We talk a lot about the Athens Beer Trail here in the Classic City, but Athens isn't just an All-American beer town. Wine enthusiasts rejoice! Not only can you find a fantastic array of vino all over Athens year-round, but on February 3-5 you can experience a weekend of exquisite taste, Athens Wine Weekend.
Shiraz
Shiraz offers fine wines with no pretense. Great wines and specialty food, friendly staff with helpful suggestions, and a warm atmosphere await you at this lovely shop in The Leathers Building. They have over 600 wines at all price ranges, a wide array of food items, and a beautiful selection of wine and food-related accessories. Whether you're looking for a bottle for dinner tonight, something gourmet to dress up appetizers for guests, or a special gift, they can take care of it for you.
The Lark Winespace
Meet, shop, learn, taste, and enjoy a bite, all at a relaxed pace in a bright, cozy space. The Lark offers a rotating tasting menu and a shop full of unique, responsibly-made wines. The small list of wines poured at the tasting bar rotates monthly so you can come back often to try new wines. Even after its time on the tasting list is over, you can generally find it on The Lark's retail shelves or in the online shop.
Tapped Athens
Located in historic Bottleworks, Tapped Athens offers the world of wine right in the heart of the Classic City. With 24 bottles on tap, this unique self-serve wine tasting experience puts you in control. You may choose to sip until you find the perfect bottle to take home, or pour a glass and savor with friends. Tapped Athens rotates some of the finest wines through the tasting room, giving you the opportunity to try a wide range of price points and profiles at a fraction of the cost to find the perfect wine for you.
The Expat
In a historic home the in Five Points neighborhood, The Expat is a cozy, intimate bistro with Italian flair and a robust wine menu. With ample parking out back and an upstairs cocktail bar, The Expat is the ideal spot to grab drinks out with friends or have a romantic date night. Wine lovers will delight in their selection of French and Italian wines, ranging from a Scarpetta Prosecco to a 2008 Andrew Geoffrey Cabernet Sauvignon.
The National
Nestled downtown in the heart of Athens, The National is a bright, comfortable cafe serving Mediterranean-inspired food, wine and, cocktails. The menu feels eclectic, but The National works closely with local farmers, using seasonal ingredients.
Athens Wine Weekend- the best time of year for wine lovers
Athens' premier wine event, Athens Wine Weekend, is coming back to The Classic Center. This three-day celebration brings out the best of the best in the food and wine industry with several distinctive experiences all in one place. Athens Wine Weekend events are designed to be fun, approachable, and enjoyable for novices and experts alike. Wherever you are along your wine journey, you are sure to find new tastes and experiences to delight. Wine Weekend is among the top things to do in Athens as a romantic weekend, date night, girls night out, or mother-daughter activity. Tickets are limited, so reserve your spot today! The weekend will kick off with Amuse-Bouche on Friday where guests can sample local fare paired with the perfect wine. Saturday will kick off with Grand Tasting, and several seminars will be available for guests to deepen their knowledge of the grape. Saturday will conclude with a multi-course Gourmet Dinner. The event will come to a close Sunday with a delicious buffet and mimosas at Sparkling Wine Brunch.
WINE WEEKEND EVENTS:
AMUSE-BOUCHE
Friday, February 3 | 5:30 p.m
The Classic Center Grand Hall
Kicking off Athens Wine Weekend, Amuse-Bouche is a Friday evening wine tasting affair. Featuring several of the most talented chefs from favorite local restaurants, this event provides a sampling of their cooking artistry, all paired with the perfect wine to arouse the palate.
GRAND TASTING
Saturday, February 4 | 12:30 p.m.
The Classic Center Grand Hall
Sip and sample wines from around the world. Interested in more than just the tasting? Dive into one of the many seminars such as "Balancing Food and Wine", to expand on your knowledge of the grape and learn from the best local wine educators.
GOURMET DINNER
Saturday, February 4 | 6:30 p.m.
The Classic Center Athena Ballroom
A highlight of the Athens Wine Weekend, this incredible multi-course meal is expertly prepared by The Classic Center's Executive Chef with Levy, while the wines of the courses are hand selected by Frank Sinkwich, President of Northeast Sales Distributing. From start to finish this event is guaranteed to deliver a culinary experience like no other. Gourmet Dinner is sponsored by Orkin Pest Control.
SPARKLING WINE BRUNCH
Sunday, February 5 | 11:30 a.m.
The Classic Center Atrium
Close out the weekend with an incredible brunch featuring specialty mimosas and a delicious brunch buffet. Grab your significant other or a few friends and let us show you what the perfect wine brunch is all about.
