Greece is not only famous for its stunning landscapes and history, but is also one of the largest wine producing nations in the Mediterranean. Santorini has a special place within the islands. The volcanic soils, Mediterranean climate and history of the island offer a unique wine experience for visitors curious about the local wineries. Wherever you go, you will find restaurants and vineyards that combine centuries-old traditions with modern winemaking.
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Did you know? Santorini’s vineyards are among the oldest in Greece, and their speciality lies in the unique ecosystem created by the repeated eruptions of the volcano and the island’s warm and dry climate. This special natural environment creates ideal conditions for producing wines of exceptional quality.
What makes Santorini’s wineries special
The wines of Santorini are truly special, with the island’s volcanic soil, the gentle cultivation of the vines and the island’s microclimate producing unique wines. Santorini’s wineries have a strong focus on preserving tradition, while increasingly focusing on sustainability and the use of modern winemaking methods. The island’s wines are not only delicious but also extremely rich in flavour.
Fun fact: To protect the grapes from the strong winds that often hit the island, Santorini winemakers prune the vines very close to the ground and grow them in a special basket or coil shape – called kouloura. This method not only protects the grapes but also helps to preserve soil moisture in the dry climate. The rows of ‘nests’ of leaves are both practical and spectacular – a truly unique and stunning sight that you can only see in Santorini.
Main varieties of wine in Santorini
Santorini’s most popular wines include a number of unique local varieties that are not often found in other areas. One of the most famous of these is Assyrtiko, which is one of the most important and recognised white wine varieties not only in Santorini, but also in the entire Greek wine industry.
Did you know? The small volcanic island of Santorini is home to more than 50 different red and white grape varieties, but by far the best known and most prominent of them all is Assyrtiko. This variety, coupled with the island’s mineral-rich soil and dry, warm climate, produces white wines of great complexity and character. Its flavours often include honey, green apple, minerality, tropical fruit and sometimes a slight hint of herbaceousness – a truly unique experience for wine lovers.
Assyrtiko – One of the best known and most popular white grape varieties of Santorini. Assyrtiko wines are renowned for their freshness, minerality and acidity. The volcanic soil gives them the unique flavours that make them so special. The wine is generally dry, with citrus and mineral notes, with a slight spicy background.
Athiri – Another white wine variety, often blended with Assyrtiko. Athiri is softer, lighter and has a slightly more fruity flavour, which is often used by winemakers in blends. It pairs well with seafood and is a perfect choice for those who prefer fresher wines.
Atemi – This is a lesser-known white wine variety, but is becoming increasingly popular in local wineries. The wine has a richer texture and offers a more complex experience for tasters.
Mavrotragano – A standout among the island’s red wines is Mavrotragano. This variety produces rich, tannic wines with deep, fruity flavours. The colour is dark and the flavours are complex, fruity and slightly spicy.
Vinsanto – The famous dessert wine of Santorini, Vinsanto is a unique gift of the island. Vinsanto is a sweet wine made from dried grapes and, unlike dry white wines, has a rich, sweet and dense texture. Vinsanto wines offer a rich blend of caramel, dried fruit and spicy notes, making them an ideal choice for dessert.
Santorini wineries and vineyards
Santorini’s vineyards preserve a millennia-old winemaking tradition, while the newer generation of wineries use modern technology. Grown on the hillsides of the island, the volcanic soil gives the grapes flavours and aromas that are unrivalled in other parts of the world.
Visiting the island’s wineries is a real experience. The most popular wineries, such as Santo Wines, Domaine Sigalas and Gaia Wines, offer special tours where visitors can learn not only about the wines but also about the history of the wineries and the secrets of viticulture. The Santo Wines winery is particularly noteworthy as it offers not only wines, but also a magnificent panorama overlooking the caldera. The wine festivals and vineyard walks are an experience not to be missed by any wine enthusiast.
Wine festivals in Santorini
The Santorini Wine Festival takes place every year and is the perfect opportunity for wine lovers to taste the best wines of the island while enjoying the local culture and music. The festival offers the chance to meet the winemakers, get up close and personal with the wines, and sample local traditional dishes such as fava and tomatokeftedes.
Why visit Santorini for the wine?
Santorini is a place where wine truly becomes a way of life. The island’s wine culture has such deep roots that wine is not just a pleasure but a reflection of the local way of life and culture. Visitors can not only taste excellent wines, but also enjoy a unique landscape and experience. Santorini has become a winery mecca where every sip is a new discovery for wine lovers.
Tip: Don’t miss the winery tours and wine festivals if you want to really get to know Santorini’s wine culture!
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