Wine Tasting in Athens: Cinque in Monastiraki

When it comes to trying wines in another country, it can be intimidating to know where to start. Although I love wine and have gotten into native grapes in Turkey, I had very limited experience with Greek wines. The grape names are long and unfamiliar – I didn’t even know which were white grapes and which were red. So it’s really a relief when you find a wine bar like Cinque where you will find expert-led tastings no matter your level of previous understanding.

In the past, this family-run operation had their first location in Psirri and even though it was close to my hostel, the timing didn’t work out for me to visit. So this time I booked a place close to their second location, not far from the first, in Monastiraki. It was so great to finally meet the whole family – sommelier father and son Grigoris and Nikitas and to meet mom Evangelia, who is in charge of that amazing Greek hospitality and had been answering all of my questions on their Instagram leading up to my visit! All three love wine, and also truly love each other – and it shows through in the space they’ve created. You instantly fall in love with this family, and I was so glad that I finally got the chance.

For my first experience, I chose from the basic pairings and went with the “Red Ambassadors” theme. Knowing I’d be visiting the Peloponnese and going on a tour to the “land of Moschofilero” which is a white grape, I decided to go with reds from other parts of the country. My tasting included 3 different wines, all with Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) status from different regions – a Limnio from the PDO Meliton Slopes in Thessaloniki, a Xinomavro from PDO Naoussa and a Agiorgitiko from PDO Nemea. I hadn’t tried the Limnio before and it was my favorite of the three!

The selection of wines in Cinque is extensive and you can try just about everything by the glass since they use Coravin. I eavesdropped on a couple sitting at the bar tasting their way through a variety of glasses based on their preferences. And it’s not only wines! Nikitas is also a water sommelier (I had no idea this was even a thing) and you can find themed tastings paired with regional charcuterie, cheeses or chocolate.

For my friend’s birthday, I’d arranged a tasting of Greek meze paired with ouzo, tsipurou and an aged tsipuro! This was a great introduction to Greek spirits for us and fun to learn about the history through a whole booklet I was able to take home. They even printed out a sweet “message in a bottle” for his birthday and guests at the next table joined in singing Happy Birthday. All of these little touches make the experience at Cinque so special, I can’t wait to return and try out a new pairing!

When you visit, I strongly recommend making a reservation and booking it for early in your trip so that you’ll have a great road map to trying wines and local products from wherever your travels in Greece will take you. Tastings are done through informative videos on your own interactive tablet, but someone is always nearby to answer any questions and help guide you to your next favorite. On my visits I heard tastings led in French, English and Greek! They even offer virtual tastings – so interesting and definitely shows that they’re keeping an eye on the future, while embracing tradition.

Thank you Evangelia, Grigoris and Nikitas! Looking forward to seeing you next time!

>> Check out photos from my visits to Cinque.

Cinque Wine Delights – Monastiraki
+302114108865
10 Voreou str 10551 Athens (Google Map)
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