You might think that all Greece has to offer is olives and feta cheese, but in the last few decades, the nation has embarked on a fruitful exploration of another product: wine. With unique grape varieties not found anywhere else but within the borders of this Mediterranean nation, wine connoisseurs have arrived in droves to get a taste of Greek wine.

The Plyto grape, found only in Crete, was saved from extinction in the 1980s and provides a shockingly crisp taste of green apple - perfect for a seafood dishes served with marinated olives and mild cheeses. One of the many perks of staying at luxury rentals in Greece is having the opportunity to take in the beautiful scenery while eating the fruit of the land. All you have to do is rent a car and embark on an unforgettable journey through Greece's blossoming wine country.

Have a sip in the Peloponnese

Surrounded by jagged cliffs and rolling valleys, the Peloponnese is the perfect spot for growing Plyto grapes and other more common varieties. As many sommeliers will tell you, wine tastes best in the region it was grown, which could not be more true in this illustrious landscape.

Skouras Vineyards, located right in the heart of the Peloponnese and about 90 minutes away from Athens, boasts an impressive offering of nearly a dozen grape varieties. Owned by the Skouras family, this winery produces about 700,000 bottles a year and takes full advantage of the volcanic soil in the area. Agiorgitiko, another Greek grape, thrives in the Peloponnese, and is a crisp and clean complement to the tastes of the Mediterranean.

Unlike French and Italian vineyards, Greek wine producers are notoriously casual and make guests feel right at home the moment they step inside, offering tasty morsels of country bread with olive oil and feta. Keep in mind that many vineyards have restaurants on site, and there's no better way to enjoy a Greek wine than when it's paired perfectly with a gourmet meal.

Eat in Crete

While touring the beautiful island of Crete, which you can reach by taking a short ferry ride, you won't want to miss the chance to try Plyto from the winemakers who rescued it nearly 30 years ago. At Lyrarakis, wine connoisseurs have been baffled at how such incredible grapes have been kept under wraps for so long. None of these bottles can be found in the United States, so you should not only drink your fill, but find a way to send some home by the crate.

After getting a dozen or so bottles of the rare Plyto wine, take a short drive to 7 Seas, where you can enjoy platters filled with fresh Cretan seafood fished right along the shores in front of the restaurant. This eccentric eatery looks more like a summer cottage than a restaurant, and the staff are true to the warmth of all Greek people.

Are you interested in luxury vacation rentals?  Contact Villas of Distinction today at 800.289.0900 where a qualified villa expert will help you explore which luxury villa best suits your lifestyle.