Wine, History & Nature: Discovering Northern Greece (Part 1)
Veria & Naoussa: From the historic Vergina to the renowned Xinomavro vineyards.
Naoussa and Veria are two destinations in Northern Greece that combine rich history, stunning nature, and excellent wine and gastronomic experiences!
Naoussa, renowned for its Xinomavro wine and winemaking tradition, offers visits to award-winning wineries as well as unique landscapes, such as the lush Saint Nicholas Park.
Veria, with a history spanning from ancient times to the Byzantine era, impresses with its well-preserved Jewish quarter, Barbuta, its famous Byzantine churches, and its vibrant culinary scene. Nearby, Vergina hosts one of Greece's most important archaeological sites, the royal tombs of Aigai.
The two towns are just an hour’s drive from Thessaloniki, which has an international airport, and about five hours from Athens.
Best time to visit: Winter is ideal for skiing enthusiasts, as the 3-5 Pigadia Ski Resort is just a short distance from Naoussa. For milder temperatures, the best times to visit are spring and early autumn, when nature is at its peak.
Places of interest
Initially, we chose the area due to its remarkable winemaking tradition. However, we soon discovered that the broader region offers much more, with a great variety of attractions beyond wine tourism.
Archaeological Site of Vergina - Aigai Tombs & Museum (Vergina): One of the most important archaeological sites in Greece, Vergina is located on the site of ancient Aigai, which was the first capital of the Macedonian Kingdom. The tomb-museum houses the royal tombs, including the impressive tomb of King Philip II, father of Alexander the Great. The exhibits, such as the golden sarcophagus and the intricate frescoes, reveal the grandeur of ancient Macedonian art and history.
Polycentric Museum of Aigai (Vergina): The museum hosts exhibits from the ancient city of Aigai, the first capital of the Macedonian Kingdom. It highlights the history and culture of Macedonia with significant archaeological finds, such as jewelry, ceramics, and everyday objects.
Barbuta Traditional Neighborhood (Veria): Barbuta, the old Jewish quarter of Veria, is one of the most atmospheric and well-preserved neighborhoods of the city. The stone houses, wooden balconies, and the river that runs through the area give it a unique charm. Don’t miss visiting the Veria Synagogue, one of the oldest in Greece.
Saint Nicholas Park (Naoussa): A beautiful natural park on the outskirts of Naoussa, ideal for relaxation and walks through a lush landscape with flowing streams. The park features restaurants, cafes, sports fields, and a variety of activities, such as hiking and cycling.
3-5 Pigadia Ski Resort (Naoussa): Located at an altitude of up to 2,005 meters on Mount Vermio, the 3-5 Pigadia Ski Resort is one of the most popular destinations for winter sports in Northern Greece. It offers ski and snowboard slopes, lifts, and facilities for both beginners and advanced skiers. During the summer, it transforms into a hub for outdoor activities such as mountain biking, hiking, and climbing.
Edessa Waterfalls: Just 40 minutes north of Naoussa, the town of Edessa is home to its famous waterfalls, one of Greece's most impressive natural attractions. The largest, the Karanos Waterfall, plunges from a height of 70 meters, creating a stunning spectacle. A path also runs behind the waterfall, allowing visitors to experience the force of the water up close. The surrounding area is beautifully landscaped with parks and cobblestone paths, and a visit to the old traditional neighborhood of Varosi is highly recommended.
Winemaking Tradition
The heart of the winemaking region beats around the town of Naoussa, one of the most significant and ancient wine-producing areas in Greece. The dominant variety is Xinomavro, a red grape that stands out for its high acidity, intense tannins, and moderate color, which evolves into a brick-red hue as it ages. Xinomavro wines age beautifully over time, developing complex earthy and spicy aromas that captivate the senses.
Xinomavro is used to produce the PDO Naoussa and PDO Amyntaio wines, and it also contributes to the creation of wines from PDO Goumenissa (blended with Negoska) and PDO Rapsani (alongside Krasato and Stavroto). The region is also known for its production of Blanc de Noir white wines and sparkling wines, all made from the same variety.
