophisticated without trying too hard.

Sustainability is at the heart of their philosophy, with a deep commitment to environmentally friendly practices and a reverence for ancestral methods. You feel that integrity in every sip.

Whether you’re a seasoned oenophile or a curious traveler, Papagiannakos is a must-visit destination when in Athens. And if you can’t get there in person, their wines are fortunately exported globally—so the magic of Attica can reach your glass, wherever you are.

A rare jewel in the world of wine....

Our wine tasting and tour was led by Stefano at Domaine Papagiannakos. The tour was incredibly informative as Stefano is the wine blender at Papagiannakos and generous in sharing his knowledge about the winery, wine making and wine in general. We were given a tour through the cellar, bottling, packaging and tasting room. While Domaine Papagiannakos focuses primarily on white wines given its Attica region, we tried a couple of reds as well. For our tasting, we opted to try four wines which was paired with some appetizers. We tried the Old Vine Savatiano as that was the domaine's most popular wine and I believe the only wine in the Protected Geographical Indication Markopoulo. We also tried the Erythros which is an Agiorgitiko-based wine. We had tried Agiorgitiko in its homeland in Nema but I have to say I was much more inclined towards the Erythros which had a bit more acid and less oak and vanilla. We also tried the Assyrtiko and Merlot. Similar to the Italians and perhaps the rest of Europe, Greeks view wines as food and to be drank with food so Stefano offered a lot of great food pairings for the wines we drank. We did not get to try the Retsina which according to Stefano goes excellent with tzatziki. Perhaps next time! We were incredibly pleased with the wines and even more impressed with the prices as compared to France or Italian wines. We probably should have bought some cases of wine given the maybe 100% tariffs by US. Thank you Stefano, we hope to...

Visiting Papagiannakos Vineyard was an unforgettable experience, a journey into the heart of wine-making with true artisans. From the moment we arrived, we were embraced by a unique atmosphere – a vineyard filled with history, passion, and soul. Vassilis, the owner, is a man whose warmth and commitment to his craft is evident in every corner of the estate. His son, Giannis, carries the family legacy with pride, and Stefanos brought our experience to life with his vast knowledge and deep love for the art of wine-making.

Stefanos has an almost mystical connection to the wines he crafts, sharing stories and insights that reveal a profound dedication to his profession. Each wine tasted like it had its own story, an essence brought to life through years of devotion and expertise. The richness and character of these wines reflect the vineyard’s soul – a soul cultivated over generations with love and respect for the land.

I will undoubtedly return and urge anyone who appreciates wine with depth and authenticity to visit Papagiannakos Vineyard. This is more than a tasting; it’s a celebration of tradition, passion, and remarkable craftsmanship. Highly...