The Finest Wineries in Santorini

Suppose you visit the island and are an oenophile (wine lover). You should be aware of The finest Wineries in Santorini.

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The Greek vineyard is very much distinct. Consequently, since antiquity, it has made a name for the country’s wine production worldwide.

Santorini has a special place in Greece. It is not only one of the best Greek islands to visit, but it also has a three thousand years old tradition in viticulture. A combination of the vulcanic soil and its unique climate gave the varieties an outstanding character.

Why are Santorini wines famous?

The first reason is that the island has a few thousand years of viticulture history. Moreover, it combines traditional approaches and techniques with modern technology.

The second is its unique vineyard and ecosystem, distinguished mainly by its volcanic soils, that offer the most suitable conditions for distinctive grape varieties to grow.

To add to its charm, the wines of Santorini come with a heavy dose of the island’s rich heritage and stunning landscapes.

Santorini is a heaven on earth. Everything that comes out of there is remarkable. Its fava beans, cherry tomatoes, even its cucumbers. Consequently, the Santorini wines taste so unique. They may not produce them in large quantities, but they all have a stand-out character, and their wine is no exception.

Santorini Wine Styles

Santorini is also home to different wine styles, representing winemaking methods not found in other regions.

Nykteri

Greek winemaking methods have held fast for hundreds. Nykteri wine suggests harvesting grapes at night to protect their flavor and color from the sun.

The wines require a dominant share of the Assyrtiko variety, with the rest usually coming from another native Greek white wine grape.

Mezzo

This wine classification is technically unofficial, but winemakers produce it in large amounts. Mezzo wines are carefully sundried and frequently blended to encourage semi-sweet flavors.

Vinsanto

Last but not least, Vinsanto is Santorini’s superior winemaking technique. You’ll identify these bottles instantly by their dark amber coloration and flavor notes of sundried fruit.

The Fines wineries in Santorini

You can visit a slightly larger winery but also a smaller, more authentic, and traditional winery to understand the wine culture of Santorini in all its dimensions.

Estate Argyros

After 100 years of trading from an old canava in Episkopi Gonia, Argyros built a modern winery with an architecturally striking visitor center. Some vines in the dusty fields date back to the 1850s, some of the oldest on the island. The fourth generation of the family now produces three Assyrtikos, an Aidani, a full-bodied red from the Mavrotragano grape, and three Vinsantos. Also, it is the largest private owner of vineyards in Santorini.

©Venetsanos

Venetsanos

Before available electricity, engineer Giorgos Venetsanos had the brilliantly simple idea of using gravity to process grapes down through three floors until they emerged as wine that could be channeled to the harbor 230m below for export. With the most scenic location on Santorini, built into a cliff, the winery holds tastings on a rocky terrace with the stunning caldera below.

Domaine Sigalas Winery

Ktima Sigalas is in the ancient plain of Oia and is a meeting place for wine lovers and people who want to discover how a unique Assyrtiko was “born.” It is also perfect for those who wish to know labels that have gained international recognition and won many awards. Behind the Sigalas Estate is a former mathematician, Paris Sigalas, who, since 1991, has been evolving the wine tradition.

©Greeka

Santo Wines

Established in 1911, Santo Wines has led the charge for Santorini wine culture for over a century. This prestigious winery has earned a Protected Designation Of Origin (or PDO).

Alongside staples like Assyrtiko and Mavrotragano, Santo Wines also makes capers and tomato sauces.

Gaia Wines

Gaia Wines winery is located on a beach, on the island’s east side, between Kamari and Monolithos. This industrial stone building was a tomato factory built in the early 1900s.

Gaia Wines Winery renovated this rare, charming building, giving it new life as a winery while preserving a piece of heritage by restoring this architectural paradigm. In addition, Gaia Wines’ vineyards apply organic farming.

Hatzidaki Winery

The Hatzidaki Winery and the vineyards are around Pyrgos Kallistis, Megalochori, Emporio, and Akrotiri villages. More importantly, Hatzidaki Winery applies organic farming in all of its vineyards.