Top 5 Most Expensive Greece Wine
Greece wine has transformed from a local secret to a luxury collector's item in recent years. Casual drinkers are often surprised that some bottles of Greece wine command high prices. From Greek red wine blends to rare Santorini wines, these costly treasures showcase the best of Greek vineyards and winemaking. In this post, we introduce the five most expensive Greece wine bottles and explain what makes them special – and we'll suggest more accessible alternatives from our selection so you can experience their essence without breaking the bank.
The Allure of Greece Wine: Why So Expensive?
Greece wine bottles can reach lofty prices due to a mix of rarity, heritage, and quality. Many hail from ancient Greek vineyards with low-yield old vines or unique grape varieties like Assyrtiko. Limited production runs (sometimes only a few hundred bottles) and high ratings from critics also drive up the value. For example, the Santorini wine made from century-old vines in volcanic soil offers flavors and history unlike any other. Simply put, these wines are the pinnacle of Greece's wine renaissance – and collectors are willing to pay accordingly.
Below are the top 5 priciest Greek wines and what makes them noteworthy. Each is a Greece wine caption in its own right. We've also included an alternative wine or category you can try for a similar experience at a fraction of the price, available right here at our store.
1. Hatzidakis “Assyrtiko de Louros” – Santorini's White Treasure
This iconic white from Santorini tops the list. Made from Assyrtiko grapes of 100-year-old vines, it's a Greece wine that beautifully captures Santorini's volcanic terroir. Aged in oak for two years, it delivers rich layers of ripe stone fruit, vibrant acidity, and a distinct mineral, almost saline finish. The combination of limited production and intense complexity makes it incredibly sought-after by enthusiasts.
Affordable Alternative: To taste a similar mineral-driven white, try Sunny Granite Alvarinho. This Portuguese white offers elegant mineral character and bright acidity, thanks to its granite soils. It's reminiscent of Santorini's Assyrtiko – at a much friendlier price point.
2. La Tour Melas “Palies Rizes” – Rare Old-Vine Greek Red
“Palies Rizes” (meaning “old roots”) is a Greek red wine. It proves Greek reds can be just as luxurious as their whites. It's sourced from a tiny parcel of ungrafted Agiorgitiko vines over 100 years old. Only a few hundred bottles are made of this rich red. It's lavishly oaked, with deep flavors of black cherry, cocoa, and spice, and polished tannins. With its tiny production and refined quality, this Greece wine commands a premium. It's often regarded as one of the most exclusive Greek red wine releases.
Affordable Alternative: For a taste of an elegant, old-vine red without the splurge, consider Alva Red's Rage. This Portuguese blend (Baga, Tinta Roriz, Jaen, Touriga) offers silky tannins, ripe blackberry and cherry notes, and a fresh mineral finish. It delivers great structure and depth – a similar vibe to the Greek original – but at a casual-drinker price.
3. T-Oinos “Clos Stegasta Rare Assyrtiko” – The Cycladic Rarity
This white comes from the granite hills of Tinos island.It is another Assyrtiko masterpiece and one of the top Greece wine contenders. The “Rare” Assyrtiko is fermented in a mix of oak casks and amphorae. It has a strikingly complex profile – think citrus blossoms, wet stone, honey, and a hint of ginger. Critics rave about its uniqueness, placing it among the top 10 Greek wines. Scarce production and high scores have pushed its price high.
Affordable Alternative: To get a feel for Cycladic island wine character on a budget, try a crisp high-altitude white like Beyra Riesling. While not Greek, this Portuguese Riesling is bright, citrusy, and mineral-driven, echoing the refreshing acidity and subtle stone notes you'd find in a Santorini or Tinos white.
4. Estate Argyros “Late Release Vinsanto” – Liquid Santorini Heritage
This luscious dessert wine is the priciest sweet Santorini wine around. Made from sun-dried Assyrtiko (plus Aidani and Athiri) grapes grown on 200-year-old vines in some of Santorini's oldest Greek vineyards. Argyros Vinsanto is aged for over a decade before release. The result is an amber nectar, bursting with dried fig, toffee, raisin, and spice flavors. It is balanced by bright acidity despite its sweetness. Its yields are extremely low – it takes many kilos of grapes to produce just one small bottle. With such rarity and incredible complexity, it's no wonder this Vinsanto carries a triple-digit price tag.
Affordable Alternative: Instead of splurging on this Greek dessert wine, you can experience similar indulgence with a classic Portuguese fortified wine. THE 20-Year-Old Tawny Port offers a comparable medley of caramel, dried fruit, and nutty flavors. It's a luxurious sweet treat that, while still special, comes at a more accessible price than Santorini's famous Vinsanto.
5. La Tour Melas “Central Greece” PGI – Boutique Bordeaux-Style Blend
Rounding out the list is another offering from the La Tour Melas estate – their flagship Greek red blend. This Central Greece wine marries Cabernet Franc and Merlot. It shows that Greek terroir can produce world-class Bordeaux-style reds. It's full-bodied and opulent, with dark berry flavors, hints of plum and vanilla, and a long velvety finish. As a boutique winery's limited release with high acclaim, it fetches a high price. It also solidifies Greece's presence on the fine red wine map.
Affordable Alternative: To enjoy a rich Cabernet-Merlot blend without the collector's cost, explore a premium Portuguese red like 100 Hectares Filigree. This Douro reserve offers ripe fruit, spice, and smooth oak influence similar to a Bordeaux-style profile. It's a satisfying way to savor the depth and balance of a top blend for a fraction of the price.
Savoring Greek Luxury Within Reach
Each of these five wines represents the pinnacle of Greek winemaking. Whether it's an ancient-vine Santorini white or an impeccably crafted mainland red, each one is extraordinary. They reflect Greece's rich wine heritage and the unique terroir of Greek vineyards. From island volcanic soils (think Santorini wine traditions) to mountainous mainland slopes, each region contributes its own character. Their prices might make them special-occasion wines. But remember that exploring Greece wine doesn't have to drain your wallet.
The suggested alternative wines above capture a hint of what makes these Greek bottles extraordinary. They do so in a more budget-friendly way. Whether you're new to Greek wines or an avid fan of Greek red wine, you can still experience a taste of Greece's finest. Just try these accessible picks. Cheers to discovering new favorites and enjoying the world of Greece wine at any price point!
