Greek Macedonia (Makedonia) is an expansive region in northern Greece, bordered by the Republic of Macedonia, Albania and Bulgaria to the north and the Aegean Sea in the south. The semi-mountainous vineyards in the region are extensively planted to Xynomavro, along with Roditis, Limnio and the more-international Cabernet Sauvignon grape variety. Macedonian red wines are noted for their firm tannins and big flavors, and the best examples are among Greece's most-sought-after reds.
Grapes have been grown in the ancient region of Macedonia for thousands of years, as evidenced by ancient grape pips discovered in eastern Macedonia. Coins and ceramics from the 5th Century BC denote wine production in the classical period, and Macedonian amphorae have been found across Europe, suggesting that the wines were exported around the Mediterranean. Macedonian wine production continued into the Byzantine era, particularly on the Halkidiki Peninsula, where the monks of Mount Athos were cultivating extensive vineyards.