Food

Greek Food and Wine Pairing Guide

Super tasty with lots of variety, quite simple to prepare, and so delicious to share, Greek food is an absolute Aussie favourite. Join us as we explore the best Greek food and wine pairings that will take your next Greek feast to a new level of deliciousness.

What wine goes well with Greek Food?

Made using fantastically fresh ingredients including lamb, seafood, vegetables, beans, pulses, olives and olive oil, herbs, cheese, and yoghurt, there’s a Greek dish for every taste and every occasion, and of a course a wine style to match.

It’s a well-known fact that Greek locals are lovers of Ouzo, but do Greeks drink wine with meals? The answer is yes – typically they enjoy a glass or two of Greek wines including Restina or Assyrtiko.

Here in Australia, Mediterranean grape varieties like Fiano, Vermentino, Grenache and Tempranillo thrive in our climate producing a fantastic range of wines that are perfect to enjoy with many Greek dishes.

But, with so much variety to choose from what are the best white wines with Greek food? And what are the best red wines with Greek food? Follow our tips on pairing Greek food with wine and you’ll enjoy the perfect combinations every time. Kali Oreksi!

Greek Food Recipes and Wine Matches

If you’re looking for some inspiring Greek food recipes, we’ve got you covered.

What wine goes best with Lamb Souvlaki?

Spicy, light to medium-bodied reds are ideal with grilled and barbequed favourites like souvlaki or gyros.

Wine pairing: Grenache and Grenache Shiraz Mourvèdre (GSM), or Pinot Noir, Nero d’Avola and Merlot.

What wine goes best with Moussaka?

Serve the savoury, richer wine styles with a hearty yet gentle moussaka, but nothing too overpowering.

Wine pairing: Tempranillo, or Sangiovese, Barbera and Shiraz.

What wine goes best with Spanakopita?

This deliciously creamy spinach and filo pie is perfect with one of the fuller and textural white varieties.

Wine pairing: Fiano or Chardonnay, Verdelho and Arneis.

What wine goes best with Greek Salad?

Colourful, crunchy and healthy, a classic Greek salad is perfect enjoyed with a zesty white or Rosé.

Wine pairing: Sauvignon Blanc, or Semillon, Semillon Sauvignon Blanc, Rosé or Pinot G.

What wine goes best with Gyros?

Marinated Greek chicken or lamb, tzatziki, tomato, cucumber, oregano, and flat bread – what’s not to love? Especially when you pair these tasty morsels with wine. Lamb gyros is best paired with fruity red wine like Pinot Noir, Tempranillo or Sangiovese, while chicken gyros are great with Riesling or Gewürztraminer – avoid wines with high acidity, as they accentuate the acidity of the tzatziki. Rosé is a good choice for both.

Wine pairing: Riesling, Rosé, Pinot Noir, Tempranillo or Sangiovese.

What wine goes best with Pastitsio?

Pastitsio is a Greek version of lasagne. Traditional ingredients include tubular pasta covered in a layer of an aromatic beef ragu (featuring cinnamon and nutmeg) and  then topped with a rich and creamy béchamel sauce. Choose a wine that has enough acidity to balance this rich dish.

Wine pairing: Merlot or Barbera

What wine goes best with Dolmades?

Light, fresh and great to share, these Greek finger foods lend themselves to light and savoury varieties.

Wine pairing: Vermentino, or Riesling, Gruner Veltliner or Rosé.

What wine goes best with Greek Bean Salad?

It’s hard to think of a better choice with a Greek bean salad than a crisp and refreshing Pinot Grigio.

Wine Pairing: Pinot Grigio

What wine goes best with Greek Calamari?

This brightly flavoured, colourful and textural calamari recipe by Shane Delia, is begging for a wine with similar attribute – try a deliciously dry Aussie Rosé like Tempranillo Rosé that is plush and fresh at the same time with mouth-watering acidity throughout.

Wine pairing: Rosé

What wine goes best with Greek Chicken?

Lyndey Milan's recipe for Greek-style barbeque chicken is delightful paired with Chardonnay.

Wine pairing: Chardonnay

What wine goes best with Greek Lamb?

Lyndey Milan's delicious Greek lamb with skordalia recipe is perfect with a glass of Malbec.

Wine pairing: Malbec

What wine goes best with Greek Pork?

Vermentino is a wonderful pairing with this delicious Greek-style pork cutlets recipe.

Wine pairing: Vermentino

There you have it! Greek food and wine pairings made easy. Gather your friends and family around the table to enjoy fabulous Greek food, their perfect wine pairings, plus plenty of great conversation.

For more great food and wine combinations, be sure to check out our dedicated Food and Wine Pairing pages.