📍 Patras

Patras is a wine zone in the north of the Peloponnese peninsula, around the port city of Patras in Achaea. It is part of the Peloponnese. Mountains on one side and the Gulf of Corinth on the other create varied terrain, from coastal plain to slopes above 600 metres.

The Patras appellation is a dry white from Roditis, fresh and light, with citrus aromas. The area is also known for sweet wines: Mavrodaphne of Patras, a sweet red with aromas of coffee, chocolate and dried fruit, and Muscat of Patras and Muscat of Rio Patras, dessert wines from white Muscat. Each has its own appellation.

Mavrodaphne (“black laurel”) is a local red grape, often aged in barrels for many years. Such wines suit desserts and cheese, or serve as an aperitif. In the city of Patras one can visit some of the oldest wine cellars and learn about local winemaking history.

White Roditis from Patras pairs well with fish and salads. To the south lie other zones of the Peloponnese, such as Nemea and Mantinia. Mavrodaphne is served with desserts, nuts and chocolate, and Muscat with fruit and cheese.