Athens may be known for its ancient ruins and buzzing cafes, but it’s also quietly become a paradise for wine lovers. Wine bars here are more than just trendy hangouts—they’re cultural microcosms, part gathering space, part sensory journey. Whether you’re a seasoned wine enthusiast or just someone who enjoys a good glass with great company, these spots invite you to slow down and savor life, one sip at a time.

And the best place to start? Right in the heart of the city: Syntagma, which has become something of a new terroir for Athens. Think narrow streets that smell like Assyrtiko, hidden squares revealing Robola, and arcades offering a pour of Xinomavro or Syrah. Here are four of the best wine bars in the area, each with its own personality and passion for the vine.

1. Heteroclito — A Parisian Soul with a Greek Heart

Fokionos 2 & Petraki | +30 210 3239406

For over a decade, Heteroclito has quietly become an institution in Athens’ wine scene. Located just off busy Ermou Street, this bar feels like a slice of Paris tucked into the heart of the city. It opened in 2012, one of the first true wine bars in Greece, and helped define what a modern Athenian wine experience could be.

Created by Madeleine Lorantou, who brings French heritage and flair, and Dimitris Koumanis, who trained under a Greek wine master, Heteroclito celebrates low-intervention wines—organic, biodynamic, and natural—before these terms were even widely understood in Greece. The wine list today features about 300 labels, with 25 available by the glass and a strong focus on rare Greek varieties and artisanal producers. Many are exclusive collaborations, so you won’t find these bottles anywhere else.

Expect to taste bold whites like Assyrtiko or Robola, and reds anchored in Xinomavro or French regions like the Rhône. They also champion amber wines (aka “orange wines”), made using ancient Georgian techniques.

The ambiance is unpretentious and charming, with no reservations required and a menu of simple pairings like cheese platters or vegan lahmacun from the neighboring Levantine kitchen Feyrouz. It’s a meeting place for wandering souls and seasoned drinkers alike—true to its name, Heteroclito, meaning “the diverse” or “unusual.”

2. Psyche Wine Bistro — The Hidden Garden You’ll Never Want to Leave

Kornarou 4 | +30 210 3221271

Tucked away in a lush courtyard off Korai arcade, just minutes from the chaos of Ermou, Psyche Wine Bistro feels like a secret waiting to be shared. With a name that nods to the soul, this bistro offers more than wine—it delivers atmosphere. The space oozes old-world charm, set in a 1930s building with a timeless calm.

The vision of Amalia Avgeri and Antonis Mougias, Psyche was born from rooftop dinner parties in the Thissio neighborhood. That warm, intimate spirit lives on in their menu: think shrimp with Kozani saffron, beet ravioli with chickpea filling, or free-range chicken with cauliflower rice. The food is Mediterranean at its core—light, creative, and made for sharing.

Wine-wise, the list spans over 250 labels, from obscure Greek grapes like Kydonitsa to Pinot Noir from New Zealand and Chenin Blanc from South Africa. Every month, 30 wines rotate by the glass, with tasting sizes available (100ml or 150ml), so guests can explore more flavors in a single visit.

With curated music—from Britpop to Greek indie rock—and an open-door cellar that doubles as a takeaway shop, Psyche is the kind of place where you come for a drink and stay for the mood. It’s all about thoughtful indulgence.

3. By the Glass — Elegance Under the Gaze of History

Souri 3 | +30 210 3232560

Set in a restored 1922 neoclassical building, with a view of the Russian Church and one of Athens’ prettiest little squares, By the Glass exudes timeless elegance. It was the passion project of Fotini Pantzia, and it’s been setting the standard for wine bistros in Athens ever since.

With around 500 labels, this wine list is one of the most impressive in the city. Greek boutique vineyards share the spotlight with international favorites—from the Cyclades and Peloponnese to the Rhône and Trieste. Chances are, if there’s a variety you’re craving, you’ll find it here.

The food menu is Mediterranean and perfectly calibrated to elevate the wine. Think flavorful, seasonal dishes that play well with everything from a bold red to a crisp white. As you sip, jazz and chanson fill the air, enhancing the already romantic vibe.

At By the Glass, wine isn’t just a beverage—it’s a ritual. Whether you’re flying solo or deep in conversation, it’s a place to pause, unwind, and connect.

4. Oinoscent — Athens’ Pioneer Wine Bar, Still Ahead of the Curve

Voulis 45-47 | +30 210 3229374

Oinoscent was pouring bold reds and funky whites before wine bars were even a thing in Athens. Since 2008, this downtown institution has built a loyal following of curious drinkers and seasoned oenophiles alike.

With a staggering 1,000 labels by the bottle and 70 wines by the glass (rotating weekly), Oinoscent offers one of the most diverse and dynamic wine programs in town. Their cellar spans the globe—from Spain and Hungary to Chile and Australia—but always with a curated touch.

The food here is anything but an afterthought. Dishes like scallop crudo with kumquat and radish, lemon spaghetti with pistachio, or grilled squid with artichoke and smoked kale are a perfect match for the wines. Sophisticated yet unfussy, it’s food designed to support every sip.

Grab a sidewalk table and let the stories unfold. Oinoscent is not just a wine bar—it’s a feeling, a community, and maybe even the beginning of a lifelong love affair with Greek wine.