The 10 best wine bars in Athens

With an extended cellar since its opening in December 2008, Athens' first wine bar now houses more than a thousand wines from around the world, with a focus on international vineyards, but also representing Greek grape varieties and important local producers. Co-owner and talented sommelier Aris Sklavenitis, along with an experienced team, will guide you on your wine journey, as well as recommending fine food and wine pairings.

The wine bar of Iza and Panos Kyriazis is one of the most renowned for wine lovers in the historic centre of the Greek capital, offering a vast collection of at least 1200 wines, more than half of which are served by the glass. Interesting and delicious options of delicacies to pair with the wine.

At Stoa Rallis, »By The Glass« offers an eclectic list of over 500 wines, curated by owner Fotini Pantzia. A synthesis of old Greek vintages, premium fine wines, international classics, rare collectors' bottles, unique magnums, a wide range of champagnes and sparkling wines, as well as distillates (eau-de-vie) and dessert wines are part of a wine lover's playground. More than 200 wines by the glass are served with delicious dishes.

Industrial-style wine bar-restaurant with a very contemporary list of natural wine labels and comforting Greek cuisine cooked over an open fire by chef and co-owner Manolis Papoutsakis. The highlight is the audiophile bar with eclectic music played exclusively from vinyl.

Sommelier Yannis Kaymenakis' devotion to wine is housed in a former Piraeus tobacco warehouse in Retsina, a neighbourhood in the Piraeus district. A high ceiling, an industrial-style hall, a sloping wooden roof and an impressive tall metal structure with impressive glass windows.

This is a special case: »The Warehouse« is essentially an all-day bar with speciality coffee blends, an up-to-date wine list, a food menu to complement each wine, and an exciting cocktail and premium spirits list. As for the wine, their basement cellar is packed with more than 500 wines to purchase to take home, offering more than 140 selections by the glass and almost 300 by the bottle from Greek and international vineyards.

The sophisticated wine bar is ideal for quiet evenings of wine enjoyment. The team of sommeliers will be happy to help you choose from a selection of white and red wines from Greek and international vineyards. More than 500 labels in the cellar, an intriguing list, selected wines by the glass and a short menu of rare cheeses and tasty delicacies.

Another superb reference point for sipping fine wines in the capital, with a focus on rare indigenous varieties and wines produced using sustainable cultivation methods. A relaxed place where you can find more than 200 selections and where the list of wines by the glass is frequently updated.

Created by Frenchmen Rafael Wallon-Brownstone and Thomas Brengou in collaboration with Greek chef Stavros Chrysafidis, Wine is Fine is a caves à manger-style place where you can enjoy fine wines, mainly Greek and French. From a selection of around eighty labels, only a few are available by the glass.

Elegant, modern and cosy, as its name suggests (caravan + vin), »Caravin« is a journey to destinations where the bottle of wine becomes the reason to discover them. Located in the historic centre of Thisio, it is the perfect place to stop off after a day's sightseeing or a stroll to enjoy some of the more than 150 wines in its cellar, paired with well-crafted dishes.