True Life: I Went to Maxwell Park’s Greek Wine Tasting and Left with More Whites than Reds

illustration of a stylish crowd at a wine tasting

I showed up to Maxwell Park’s Greek wine walk-around tasting expecting to leave with armfuls of crisp, saline whites perfect for pretending it’s still beach season. Instead? I walked out with a tote bag full of reds and a newfound obsession with Macedonian wine. Let’ me explain.’s unpack.

Macedonia Wasn’t Even on My Radar (And It Should Be on Yours)

Here’s what I didn’t know before this tasting: Macedonia is absolutely dominating the Greek wine scene right now. Out of 25 wines poured at this tasting, easily half were from Macedonia. We’re talking appellations like Naoussa, Amyndeon, Florina, and Drama—names that sound like they belong in a Greek mythology course but are actually producing phenomenal wines.

Macedonian Wine Geography 101

  • Macedonia (Greek region): Northern Greece, cooler climate, mountainous terrain
  • Key appellations: Naoussa, Amyndeon, Goumenissa, Drama
  • Vibe: Think Burgundy but with Greek grapes and better prices

The climate up there is genuinely different from what most people imagine when they think “Greek wine.” We’re talking higher elevation, cooler temperatures, and continental influence rather than that hot Mediterranean stereotype. It’s giving elegant reds with structure rather than fruit bombs baked in the sun.

The Grapes That Made Me a Macedonian Wine Convert

Xinomavro: The Greek Nebbiolo You Need to Know

If Nebbiolo and Pinot Noir had a Greek love child, it would be Xinomavro (pronounced Zee-NOH-mah-vroh). This grape is Macedonia’s signature variety, and after trying multiple expressions, I finally get the hype.

What Xinomavro tastes like:

  • High acidity that makes you want another sip (and maybe some cheese)
  • Firm tannins that need food or a few years in the bottle
  • Flavors of sour cherry, dried herbs, tomato leaf, and sometimes this gorgeous olive-y complexity

The 2023 Kir-Yianni Syrah/Merlot/Xinomavro blend from Paranga was an standout—showing how well Xinomavro plays with others while still maintaining its signature tannic grip and bright acidity.

Agiorgitiko: The People-Pleaser Red

While Xinomavro is out here being all structured and serious, Agiorgitiko (ah-yor-YEE-tee-koh) is the friend who shows up to the party with snacks and good vibes. Softer tannins, juicy red fruit, and an approachability that makes it perfect for weeknight drinking.

The 2021 Papantonis ‘Medea Agan’ from Peloponnese was silky and fruit-forward—exactly what you want when you need a glass of red that doesn’t require a dissertation to enjoy.

But What About the Whites? (They Were There, I Promise)

Don’t get me wrong—there were some gorgeous Greek whites at this tasting. The 2024 Alpha Estate Sauvignon Blanc from Florina was crisp and herbaceous in all the right ways. The 2023 Santo Assyrtiko from Santorini had that signature volcanic minerality that makes Assyrtiko so distinctive.

But here’s the thing: I already knew Greek whites were good. Assyrtiko has been on my radar since my first trip to a decent wine bar. What surprised me was discovering that Greek reds—particularly from Macedonia—have just as much (if not more) to offer.

What I Learned About Greek Wine (Besides Geography)

1. Stop Sleeping on Greek Reds Everyone talks about Greek whites—and rightfully so—but the red wine game in Macedonia is seriously underrated. These wines have structure, age-worthiness, and food-friendliness that rivals classic European regions.

2. Xinomavro Deserves More Respect This grape is producing wines that can stand alongside Barolo and Burgundy, often at half the price. It’s criminally under-recognized outside of wine geek circles.

3. Not All Greek Wine Comes from Islands The mountainous, continental climate of northern Macedonia creates a completely different wine profile than what you’d find in Santorini or Crete. It’s cooler, more structured, and surprisingly Burgundian.

4. Greek Wine Offers Insane Value For the quality level you’re getting—especially with Macedonian reds—the price points are shockingly reasonable. We’re talking $26-40 for bottles that taste like they should cost double.

The Bottom Line

I walked into this tasting thinking I’d leave with summer whites and walked out with winter reds and a Wikipedia deep-dive planned on Macedonian wine history. Sometimes the best wine discoveries happen when you let yourself be surprised by regions you thought you already understood.

Next time you’re at the wine shop and spot a bottle from Naoussa or Amyndeon, don’t walk past it. Grab the Xinomavro, pair it with something Mediterranean (braised lamb, anyone?), and prepare to have your assumptions about Greek wine completely upended.

Pro tip: If you’re in D.C., Maxwell Park does monthly themed tastings, and they’re absolutely worth checking out if you’re in D.C. Nothing beats tasting 25 wines side-by-side to really understand regional differences and personal preferences. Plus, you might just leave with bottles you never expected to buy—in the best possible way.

Have you tried Greek reds? Are you team Assyrtiko or secretly curious about Xinomavro? Let me know what Greek wines you’re reaching for!

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