Patras Wine Region

Patras is a well-known wine-producing region in Greece, particularly for its dry white wines made from Roditis, Greece's second most prevalent grape variety. These wines are praised for their aromatic profile, light body, and acidity and freshness balance. The vines are planted on 4000 hectares in the Achaia province, making Patras Greece's largest POP area. There are also some of the best sweet fortified wines produced in the region. The Patras wine region is supported by 20 wine estates and Chateaux that have 55 different wines in traditional and organic methods.

Check out the best wine tastings and tours in Patras!

Where is the Patras wine region?

The wine region of Patras is located on the shore of the Northern Peloponnese peninsula. The region has four distinct PDO designations. The wine region is influenced by the viticulture methods of the Gulf of Patras to the northwest and the Gulf of Corinth to the northeast. Patras' geography varies from the seaside in the north to the high peaks of the Panaxaikos and Erymanthos mountains in the south. The region stretches over around 95 kilometers along the coast, from Aigeria in the east to Kato Achaia in the west. The region's hinterland is largely rugged and mountainous. The Patras wine area is located 215 kilometers west of Athens, 94 kilometers northeast of Pyrgos, 7 kilometers south of Rio, 134 kilometers west of Corinth, 77 kilometers northwest of Kalavryta, and 144 kilometers northwest of Tripoli.

History of the Patras wine region

Patras wine area has a 4000-year history, with settlements dating back to prehistoric times. Patras was a significant center throughout the Mycenean period. In the Roman era, the town was a power center, with an imperial colony built by Augustus. During the Byzantine period, the city remained a commercial center. Winemaking has been practiced since Roman times, and viticulture and winemaking prospered in the Patras wine region. One of the most popular tourist attractions in the Patras wine region is the Achaia Clauss winery and tasting center. Gustav Clauss of Bavaria founded it in the early nineteenth century. This company is also Greece's most prominent wine trading center.

The terroir and geography of the Patras wine region

The Patras wine region's topology ranges from low-altitude coasts to high summits. Because of its proximity to the Gulfs of Patras and Corinth, the region is classified as the Mediterranean, with long, arid summers and short, rainy winters. Vineyards range from the coastal area near Patras to higher altitude hilly territory on the Panaxaikos and Erymanthos mountains in the south. The soil is predominantly white, with chalky patches at higher elevations and fertile sand and loam around Patras. Vineyards extend up to 3000 feet above sea level, where the cooler environment allows the grapes to ripen late.

Popular grape varieties from the Patras wine region

Roditis is primarily planted in the Patras wine area, which also produces the second most grapes in Greece. Mavrodaphne is another important grape variety in the region that is used to manufacture a superb fortified wine that is also one of Greece's most famous wines. Mavrodaphne can be combined with other Cornithiaki kinds for up to 50%. Muscat Blanc, Petits Grains, Korinthiaki, Sideritis, Agiorgitiko, Savatiano, and Merlot are also farmed in the region.

Food to pair with Patras wine 

Wines from the Baixo Corgo region are quite versatile and go well with most of the meat including lamb, beef, game, turkey, chicken, veal, or Pork. The wines compliment conventional light Mediterranean cuisine, salads, and feta cheese.

Feta Cheese

Feta cheese, a greek white cheese, is made from Sheep’s milk and sometimes blended with goat’s milk. The cheese is soft and compact with some to no holes at all. The cheese reveals slightly grainy textures that are formed into large blocks and age in brine. Feta cheese is often characterized by a tangy and salty taste that can range from mild to sharp. This chees is mostly used in Greek salad, pastries, and pies. As wines, feta cheese is protected by designation origin in Europe. The cheese is yet produced traditionally in Greece. This soft and unique cheese perfectly complements Patras red wines. 

Bœuf bourguignon

Beef bourguignon is a slow-cooked beef stew that is commonly made in French cuisine with Burgundy wines. Beef, onion, carrots, celery, and flour are common ingredients in the recipe. Before adding the remaining ingredients, the beef is fried in butter or oil. Boeuf bourguignon is frequently accompanied by cooked potatoes or noodles.

The dish is not a traditional Burgundy cuisine; rather, the use of wine explains the name. The dish was originally documented in 1867 and was frequently cooked with leftover meat. At the turn of the twentieth century, the dish was acknowledged as a Burgundian specialty.

Because of the long cooking time, the tastes of the meal are deep, nuanced, and hearty. The strong Patras wines complement this dish well.

Meatloaf

Meatloaf is a simple but versatile recipe that goes well with wine. The meal consists of correctly seasoned ground meat, usually beef or pork, shaped into a loaf and bound with eggs or dairy ingredients. The seasoned loaf is then baked, grilled, or smoked to personal preference. The cooked meatloaf is served cut and with sauce, mashed potatoes, and sautéed vegetables. The meal is both calming and nourishing. The dish is said to have originated in the fifth century in ancient Rome. In Germany, Scandinavia, and Belgium, meatloaves are popular.

Places to visit in the Patras wine region

Archaeological Museum of Patras

The museum, which houses Pre-Roman artifacts, was founded in 2009 and is one of the most important museums in Greece. This fascinating museum is located on the road going to Athens in the city of Patras. The architecture and design of this museum are striking, with a spacious layout and first-rate services and facilities. The museum houses laboratories, conferences, parking, shops, an auditorium, and administrative offices. The museum is divided into several divisions, each of which adds to the collections. Around 1300 displays show different ages of human settlement and life. While in the area, learn about the history of Patras and Greece.

Mycenaean cemetery of Voudeni

Voudeni's Mycenaean cemetery is a major landmark in the Mycenaean world. The site is located near the Mycenaean village of Voudini, also known as Skioessa, along the Bortzi. The land spans 180 acres at an elevation of 220 meters, roughly 7 kilometers northeast of Patras, and contains a leisure park. The Cemetery contains 78 carved tombs and prehistoric settlement remnants. Nikolas Kyparissis began excavations on the site in 1923. Vases, clay pots, metal items, tools, weapons, and jewelry are among the many discoveries housed in the Museum of Patras.

Frequently asked questions about Patras