Greek Wine Food Pairing Guide | Little Owl Wines

Sharing good food and Greek Wine made simple.

Wine pairing doesn't need to be complicated. The Greeks have been matching wine with food for thousands of years, and their approach is refreshingly simple: good wine, honest food, and the people you want to share it with.

This approach is captured by the Greek word "philoxenia". It doesn't quite translate into English, but means something close to "friend of the stranger." In practice it describes the instinct to set an extra place at the table, pour generously, and make everyone feel like they belong. It's the spirit behind every Greek meal, and the spirit behind our story.

Whether you're cooking a Sunday roast or setting out a meze spread, Greek wines pair beautifully with a wide range of cuisines beyond Greek food. Here's how to match our two wines with your favourite dishes.

How to Pair Assyrtiko with Food

Assyrtiko is one of Greece's most celebrated white grape. Crisp, food-friendly, and naturally high in acidity. If you enjoy Chablis, Albariño, or Sauvignon Blanc, you'll love what Assyrtiko brings to the table.

Our Little Owl Assyrtiko is grown in Central Greece and fermented in stainless steel tanks to preserve its freshness. It has light floral notes with apple, a rounded palate, and a clean, balanced finish. Serve it well chilled at 8--10°C.

Best Food Pairings for Assyrtiko

Seafood: Grilled prawns, sea bass, pan-fried cod, or crispy calamari with a squeeze of lemon. Assyrtiko's bright acidity is a natural match for fish and shellfish.
Salads: A classic Greek salad with ripe tomatoes, cucumber, and feta. Also easily pairs with halloumi cheese based salads of your choice.
Meze and dips: Hummus, tzatziki, warm flatbread, and marinated olives. The wine's freshness cuts through the richness of olive oil and yoghurt.
Light pasta: Lemon and caper linguine, prawn risotto, or orzo with roasted vegetables and herbs.
Cheese: Goat's cheese, feta, halloumi, or a young pecorino.

Pairing principle: If it's something you'd eat outdoors on a warm evening — Assyrtiko belongs beside it.

How to Pair Agiorgitiko with Food

Agiorgitiko (ah-your-YEE-tee-koh) is the most widely planted red grape in Greece and the signature variety of the Nemea region in the Peloponnese. It produces a juicy, fruit-forward red wine with soft tannins, similar in style to Pinot Noir or a lighter Merlot.

Our Little Owl Agiorgitiko is a dry red with cherry fruit on the nose, a savoury palate, and a light, clean aftertaste. It's a food-forward wine designed to enhance whatever's on the plate.

Best Food Pairings for Agiorgitiko

Roasted meats: Slow-roasted lamb with rosemary and garlic, roast chicken, or herb-crusted pork loin. The wine's berry fruit and savoury depth complement roasted flavours beautifully.
Greek Taverna Classics: Moussaka, pastitsio, lamb souvlaki, or stuffed peppers. Agiorgitiko was born for this cuisine.
Cheese and charcuterie: Soft cheeses like brie and camembert, plus salami, prosciutto, olives, and sun-dried tomatoes.
Comfort food: Mushroom risotto, ratatouille, hearty bean stews, or a rich tomato-based pasta.
Barbecue: Grilled lamb chops, chicken skewers, or grilled vegetables. A perfect summer red.

Quick Reference: Greek Wine Pairing Chart

Assyrtiko (white) → Seafood, salads, meze, light pasta, goat's cheese, halloumi
Agiorgitiko (red) → Roast lamb, moussaka, soft cheeses, charcuterie, mushroom dishes, barbecue
Both wines → Olive bread, flatbread and dips, Mediterranean vegetable dishes

The Real Secret to Greek Wine Pairing

Unwind and enjoy the experience. Wine is part of the meal, not separate from it. The real pairing isn't wine and food. It's wine, food, and the people around the table.

So here's our advice: open a bottle, gather your people, and let the evening unfold. The wine will do its part.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What food goes with Greek white wine?

Greek white wines like Assyrtiko pair best with seafood, salads, meze dishes, light pasta, and fresh cheeses. Their natural acidity makes them exceptionally food-friendly, cutting through olive oil and complementing citrus-based dishes.

What food goes with Greek red wine?

Greek red wines like Agiorgitiko pair beautifully with roasted lamb, moussaka, soft cheeses, charcuterie, and grilled meats. The soft tannins and berry fruit make them versatile enough for both Mediterranean cuisine and beyond.

Is Greek wine good for pairing with non-Greek food?

Absolutely. Greek wines are among the most food-friendly in the world. Assyrtiko works with any cuisine that calls for a crisp white, while Agiorgitiko is at home alongside a Sunday roast, pasta, or a cheese board.