A New Reference Point for Assyrtiko Opens in Athens

Hotel Grande Bretagne unveils one of Greece’s most ambitious collections dedicated entirely to the country’s defining grape variety

At Hotel Grande Bretagne, a new chapter in Greek wine culture is taking shape with the unveiling of the hotel’s new ‘Assyrtiko Cellar,’ a new program dedicated entirely to Greece’s most internationally recognised grape variety.

Created by Head Sommelier and Wine Director Evangelos Psofidis across Hotel Grande Bretagne and King George Hotel, the cellar brings together more than 120 labels tracing the evolution of Assyrtiko across Greece, from Santorini, Tinos, Naxos and Paros to Crete, Central and Northern Greece and the Peloponnese.

Long associated with the volcanic vineyards of Santorini, Assyrtiko has become one of the defining wines of the Mediterranean, prized for its mineral structure, vibrant acidity and remarkable ageing potential. At Hotel Grande Bretagne, the program explores the grape far beyond its island origins, examining how Assyrtiko evolves across different terroirs, vintages and winemaking philosophies.

Rare vintages, large-format bottles and vertical tastings sit alongside contemporary expressions from emerging Greek producers, creating a living reference point for the variety itself.

“The decision to dedicate an entire cellar to a single Greek grape is a conscious one,” says Psofidis. “Especially outside its natural zone, here in the heart of Athens. We wanted to create a true reference point for Assyrtiko.”

The collection includes benchmark producers and emblematic labels ranging from Sigalas’s Kavalieros to rare vintages such as a 1974 Argyros Vinsanto, offering guests the opportunity to experience both the history and evolution of the Greek varietal over time. QR-integrated wine lists allow visitors to trace each bottle back to its producer and region, extending the experience beyond the glass itself.

The program also extends beyond the cellar through dinners, thematic evenings, small-scale festivals and winemaker presentations designed to deepen dialogue between producers, makers and guests discovering the category for the first time.

Hotel Grande Bretagne, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Athens

At a moment when travelers are increasingly seeking experiences rooted in gastronomy, local culture and a stronger sense of place, the Assyrtiko Cellar positions Athens as an entry point into the wider landscape of contemporary Greek viticulture.

Underlying the program is a broader cultural philosophy: wine as dialogue, hospitality and shared experience. Rather than treating wine as a luxury accessory, the cellar positions Assyrtiko as a lens through which to understand contemporary Greece and its landscapes, regional identities and evolving gastronomic culture.

To view the entire Assyrtiko wine menu, click here.

To find out more about Hotel Grande Bretagne and its wine-curated experience, visit https://www.gbroofgarden.gr/experiences.