There’s something magical about Greece—cobblestone villages, olive groves kissed by the sun, and seaside dinners that linger late into the night. But even if your passport’s tucked away, you can bring that dreamy, joyful vibe home by pairing the iconic cheeses of Greece and Cyprus with their exceptional (and often under the radar) wines.

Let’s take your taste buds on a Greek getaway—no flight required!

Greek Cheeses to Know & Love

Imported cheeses from the Greek Isles and nearby Cyprus are steeped in tradition and full of bold, natural flavor. Here are a few of our favorites you’ll want to explore:

Feta – Perhaps the most famous Greek cheese, Feta is brined, crumbly, and tangy with just the right touch of creaminess. It’s traditionally made from sheep’s milk or a blend of sheep and goat’s milk. Perfect crumbled over salads, baked into pies, or whipped into dips.

Graviera – A semi-hard, aged cheese with a nutty, slightly sweet flavor. Think of it as Greece’s answer to Gruyère. Delicious for grating, melting, or enjoying in thick slices alongside fruit and olives.

Halloumi – Hailing from Cyprus, Halloumi is a firm, squeaky cheese with a high melting point—making it ideal for grilling or pan-frying. Its savory, salty flavor makes it a standout in everything from sandwiches to salads.

Kefalotyri – A bold, hard cheese made from goat’s or sheep’s milk, Kefalotyri has a salty, sharp bite that stands up beautifully to robust red wines. Often grated over pasta or fried into crispy, golden “saganaki.”

Xynomizithra – A creamy, moist cheese made from goat’s and sheep’s milk with a delicate tang. Traditionally served as a dessert cheese drizzled with honey, but equally wonderful folded into baked goods or spread on crusty bread.

Try them in these easy, flavor-packed, Greek inspired recipes:

• Greek Tiropita with Imported Feta Cheese – a flaky, cheesy phyllo pie that’s a must for any Greek-inspired spread
  
• Easy Spanakopita Bites with Imported Feta – perfect for parties or mezze nights
  
• Whipped Feta Board with Olives and Garlic Oil – effortless and stunning to share at parties
  
• Grilled Halloumi with a Citrus-Honey Glaze – an easy vegetarian side or appetizer for grilling season
  

Pair With These Greek Wines

Believe it or not; Greece boasts over 300 native grape varieties, each with a strong sense of terroir and perfect to pair with your favorite imported cheeses from Greece and Cyprus. Here are a few wonderful pairings to explore!

• Feta + Moschofilero – Light, floral, and citrusy, this Peloponnesian white balances Feta’s briny richness
• Halloumi + Assyrtiko– With its crisp minerality and citrus notes, it’s perfect with grilled Halloumi’s savory squeak and innate saltiness
• Graviera + Agiorgitiko – Greece’s flagship red is soft, fruity, and a dream with firm, nutty cheeses like Graviera
• Kefalotyri + Xinomavro – This bold red from northern Greece stands up to sharp, salty cheese like Kefalotyri
• Xynomizithra + Muscat of Samos – A lightly sweet wine with floral notes pairs effortlessly with creamy Xynomizithra and honey
• Tiropita + Limnio Rosé – An ancient red grape made into bright rosé pairs beautifully with creamy Feta-filled pies

Let Your Kitchen Be Your Greek Island

Throw on some Greek bouzouki music, uncork something unexpected, and build our gorgeous Greek Mezze Board to transport you straight to a table overlooking the Aegean Sea. A good bottle of Greek wine and a few bites of handcrafted imported cheese from Greece or Cyprus can make any occasion feel more like a vacation.