Buy Greece Online

How to Choose Greek Wine: A Buyer's Guide from Commack, Long Island

Greece has been making wine for at least 4,000 years, and its modern industry runs on native grapes you will not find anywhere else. That is the appeal: Assyrtiko, Malagouzia, Agiorgitiko, Xinomavro, and Moschofilero taste like no other varietal on the shelf. Use this guide to pick the right bottle, then browse our full wine selection for the rest of the world.

Start with the style you actually drink

• Crisp and mineral whites: Assyrtiko from Santorini is the benchmark, grown in volcanic soil and finished with bracing acidity and a saline edge. Serve it with oysters, grilled fish, or feta.
• Aromatic, floral whites: Malagouzia (try the Antonopoulos bottling) delivers peach, jasmine, and a soft texture. It is an easy crowd-pleaser and a strong alternative to chardonnay for guests who want something new.
• Reds with structure: Agiorgitiko from Nemea, such as Chateau Julia, gives ripe dark fruit and smooth tannins. Xinomavro is the opposite: high acid, firm tannin, and savory notes that reward a few years in bottle.
• Traditional and distinctive: Retsina, like Papagiannakos, is flavored with Aleppo pine resin, a practice dating to antiquity. It is dry, herbal, and superb with lamb or mezze.
• Spirits: Tsipouro, including Idoniko, is a grape pomace spirit similar to grappa or ouzo’s unflavored cousin. Serve it chilled or over ice as a digestif.

What to expect on price and value

Greek wine is one of the best value plays in the store. Everyday whites and reds generally land in the mid-teens to high twenties, while estate Assyrtiko and aged Xinomavro climb from there. Because production is small, many bottlings are limited, so if you find a Malagouzia or Santorini you love, buy a second bottle. Not sure where to start? Take our wine taste quiz and we will point you toward the right grape.

Food pairing shortcuts

• Grilled octopus, calamari, and lemon potatoes: Assyrtiko or Moschofilero.
• Lamb, moussaka, and tomato-braised dishes: Agiorgitiko or a Greek-labeled cabernet blend like Ploes.
• Mezze, olives, and sheep’s milk cheese: Retsina or Tsipouro.

Buying locally or shipping

Long Island Wine & Spirit Merchant has served Commack for more than 30 years from 1171 Jericho Turnpike, with 17,000+ bottles in stock and open 7 days a week. Order Greek wine online for free curbside pickup in Commack, or get same-day or next-day delivery across Long Island, including Nassau and Suffolk County, with free local delivery over $250. We also ship wine to the states where it is legal, confirmed at checkout, via UPS or FedEx with an adult 21+ signature required. We ship spirits to the states where it is legal, confirmed at checkout, and they are also available for local delivery and in-store pickup. Planning a gift? Add custom bottle engraving to any bottle in the shop.