The Cinque Journal / The Greek Wine Journey
FROM THE ARCHIVE · 2018
Tasos Dousis: “In Monastiraki, I Discovered the Best Wine Bar in Greece”
From our 2018 press archive: a look back at Tasos Dousis’s recommendation and the wines, flavours and hospitality described at the time.
Published 2018-04-04 · Cinque — The Greek Wine Journey
IN THIS ARTICLE
In the heart of Athens’ historic center, in Psyrri, just steps away from Monastiraki, Cinque Wine & Deli stands out as one of the most authentic wine bars in Greece.
The 2018 account recorded 1,069 TripAdvisor reviews and a 5.0 rating, reflecting the welcome Cinque had received from Greek and international visitors at the time.
Among those who highlighted the Cinque experience is journalist and travel editor Tasos Dousis, who included Cinque in his feature “99+1 Travel Secrets of Greece That Few People Know” (No. 10), describing the wine bar with words that capture its philosophy perfectly.
Greek Wine, Without Pretension
At Cinque Wine & Deli, wine is not treated as a luxury statement, but as a cultural, everyday experience.
The wine list focuses on:
– lesser-known indigenous Greek grape varieties
– small, high-quality Greek producers
– special and limited bottlings
More than 35 Greek wine labels were described as available at the time, almost all by the glass, allowing guests to explore, compare and discover without barriers.
The guest feedback recorded in that account highlighted how the small space created a sense of warmth and intimacy.
Flavors With Identity
Food at Cinque does not play a secondary role — it is an essential part of the experience.
The cheese platter is among the most impressive one can find in a wine bar, featuring selections such as:
– Smoked cheese from Vermio
– Goat cheese from Monemvasia with Agiorgitiko wine syrup from Nemea (Gofa Estate)
– Manouri from Meteora
– Graviera from Naxos
– Kasseri from Mytilene
– Kefalograviera from Amfilochia
– Feta from Vytina
– Anthotyro with cranberries (Erifi)
The platters described were accompanied by five handmade chutneys, prepared in-house — pepper, tomato, apple and other seasonal variations.
The account also described a mixed platter combining Greek cheeses and cured meats, including Cretan air-dried salami, Thracian beer salami, smoked pork from Meteora, Greek mortadella from Thessaloniki and beef pastrami.
Hospitality With Substance
What guests consistently highlight is not only the quality of the products, but the human approach.
At Cinque, the team does not simply serve wine — they listen, ask questions and guide each guest toward what truly suits their taste.
The same account emphasised the combination of good wine, unpretentious tasting, warmth and friendly service.
A Wine Bar Shared by Word of Mouth
Cinque Wine & Deli is not designed for those seeking ostentatious luxury or formal environments.
It speaks to those who value authentic wine, honest flavors and genuine hospitality.
Perhaps that is why it continues to be “discovered” by travelers visiting Athens from all over the world — and shared in the most powerful way: through personal experience.