Cinque Wine Bar, Athens: Where there is always #winelover magic in the air

If Athens is in your plans then Cinque Wine Bar is an absolute must. There are places where you go and the wine is great. Then there are special places that you go and discover something richer. Cinque Wine Bar is one of those special places. Go to Cinque where there is a special #winelover magic in the air.

Return to Cinque Wine Bar © Spaswinefood

During a 2016 visit to Athens I just happened to connect with a Facebook friend, Evangelie who owns a wine bar in Central Athens. I planned a visit. Little did I know what a great experience it would be. This Spaswinefood enthusiast was soon to discover that some places are special. Not just because the people are nice, but also because they are knowledgeable and passionate about wines. Evangelie is the most amazing host and #winelover. Greg, a professional sommelier brings a #winelover passion to wine. 

#Winelover Visit 2016, Cinque Wine Bar © Spaswinefood

What I encountered on that #winelover outing, Valentine’s Day (February 14, 2016) at the Cinque Wine Bar was not only great wines and food, but also such amazing hospitality. Now I will share some moments from my most recent visit in May.

The Return
The visit began with amazing Greek cheeses and homemade jellies.

Cheese Plate (side view), Cinque © Spaswinefood

Cheese Plate (top view), Cinque © Spaswinefood

Evangelie explained the Greek cheeses for us.

Where the Greek Cheeses Come From © Spaswinefood

Indeed this is the place to sample some Greek cheeses. Moreover, the wines served are amongst some of the best in Greece. It is without a doubt that Greg knows Greek wines.

The white wines included:

Chrisohoou Estate, Xinomavro Blanc De Noir

Sparkling Wine and Cheese © Spaswinefood

Chrisohoou Estate, Xinomavro Blanc De Noir © Spaswinefood

Xinomavro is perhaps my favorite Greek red grape (Xinomavro how do I love thee? Let me count the ways) and to have a Chrisohoou Estate, Blanc De Noir Xinomavro was indeed a treat. 

Then of course there was a Kokotos Estate, Savatiano (Ana Aga, Winemaker).

Kokotos Estate, Savatiano 

Kokotos Estate, Savatiano © Spaswinefood

There were also three other delicious white wines (Nopera Wines Roya, SKouras Salto and Vorinos).

Roya, Salto and Vorinos White Wines © Spaswinefood

SKouras, Salto Mavrofilero 2015 © Spaswinefood 

This brought back memories of an earlier visit to Skouras Winery.

Nopera Wines, Roya ( Samos Moscat, a dry white wine)

Nopera Wines, Roya 2015 © Spaswinefood

Now let me share a few red wines (Tansatali Rapasani, Chateau Porto Carras, and Mercouri Estate Avgoustiatis).

Tansatali Rapsani Reserve 2013

Tansatali Rapsani Reserve 2013 © Spaswinefood

Domaine Porto Carras, Chateau Porto Carras 2006 (on the left)

Domaine Porto Carras, Chateau Porto Carras 2006 © Spaswinefood

I must not forget the delicious Mercouri Estate Avgoustiatis. I was going to write  "My Greek Fails Me" until I saw the winery name on the bottle neck label. With the winery name (rather part of the name - our estate) I was able with a little research to figure it out.

 Mercouri Estate Avgoustiatis 

 Mercouri Estate Avgoustiatis © Spaswinefood

NO, I am not the only one who loves Cinque. I was delighted to hear about their awards and top ratings.

Cinque Awards © Spaswinefood

It is such an inviting place.

Cinque Wine Bar, Athens © Spaswinefood

I love the passion behind the food and wine served here.

Cinque Wine Bar © Spaswinefood

The wall space filled with interesting details about Greek Wines.

Details, Cinque Wine Bar  © Spaswinefood

It was wonderful reconnecting over wine and cheese. Chances are if you drop by Cinque there just might be other #winelover friends (Lily, Robyn and Tim).

CHEERS!! Cinque Wine Bar, Athens © Spaswinefood

Bye for Now 

When I returned  to Athens I knew that my stopover would be brief; so I booked a room at 18 Micon Street Hotel. This hotel is right around the corner from the wine bar. I not only loved its location but also later that evening I observed dinners below my balcony.

 Essopou Steet, near the Corner of Micon Street © Spaswinefood

 Oineas, Essopou Street © Spaswinefood

Below the Balcony © Spaswinefood

I resisted going down, as I needed to get over the jet lag before traveling onto Alexandroupolis next day. Just taking in the views from the balcony would do for now.

Good Night Athens © Spaswinefood

I need to return soon for a longer stay. YES, there is a wine bar in Athens that you must visit. 

Cinque Wine Bar, Athens © Spaswinefood

Here's to Cinque Wine Bar © Spaswinefood

Whether you are new to Greek wines, or already a seasoned Greek #winelover, Cinque is a welcoming place. To quote myself "This wine bar serves up Greek hospitality at its best. Evangelie and Greg, the owners of Cinque, know how to make their patrons feel at home."

Sharon Parsons, Cinque © Spaswinefood

Perhaps Luiz Alberto said it best.

Luiz Alberto, Cinque © Spaswinefood

Special thanks to Evangelie and Greg for such a wonderful welcome back to Greece. I look forward to writing about other Greek #winelover experiences at Spaswinefood. 

Cinque Thanks for the Memories © Spaswinefood


#SeeYouInGreece #winelover

Greek #Winelovers, Cinque Wine Bar © Spaswinefood

Sharon

Cinque Wine Bar

Athens, Greece

May 2017

© Spaswinefood

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