Wineries
In the area around Naoussa, you’ll discover a wide range of wineries, from small family-owned businesses to some of the most renowned and established wineries in Greece. If you love wine and wine tourism, it’s worth spending 2-3 days exploring some of these wineries.
For the best experience, it’s recommended to make an appointment in advance, as most wineries are small or medium-sized and do not have a fixed schedule for tours and tastings.
Here’s a list of suggested wineries that will give you a comprehensive picture of Naoussa’s wines:
Ktima Kir-Yianni – One of the most iconic wineries in Naoussa, founded by Yiannis Boutaris, which played a pivotal role in elevating Xinomavro to an international level. It offers tours, tastings, and a breathtaking view of the vineyards of Yannakohori. Don’t miss the opportunity to taste the local dishes at the estate’s restaurant, where local ingredients pair excellently with their wines. Additionally, the winery offers a range of activities, such as cycling tours through the vineyards, making the visit a well-rounded experience.
Thymiopoulos Vineyards – One of the most innovative wineries in Greece, Apostolos Thymiopoulos experiments with different expressions of Xinomavro, from fresh reds to natural wines and premium aged versions. Special mention should be made of his exceptional rosé wines from Xinomavro, which combine freshness, complexity, and gastronomic character.
Diamantakos Winery – A family-owned winery that produces exceptional Xinomavro as well as the white variety Preknadi, which is being revived in the region.
Foundi Estate – A classic representative of the old school of Xinomavro, Foundi Winery produces high-aging wines with strong character. Traditional winemaking techniques and a focus on the natural development of wines stand out.
Vaeni Naoussa – The Naoussa cooperative, with a long tradition in Xinomavro winemaking, produces both classic labels and more modern ones, offering a wide range of wines to suit all tastes.
Argatia Winery – A small, family-owned winery focusing on organic cultivation and expressing the terroir of Naoussa. The estate’s wines are characterized by elegance and balance, and visitors can taste different vintages and styles.
Kelesidis Estate – A boutique winery focusing on small-scale production, with special attention to quality and the expression of Xinomavro. Kelesidis Winery has earned a reputation for its fine and elegant expressions of the variety, with wines that reveal the full complexity of the terroir.
Accommodation
We chose to stay in Veria, as it offered more accommodation options. We didn’t regret it, as it turned out to be a beautiful city with pedestrian streets and a wide range of dining options, from traditional tavernas to modern restaurants. The distance from Naoussa is just 20-25 minutes by car, making it easy to explore both cities and the surrounding area.
We stayed at Olganos VL Luxury Rooms & Suites, a traditional guesthouse with modernly decorated rooms and breakfast served in the room. Its location was excellent - right in the city center, in a quiet spot near the river, in the historic Jewish neighborhood of Barbuta, with all the attractions within walking distance.
Food
During our stay in Naoussa and Veria, we had the chance to enjoy excellent food at every stop. From traditional tavernas with authentic local flavors to more modern restaurants that add a creative twist to Greek cuisine. Below are some of our favorite food spots that are worth trying!
Vergiotiko (Veria): A classic spot in the city, known for its authentic local flavors and homemade recipes.
12 Grada (Veria): A more modern restaurant offering creative Greek cuisine, quality ingredients, and an excellent wine list.
Charama (Arkohori): Located in a picturesque village, this restaurant offers excellent stews, local meats, and dishes inspired by the local cuisine.
Naoussa and Veria combine wine experiences, historical treasures, and natural beauty, offering a full travel experience!
In the next part of our series, we will continue our journey through Northern Greece with another significant wine-producing region: Amyntaio, the second PDO zone of Xinomavro. At the same time, we’ll explore more unique landscapes, lakes, and attractions worth visiting. Stay tuned for more!
Wonderful! I intend to write a post on Vergina in the future, the visit was extremely impressionable.