Judges Experiences 2025 offered a compact yet immersive journey through Greek gastronomy and beverage culture, bringing together gastro tourism, beer tourism, and wine tourism into a single, coherent narrative.
The experience started in the center of Athens, where our judges were welcomed at a traditional Greek taverna, enjoying authentic cuisine in a rustic setting. The program continued in Metamorfosi, within the Attica Region, with a visit to a distillery focusing on the use of mastiha in spirits production.
Beyond Attica, judges visited a winery in Avlida (Central Greece), where a guided tasting of selected wines highlighted the work of regional producers and the identity of local wine tourism. Beer tourism took center stage in Drosia, with a brewery visit combining beer tastings and pairings with fresh local seafood, served within the brewery.
The journey concluded with a brief exploration of Chalkida, including its historic Old Bridge, linking contemporary production with the city’s cultural landscape and reinforcing the broader role of gastro tourism in destination storytelling.
Taverna Klimataria
Located in the historic center of Athens, Klimataria has been welcoming locals and visitors alike since the early 20th century (1927). Its name, meaning “vine trellis,” reflects both its setting and philosophy: generous tables, seasonal dishes, and a deep respect for Greek culinary heritage. The menu is rooted in classic Greek cuisine, prepared with carefully selected ingredients and recipes that highlight simplicity, balance, and authenticity.
Beyond the plate, Klimataria is also a cultural meeting point. Live rebetiko and folk music evenings have long been part of its identity, creating an experience that feels distinctly Athenian-warm, unpretentious, and communal. This blend of gastronomy and culture makes Klimataria a natural reference point for gastro-tourism, offering visitors a genuine connection to the city’s living traditions rather than a staged interpretation of them.
Skinos Visitor Center
The Skinos Visitor Center, located in the historic Metaxa distillery, offers a captivating two-hour journey into the world of Mastiha—an ancient ingredient with deep cultural and medicinal significance. Guests are immersed in the rich history of Mastiha, tracing its role from antiquity to modern international markets. They explore its unique cultivation on Chios Island, its therapeutic properties, and its transformation into world-class spirits. The experience includes an in-depth look at the production of Skinos Mastiha Spirit, Skinos Dark, Votanikon Gin, and Otto’s Athens Vermouth, revealing the craftsmanship behind each bottle. Visitors engage their senses through guided tastings, discovering the complexity and versatility of these spirits. A perfect blend of tradition and innovation, the Skinos Visitor Center is an essential experience for spirit enthusiasts, offering a deeper appreciation of Greek heritage and the artistry behind one of Greece’s most iconic flavors.
Wine Producers of Central Greece
The Association of Wines of Central Greece (short in Greek: ENOAKE) was founded in April 2008, by 24 wine producers who were active in Central Greece and who joined forces with the aim of promoting the wine-producing power of the vineyards of Central Greece, one of the most historic wine-producing regions of Greece.
Central Greece is one of the most fascinating wine producing regions of Greece, if not of the entire world of wine. It has complex topography and soils, with this complexity clearly depicted in the plethora of wine styles produced here.
A visit to Tzivani Bio Wines winery, tour at their Wine Museum and tasting with 10 selected wines of the ENOAKE members are planned. The wineries participating at the tasting are: Akriotou Microwinery, Avantis Estate, Domaine Hatzimichalis, Lykos Winery, Muses Estate, Paliatsas Winery, Skoumpris Winery, Thivaiki Gi, Tzivani Bio Wines, and Vriniotis Winery.
Elixi Microbrewery
Elixi Microbrewery, nestled in Drosia, Chalkida, has been shaping its own path in the Greek craft beer scene since 2012. In 2023, the brewery entered a new era under the ownership of the Panagiotou brothers, pioneers in the industry and founders of Septem Microbrewery—one of Greece’s first and most renowned craft breweries. With their expertise and passion, they embraced Elixi’s journey, continuing their innovative brewing approach across both Evia-based breweries.
At Elixi Microbrewery, we take pride in crafting beers that reflect both tradition and innovation, and we look forward to sharing our passion with you.
A quick presentation of the brewery and beer and seafood pairing (beers from Elixi and Septem) are planned.
Villa Brown Ermou
Villa Brown Ermou is a boutique hotel that seamlessly blends timeless elegance with contemporary aesthetics. Nestled in one of Athens’ most atmospheric neighborhoods, on the charming pedestrian street of Petraki, the hotel enjoys a prime location just steps away from Ermou shopping street and the enchanting Plaka.
With 16 rooms and suites, Villa Brown Ermou exudes an air of romance and understated luxury. The interiors feature marble details, bronze accents, and soft dusty pink hues, evoking the charm of a modern Belle Époque.
At the bistro, start your day with a delightful breakfast, savor a leisurely brunch, or enjoy a signature cocktail in an intimate setting. Step outside to explore the vibrant neighborhood, filled with stylish cafés and exceptional dining experiences, and immerse yourself in the authentic charm of Athens.
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