Santorini Wine Travel Guide (Aegean Islands, Greece)

Discover Santorini’s Wine Culture

Santorini, part of Greece’s Aegean Islands, is renowned for its unique volcanic wines and stunning landscapes. The island’s rich winemaking history dates back over 3,000 years, with indigenous grape varieties thriving in the volcanic soil.

Towns and Villages

Oia

Famous for its sunset views, Oia offers charming wine bars overlooking the caldera. Visit Santo Wines Winery for a tasting experience with panoramic vistas.

Fira

The island’s capital boasts numerous wine shops and restaurants featuring local vintages. Explore the narrow streets to discover hidden wine cellars and tasting rooms.

Wine Producers

Domaine Sigalas

Located in Oia, Domaine Sigalas produces award-winning Assyrtiko wines. Book a tasting session to sample their crisp, mineral-driven whites.

Gavalas Winery

This family-run winery in Megalochori offers tours of traditional canava cellars. Try their Vinsanto, a sweet dessert wine made from sun-dried grapes.

Accommodations

Vedema Resort

Set in a 400-year-old wine cellar, Vedema Resort in Megalochori provides luxury accommodations with a strong wine focus. Enjoy wine tastings and vineyard tours on-site.

Canaves Oia Suites

These cave-style suites in Oia offer stunning caldera views. The hotel’s wine cellar houses an extensive collection of local and international wines.

Dining

Selene Restaurant

Located in Pyrgos, Selene offers innovative Santorinian cuisine paired with an extensive local wine list. Book a table on the terrace for breathtaking sunset views.

Metaxy Mas Taverna

This hidden gem in Exo Gonia serves authentic Greek dishes alongside a curated selection of Santorinian wines. Try the fava with caramelized onions, paired with a crisp Assyrtiko.

Wine Shops & Bars

Franco’s Bar in Fira offers breathtaking caldera views and an extensive wine list. Try their Assyrtiko-based cocktails for a unique twist.Koo Club in Fira combines a wine bar with a nightclub, featuring local wines and lively atmosphere.

Wine Tastings

Book a tasting at Venetsanos Winery for cliff-side views and expertly guided sessions.Vassaltis Vineyards offers modern tasting experiences with food pairings.

Other Shops

Atlantis Books in Oia stocks wine-related literature and local cookbooks.Visit Canava Santorini for artisanal products made with local wine, including soaps and cosmetics.

Souvenirs

Purchase pumice stones from local shops – a unique gift from Santorini’s volcanic landscape.Art of the Loom in Fira sells traditional woven textiles, perfect for wine-themed table settings.

Attractions

Explore the Ancient Akrotiri archaeological site, showcasing the island’s 3,600-year-old Minoan ruins.Visit the Museum of Prehistoric Thera in Fira to learn about Santorini’s ancient wine trade.

Beaches

Relax at Red Beach, known for its striking red cliffs and proximity to Gaia Winery.Perivolos Beach offers black sand and beachside tavernas serving local wines.

Events

Attend the Santorini Wine Festival in August, featuring tastings from local producers and traditional music.Ifestia Festival in September combines fireworks with wine tastings, celebrating the island’s volcanic heritage.

Harvest Season

Visit during the grape harvest in late August to early September for unique vineyard experiences.Participate in grape stomping events at select wineries during harvest season.

Appellations

Santorini PDO (Protected Designation of Origin) covers the entire island, known for white wines made primarily from Assyrtiko grapes.Nykteri PDO refers to a traditional style of white wine with higher alcohol content and oak aging.

Vinsanto PDO

This sweet dessert wine must contain at least 51% Assyrtiko grapes and be aged for a minimum of 24 months in oak barrels.Look for traditional Vinsanto made from sun-dried grapes for authentic flavors.

Grape Varieties

Santorini’s unique volcanic soil and climate create ideal conditions for distinctive grape varieties. Assyrtiko reigns supreme, producing crisp, mineral-driven white wines.

  • Assyrtiko: The island’s flagship variety
  • Athiri: Blending partner for Assyrtiko
  • Aidani: Aromatic white grape
  • Mavrotragano: Red variety gaining popularity
  • Mandilaria: Another red grape used in blends

Main Wine Styles

Santorini’s wines are known for their high acidity and mineral character. The island produces primarily white wines, with some unique dessert wines.

  • Dry whites: Crisp, high-acid wines made from Assyrtiko
  • Nykteri: Aged white wine with higher alcohol content
  • Vinsanto: Sweet dessert wine made from sun-dried grapes
  • Red wines: Limited production, often blends of Mavrotragano and Mandilaria

Food Specialties

Santorini’s cuisine complements its wines perfectly. Local dishes showcase fresh ingredients and traditional recipes.

  • Fava: Yellow split pea puree
  • Tomatokeftedes: Tomato fritters
  • Santorini salad: With local cherry tomatoes and capers
  • Chloro cheese: Fresh goat cheese
  • Apochti: Air-dried pork

Drives & Walks

Explore Santorini’s stunning landscapes and vineyards through scenic drives and walks. The island’s compact size makes it easy to discover in a short time.

Scenic Drives

  • Fira to Oia: Stunning caldera views
  • Pyrgos to Perissa: Through traditional villages and vineyards

Vineyard Walks

  • Megalochori wine trail: Self-guided walk through historic vineyards
  • Santorini Wine Adventures: Guided hikes with wine tastings

Itineraries

Make the most of your Santorini wine experience with these curated itineraries. Each plan combines wine tasting with island exploration.

3-Day Wine Lover’s Itinerary

  • Day 1: Visit Santo Wines and Venetsanos Winery, sunset in Oia
  • Day 2: Tour Gavalas Winery, explore Pyrgos village
  • Day 3: Wine tasting at Vassaltis Vineyards, beach relaxation in Perissa

5-Day Santorini Wine and Culture Tour

  • Day 1-2: Follow the 3-day itinerary
  • Day 4: Visit Akrotiri archaeological site, wine tasting at Gaia Wines
  • Day 5: Cooking class using local ingredients, farewell dinner with Vinsanto

Getting There & Around

Santorini is accessible by air and sea. The island’s compact size makes exploration easy.

  • By Air: Santorini International Airport (JTR) receives domestic and international flights
  • By Sea: Regular ferries from Athens’ Piraeus port and other Greek islands
  • Local Transport: Buses, taxis, and rental cars available
  • Wine Tours: Organized tours or private drivers for winery visits

Best Time to Visit

Santorini’s wine scene thrives year-round, but certain seasons offer unique experiences.

  • Spring (April-May): Mild weather, fewer crowds, ideal for vineyard walks
  • Summer (June-August): Peak season, lively atmosphere, perfect for outdoor wine tastings
  • Fall (September-October): Harvest season, wine festivals, comfortable temperatures
  • Winter (November-March): Quiet period, focus on aged wines, cozy tasting rooms

Sustainability Efforts

Santorini’s wineries are embracing eco-friendly practices to preserve the island’s unique terroir.

  • Organic Viticulture: Many producers avoiding chemical pesticides
  • Water Conservation: Drip irrigation and rainwater collection systems
  • Solar Energy: Wineries implementing solar panels for power
  • Eco-Tourism: Guided tours highlighting sustainable practices

Language Tips

While English is widely spoken, learning a few Greek wine terms enhances your experience.

  • Yamas: Cheers!
  • Krasí: Wine
  • Lefkó: White
  • Kókkino: Red
  • Glikó: Sweet

Further Resources

Enhance your Santorini wine knowledge with these valuable resources.