Every year on November 1, wine enthusiasts around the world mark International Xinomavro Day, a celebration dedicated exclusively to Greece’s signature red grape, Xinomavro.
In 2025, this date falls on a Saturday, offering the perfect reason to join in with tastings, vineyard visits and engaging wine-tourism experiences across northern Greece. Here’s everything you need to know, whether you’re a seasoned sommelier, a curious traveler, or a wine-tourism supporter looking to plan your next visit.
What is Xinomavro? Greece’s Signature Red Grape Explained
The name ‘Xinomavro’ is derived from the Greek words xíno (ξινό) meaning ‘sour’ and mávro (μαύρο) meaning ‘black’. On the surface that may sound unimpressive, but the grape’s reputation tells a different story.
- Xinomavro is the principal red grape variety in the uplands of northern Greece, particularly in the regions of Naoussa, Amynteo, and Goumenissa.
- It is highly regarded for its capacity to reflect terroir, produce wines with backbone and longevity, and offer a style that is sophisticated and truly indigenous.
- The wines made from Xinomavro often feature firm tannins, lifted acidity, and complex aromas of red fruit, herbs, sun-dried tomato leaf, sometimes olive and tobacco.
- Beyond red wines, Xinomavro is versatile: it appears in rosé, blanc de noir style, and even sparkling formats.
In short: Xinomavro is far from a one-dimensional grape. It demands good sites and attentive viticulture, but when treated well, its wines deliver something very special.
Why November 1 is Xinomavro Day: History and Significance
The selection of 1 November as Xinomavro Day isn’t arbitrary. It aligns roughly with the conclusion of the harvest for this variety in northern Greece. The day has become a focal point for celebration, education, and promotion of both the grape and the regions that nurture it.
- Around the event headquarters of Winemakers of Northern Greece in Thessaloniki (The Wine Hub) there are vertical tastings, winery open doors and dedicated sessions solely around Xinomavro’s different expressions.
- For wine tourism supporters, November 1 is a chance for visitors to plan a trip around the event, explore the vineyards, meet winemakers and deepen their connection to this indigenous variety.
- For the global wine market, this date helps drive awareness. In 2025, an event in Florence will coincide with Xinomavro Day, showcasing Greek wines on an international stage. Italy’s largest Greek wine event takes place on November 1. The event features 49 wineries from across Greece, offering visitors the chance to taste more than 200 wines from emerging and established producers across the top wine regions.
So, if you’re wondering ‘why should I notice this day?’, it’s because it lifts Xinomavro into global view and deepens the tourism potential of its home regions.
Xinomavro Terroir, Viticulture & Winemaking: Secrets of Greece’s Finest Red
Understanding Xinomavro means exploring its growing conditions, vineyard behaviour and winemaking demands.
Terroir & Vineyards
- Xinomavro thrives in northern Greek plateau and hillside sites, in particular those with good altitude, cooling nights, and soils that often include schist, granite or limestone. For example, in the foothills around Naoussa you’ll often find high altitude plantings.
- Its name referencing ‘sour black’ hints at the naturally high acidity and moderate skin colour (the skin may not appear deeply pigmented but the grape’s performance belies that).
- The variety is considered ‘finicky and demanding’; low yields, vine balance and precise canopy and crop control are important if it is to reach its full potential.
Winemaking and Style
- Because of its high acidity and tannic structure, Xinomavro is built to age. Young wines often show vivid red fruit and tangy acidity; mature versions yield deeper aromas of dried fruits, leather, olive and tobacco.
- Some winemakers are exploring modern, fresher styles of Xinomavro, focusing on earlier-drinking profiles, lighter oak treatment and lower extraction, broadening its appeal without sacrificing identity.
- Because Xinomavro remains less known globally, its good examples often present strong value relative to more famous wines, making it appealing for collectors and curious drinkers.
What to Taste & How to Taste It
If you’re planning to join Xinomavro Day or simply wish to explore the grape, here are some important pointers.
Tasting Observations
- In its youth: expect fresh red cherry and raspberry fruits, herbal or tomato-leaf notes, bright acidity, firm tannins. Some wines may also show violet or rose petal notes.
- With age: the fruit will evolve toward darker berry, maraschino cherry, dried herb, olive tapenade, tobacco leaf, and perhaps tar or licorice. Tannins soften but structure remains.
