Why Europe's wine lovers are heading to the Peloponnese

National Geographic

11-07-2025

Thriving vineyards, seaside villages, and ancient ruins abound in this hidden gem that's often overshadowed by Greek islands like Mykonos and Santorini.
In addition to exploring Greece's lesser-known wines in the Peloponnese, wine lovers should also explore the island's historical sites, such as the Methoni Castle.
In addition to exploring Greece's lesser-known wines in the Peloponnese, wine lovers should also explore the island's historical sites, such as the Methoni Castle.
In addition to exploring Greece's lesser-known wines in the Peloponnese, wine lovers should also explore the island's historical sites, such as the Methoni Castle.
In addition to exploring Greece's lesser-known wines in the Peloponnese, wine lovers should also explore the island's historical sites, such as the Methoni Castle.
Equipped with towering mountains, a lengthy coastline, and a rich history that spans eons, the Mediterranean nation of Greece draws hordes of visitors each year to tourism hotspots like Mykonos and Santorini—but just west of the Aegean Islands, a paradise for wine aficionados can be found across the Peloponnese. With more than 8,000 square miles of land to explore, this storied peninsula features a staggering amount of vineyards, many of which produce indigenous grape cultivars that have been enjoyed across the region for centuries.
Though far from the most popular tourist destination found across Greece, those who venture to the Peloponnese will be richly rewarded with an opportunity to explore ancient ruins and thriving cities while enjoying top-quality Greek wine along the way.
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What is Peloponnesian wine?
Though Greece is rife with top-notch destinations for wine fans, the rugged terrain of the Peloponnese provides visitors with a far more robust selection than its island neighbors.
'The most distinctive aspect is the remarkable diversity,' says Jeremiah Cates, wine director at the Boston-based Xenia Greek Hospitality. 'The Peloponnese, being 85 percent mountainous and essentially a peninsula, boasts a multitude of varied microclimates. This allows a wide spectrum of grape varieties to thrive. Unlike some regions in Greece where the climate might limit the types of grapes that can be cultivated, the Peloponnese seems to be an ideal environment even for more delicate grapes.'
Amidst the many grapes produced across the Peloponnese, Cates highlights two can't-miss varietals to try during a visit. The nationally popular Agiorgitiko thrives across the peninsula, while Moschofilero—a rose-colored fruit that's known for its pleasant aroma—is believed by many to have originally developed within the Peloponnese region of Mantinia.
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The best wineries to visit in the Peloponnese
Given the wide variety of grapes grown across the Peloponnese, visitors can look forward to a staggeringly-diverse range of wines to sample, many of which have been enjoyed for countless centuries.
'Winemaking in the Peloponnese has a continuous tradition spanning millennia, making it one of the historic heartlands of Mediterranean viticulture,' says Marialena Tsimbidi, agronomist-oenologist and export manager at Monemvasia Winery. 'Based on archaeological evidence primarily from the Mycenaean period (circa 1600–1100 B.C.E.) we can say that wine has been produced in the Peloponnese for over 3,500 years.'
While Monemvasia Winery made its debut back in 1997, this polished operation was founded to honor the region's lengthy legacy of winemaking, producing a wealth of white wines crafted solely from indigenous Peloponnesian grapes. On the dry side, the winery has made waves with their Kydonitsa, but for those who prefer their wine with a touch of sweetness, there's no going wrong with the Monemvasia-Malvasia, a time-honored product that's been enjoyed across the Peloponnese since the Medieval Period.
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In the hilly interior of the Peloponnese, fans of high-acidity whites can make their way to Ktima Tselepos to find a wide variety of wines crafted from the aforementioned Moschofilero, while Tetramythos is ideal for history buffs thanks to their centuries-old amphoras, a type of clay vessel that imparts a unique flavor profile on white wine due to its porosity. No wine lover's trip to the Peloponnese is complete without setting foot on the Domaine Skouras property. In business since the mid-eighties, this esteemed winery is best known for its Megas Oenos, a rich blend of Agiorgitiko and Cabernet Sauvignon grapes that imparts notes of pepper, clove, and red fruits on the palate.
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Exploring Nafplio, a base for exploring the Peloponnese
In between winery visits, you'll certainly need a place to rest your head at night—and when it comes to the ideal location, it's tough to beat Nafplio. Located on the northern shore of the Argolic Gulf, this scenic settlement has been a prominent maritime hub since the Middle Ages—and in the modern era, it offers eye-catching architecture and quick access to some of the Peloponnese's top wine regions.
While on a getaway to visit the vineyards of the Peloponnese, wine connoisseurs should consider exploring charming cities like Nafplio. Visit the Palamidi Fortress for incredible views of the city.
Photograph by Markus Kirchgessner, laif/Redux
In terms of accommodations, the King Othon Boutique Hotel comes equipped with lavish suites in a carefully preserved building. To sweeten the deal, it's located in the core of the city's historic district, providing ample opportunity to explore the storied streets of Old Town. Nearby destinations range from the 1400s-era Bourtzi Castle to the Palamidi Fortress, the latter of which draws huge crowds thanks to its immense size and stunning views of the city.
In between sightseeing, guests are also welcome to explore Nafplio's lengthy waterfront, with a staggering array of hearty seafood dishes and Greek favorites to sample. Since 1841, Savouras has been serving up grilled octopus and calamari just steps away from the water, while The Nest is a top spot for sampling taramasalata and moussaka—and while you're certain to indulge in plenty of wine during your trip, Karonis Wine Shop is perfect for perusing a diverse range of bottles from all across the region.
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More than just a wine region
While wine is certainly a major draw for visitors to the Peloponnese, there's far more to do across the region than just hop from vineyard to vineyard. Given the thriving seafood scene, it would be criminal to skip out on some of the surrounding communities outside of Nafplio with destinations like Vivari and Trapeza that offer plenty of opportunities for shoreside dining.
Travelers can take a train ride on the Diakopto–Kalavryta Rack Railway to see the interior of the Peloponnese and marvel at its natural beauty.
Photograph by Dagmar Schwelle, laif/Redux
Train travel on the island of the Peloponnese grants travelers access to see incredible sights, such as the Vouraikos Canyon, which is also a popular spot for hikers.
Photograph by Dagmar Schwelle, laif/Redux
Meanwhile, the Diakopto–Kalavryta Rack Railway offers insight into the rugged interior of the Peloponnese, with 14 miles of track running from the coast into the mountains. From start to finish, visitors can marvel at tiny settlements like Niamata and Kato Zachlorou while basking in the verdant beauty of the Vouraikos Gorge, but that's just scratching the surface of all that the region has to offer.
'The Peloponnese is one of the most diverse and rewarding regions in Greece,' says Tsimbidi. 'It offers ancient history, Byzantine and medieval heritage, natural beauty, and varied landscapes. While wine is a major draw, the Peloponnese also stands out for its authentic culinary traditions, scenic diversity—from coastlines to mountains—and it's still good value and overall less touristy. All of this makes it a truly compelling destination.'
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This trip was created with the support of Xenia Greek Hospitality.
Jared Ranahan is a Puerto Rico-based writer who covers travel and wildlife. Follow him on
is a Puerto Rico-based writer who covers travel and wildlife. Follow him on Instagram