Northern Greece is one of the country's great wine regions, and Thessaloniki sits right in the middle of it — within an easy drive of both the celebrated Xinomavro reds of Naoussa and one of Greece's most famous estates in Epanomi. Whether you want a quick half-day tasting or a full day among the vineyards of Mount Vermio, the city is the natural base. Here's where to go, what to drink, and how to do it without anyone having to stay sober at the wheel.
The wine regions at a glance
Two directions, two very different days. Pick by how far you want to go and what you want in the glass.
| Region | From the city | The grape | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Epanomi (Gerovassiliou) | ~30 min SE | Malagouzia (white) | An easy half-day, one great estate |
| Naoussa | ~1–1.5 h W | Xinomavro (red) | The serious reds, multiple wineries |
| Goumenissa | ~1 h NW | Xinomavro/Negoska (red) | An off-the-beaten-path add-on |
If you only have an afternoon, go to Gerovassiliou. For a proper wine day among the vineyards, head to Naoussa.
Domaine Gerovassiliou: the easy classic
The closest and most polished option, Domaine Gerovassiliou sits just southeast of the city in Epanomi, about half an hour away. It's one of Greece's most celebrated estates and the winery credited with reviving the aromatic Malagouzia grape from near-extinction. A visit combines a walk through the vineyard and cellars with the estate's remarkable wine and corkscrew museum, and a guided tasting of its award-winning whites and its flagship red blend, Avaton — often paired with local cheeses and charcuterie overlooking the vines. Tastings start around €45. It's the ideal introduction and the simplest to reach.
Naoussa: the "Burgundy of Greece"
For the region that put Northern Greek wine on the map, head west to Naoussa, on the slopes of Mount Vermio about 1–1.5 hours away. This is the heartland of Xinomavro — a high-acid, tannic, age-worthy red so often compared to Nebbiolo and Pinot Noir that Naoussa is nicknamed the "Burgundy of Greece." PDO Naoussa is one of the country's most important appellations, and its estates range from historic to cult:
- Kir-Yianni — founded in 1997 by the legendary Yiannis Boutaris, a flagship of the modern Greek wine renaissance, with vineyards and tastings on Vermio.
- Ktima Foundi — a respected family winery, a regular stop on small-group Naoussa tours.
- Smaller family estates — Naoussa rewards visiting two or three boutique producers in a day, often with lunch at a village taverna.
A Naoussa day is best built around two or three wineries with a meal between them — and it pairs geographically with Vergina, which sits on the way.
Goumenissa: the off-beat add-on
Northwest of the city, the small Goumenissa PDO blends Xinomavro with the softer local Negoska grape into approachable reds. It's lower-profile than Naoussa and rarely busy, which is exactly its appeal for anyone who's already done the bigger names and wants something quieter.
How to taste without driving
Greece has strict drink-driving limits, so the one rule of a wine day is: don't be the driver who tastes. Your options:
- Guided wine tour — the simplest answer; a driver-guide handles logistics and you taste freely. Browse wine tours on GetYourGuide and our activities page, where both the Gerovassiliou estate visit and an in-city tasting are listed.
- Stay in the city — skip the drive entirely with a guided wine tasting in the centre, where a host pours a flight of Greek varietals — Assyrtiko, Malagouzia, Xinomavro — paired with meze. The most relaxed option if you only want a taste of Greek wine, on our activities page.
- Private driver — flexible for a custom Naoussa route across several estates.
- Book ahead — most serious estates, Gerovassiliou included, ask you to reserve tastings rather than just turn up.
Pair the wine with the city's food scene via our where to eat and what to eat guides — Northern Greek reds and mezedes are made for each other.
Frequently Asked Questions
What wine is Thessaloniki known for?
The surrounding region of Macedonia is best known for Xinomavro, a high-acid, tannic red grown in the Naoussa appellation on Mount Vermio and often called Greece's answer to Nebbiolo. Closer to the city, Domaine Gerovassiliou in Epanomi is famous for reviving the aromatic white Malagouzia grape.
Can you do a wine tour from Thessaloniki?
Yes. Domaine Gerovassiliou in Epanomi is about 30 minutes southeast for an easy half-day, while the Naoussa wine region on Mount Vermio is 1–1.5 hours west for a full day among Xinomavro estates. Guided tours and private drivers run from the city so you can taste without driving.
How far is Naoussa from Thessaloniki?
Naoussa is roughly 100 km west of Thessaloniki, about 1 to 1.5 hours by car on the slopes of Mount Vermio. It pairs well with a visit to Vergina, which lies on the same route, making a combined history-and-wine day trip straightforward.
Do you need to book wine tastings in advance?
Generally yes. Most serious estates around Thessaloniki, including Domaine Gerovassiliou, ask visitors to reserve tastings rather than drop in, and small Naoussa wineries often run by appointment. Booking a guided tour handles this for you and means no one has to skip the wine to drive.