- Unique styles: Try a blanc de noir or rosé made from Xinomavro to check the grape’s versatility.
Best Food Pairings for Xinomavro Wine
Thanks to its structure, tannic backbone, and bright acidity, Xinomavro pairs exceptionally well with dishes that offer richness, umami, or herbal complexity, such as:
- Mediterranean grilled meats
- Tomato-based stews
- Hearty vegetables, and
- Aged cheeses.
Selecting Good Bottles
- Always check the producer and region: wines from Naoussa or Amynteo will often be 100 % Xinomavro and of high quality.
- Consider vintage and style, if you buy a youthful version, be prepared for structure and acidity; if aged, expect softer tannins and more complexity.
- Look out for limited-yield or single-vineyard wines, as they often show the grape in top form.
Wine Tourism & Xinomavro: Where to Go, What to Experience
For anyone who supports wine tourism, Xinomavro offers a compelling reason to travel to northern Greece and engage in a wine culture that is authentic and evolving.
Top Xinomavro Wine Regions in Northern Greece to Visit
- Naoussa (Imathia, Macedonia region): The heartland of Xinomavro. Hilltop vineyards, cold nights, and a long tradition of the variety.
- Amynteo (Florina region): High altitude, cooler climate and increasingly interesting expressions of Xinomavro.
- Goumenissa, Rapsani and other northern zones: Less visited but offer excellent exploration opportunities for those wanting less-touristy wine experiences.
What You Can Do
- Vineyard tours in the foam of harvest season (around late October/early November) help you witness the reality of Xinomavro: picking, sorting, fermentation, and the enthusiasm of local producers.
- Pair the wine experience with local gastronomy: the regional cuisine of northern Greece is rich in grilled meats, slow-roasted vegetables, heritage cheeses and robust traditional dishes, perfect companions for Xinomavro.
- Stay in nearby towns to absorb the wine culture: local wine cafés, boutique inns that partner with wineries, roaming vineyards at sunrise for photography, and engaging with winemakers and viticulture experts.
Why This Matters for Wine Tourism Supporters
- For lesser-known varietals like Xinomavro, wine tourism helps shine light on authentic expressions and gives visitors a direct connection to vine to glass.
- When you travel to the region and attend events on Xinomavro Day, you support local winemakers, regional identity, and sustainable viticulture.
- The story and uniqueness of Xinomavro, the idea of a Greek grape with serious stature and aging potential, makes for a compelling narrative that can attract wine aficionados globally.
How to Celebrate Xinomavro Day 2025: At Home or in Greece
Whether you’re travelling to Greece or celebrating from afar, here are some actionable ways to mark Xinomavro Day 2025:
- Pick up one or more Xinomavro wines: Try a classic Naoussa red, and if available, a rosé or blanc de noir version to compare styles.
- Host a focused tasting: Invite friends, talk about the grape’s origins, share notes on tannin, acidity and aroma. Use mineral water, small bites of charcuterie or olive-rich dishes to complement.
- Plan a trip: If you can, aim for northern Greece around early November. Use Naoussa or Amynteo as your base, visit wineries, attend open houses and absorb the terroir in person.
- Engage with the story: Share your experiences on social media or in wine forums. Use the hashtag #XinomavroDay and help raise awareness of this fascinating grape.
- Support responsible tourism: Choose wineries that practice sustainable viticulture, low yields, and careful handling of their vineyards, especially important with a grape that demands the right site.
Plan Your Wine Tour with Winera: Tips and Recommendations
For wine lovers and tourism supporters alike, Xinomavro Day 2025 presents a compelling opportunity. You’ll be engaging not just with a wine, but with a region, a grape, a culture, and a story of revival. Xinomavro is not simply a novel variety, it is a pillar of Greek wine identity, capable of elegant complexity, ageing potential, and expressive terroir character.
Thanks to Winera, traveling to Greece and experiencing Xinomavro firsthand is easier than ever.
With just a few clicks, Winera lets you reserve winery visits, book wine tours, and plan engaging experiences across northern Greece. Whether you’re swirling Xinomavro at home, savoring it at a local wine bar, or exploring a hillside vineyard, Winera can help turn your Xinomavro Day celebration into a full-fledged wine tourism adventure, connecting heritage, place, and the future of indigenous varietals in one memorable experience.
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