Connecting Armenia, Georgia, Greece and Ukraine, we want you to discover these countries through a sip of wine! Enjoy the culture, customs, traditions and gastronomy of this old and new world. If the time you want to spend in each country is limited, the The Black Sea Wine Route is ideal to discover the exceptional wineries that cover this unique landscape embraced with serenity of the mountains and breeze of the sea.
You have time? Then go to each country page and discover unique country level wine routes, short on time, stay here and go head. The Journey is around the Black Sea, it starts with Ukraine and ends on the same continent (in Greece).
Ukraine
Excursions in Odesa are walks through the historical places of the city, visiting wine shops and wineries, with the opportunity to taste local wines in wine cellars and halls. Highly qualified sommeliers will tell you about Ukrainian wines and what Odesa dishes they can be combined with. After all, Odesa is famous for its dishes which pair perfectly with the wines.
Having visited Odesa, you can also enjoy the views of the Black Sea, and gaze at the sunset through a glass of wine while sailing on a yacht.
Georgia
Rich Historical heritage and culture of Georgia, gastronomy, indigenous grapes, modern services, the beautiful nature from the Black Sea to the Caucasus Mountains and most importantly, the unique Georgian wines have been combined in the Georgian wine route, where you will be welcomed by the country's oldest wineries, small family cellars with centuries-old tradition and most famous wine enthusiasts.
During the 8,000-year history of Georgian winemaking, the tradition of making wine in Qvevri has passed through millennia and is ready to host and fascinate you with its authenticity and unique wines in every corner of the country.
Armenia
A sea of experiences in one day! Get inspired. Firstly, relax and pamper yourself at the Aya Maria Wellness Spa Resort, away from the city fuzz but so close to it! Try the Detox program offered for a total mental and physical transformation!
The living proof is the Levon’s Divine Underground. The restless man spent more than a decade digging under his house using tools and his hands. The result? An underground labyrinth, decorated with stones.
Make a wish and light a candle at the spot that his wife points out.
Taste a huge variety of wines in Gevorkian Winery. Amphora wine, Icewine, dry, semi-dry, and a variety of fruit wines can be found here.
Norqi Keghar Winery, is an urban, newly established winery! Only local grape varieties are used and are aged in oak barrels in the 150-year-old house-winery.
Saryan Wine Street will tell you everything about the Armenian wines in one place. This street is always busy until late at night with the whispers of wine lovers, sometimes with giggles and sometimes with silent dreamy glances flowing through wine glasses. Explore Yerevan and you will find many more wine places.
Greece
Continue your Black Sea Wine Route in Greece and the city of Thessaloniki, member of UNESCO’s Network of Gastronomy.
Start with the most innovative urban project; the urban vineyard. The people of the Municipality but also AUTH faculty members and students, a local winery and people from the neighborhood take care of the vineyard. The wine made from this vineyard is called “Gorgona” (mermaid) and it is sold for social purposes in major gastronomical events. From the urban vineyard drive to “Domaine Gerovassiliou” where you can meet the winemaker. During your visit to the winery with an amazing view at Thermaikos golf and Mount Olympus enjoy a unique wine tourism experience. Visit the Wine Museum with more than 2,600 exhibits, rare and unique pieces and the huge collection of corkscrews. Enjoy the open-air contemporary art gallery while touring the estate.
While staying at the city, visit the UNESCO monuments, the urban waterfront, Kapani market and enjoy the nightlife in famous wine bars and restaurants with dishes influenced by Jewish, Pontiac and Constantinople communities; don't miss the famous Thessaloniki Food Festival events.
Day 2
At the city’s outskirts in “Kechris winery” test your knowledge with 10 myths and facts about Retsina wine, a traditional Greek product. The route will take you to Nea Mesimvria only 20 km from the city where the family winery “Spyropoulos winery” will offer the whole family an amazing experience in the vineyard and the newly established winery.
Return to the city and have your meal at the multi-space project of “Ergon” with the most updated local wine list.
If you decide to stay more days follow the 13 country level thematic wine routes that connect the eastern and western parts of the Black Sea area in Greece.
Ukraine
Georgia
Armenia
Greece
Whether you prefer small, medium or large-scale wineries, the Black Sea Wine Route is inclusive: visit four major cities and easy to reach wineries. Black Sea Wine Route: Impeccable architecture, picturesque vineyards, wine museums, professional wine tastings and more wine related experiences!
