Understanding the significance of wine making in Santorini is essential, and we will provide you with interesting facts before diving into our list of the top 13 Santorini wineries to visit. Let’s get started!
Some facts
With its viticulture tradition dating back to over 3,000 years ago – before the legendary volcanic eruption of Santorini- it is no surprise that exploring Santorini wineries and vineyards offers an experience steeped in history. The unique soil composition of this volcanic island provides a protective shield for its vines from devastating insects like phylloxera. Thanks to this barrier, when Europe’s grapes were being decimated at the end of 19th century, those found in Santorini remained unharmed.
Santorini is renowned for over fifty different varieties of grapes, including the famed white Assyrtiko that won countless awards and the sweet Vinsanto, which has recently been awarded Protected Designation of Origin status. Distinguished by its dried grape ingredients and liqueur-like flavor profile, Vinsanto can be savored in a multitude of ways throughout Santorini.
In the archaeological site of Akrotiri, amphorae and wineries have been traced back to antiquity. Yet, beyond its ancient grape vines and historic impact on Santorini’s landscape lies a culture that deeply drives the people who roam through its vineyards. This island is home to an ancient pruning system whereby grapes are formed into coils (baskets) – protecting them from vigorous winds or heavy sunlight while also allowing them to absorb more water – which is in widespread use across many parts of this island paradise. Additionally, several vaulted cellars still remain as part of much-cherished tradition for wine making: known as ‘canava‘.
Santorini Winery: Coil (basket) Vineyard
Santorini is renowned for its wineries, cellars, and local cheeses and charcuterie. This island impressively encapsulates the essence of all that it has to offer in its wines. When you uncork a bottle of Santorini wine back at home, close your eyes and take a sip – you’ll be immediately taken away to this beautiful place! Taste some authentic Greek delicacies as you explore the vineyards on an unforgettable tour full of unique experiences!
A visit to Santorini is incomplete without sampling its renowned wines. With a multitude of wineries scattered across the island, every few miles there’s an opportunity for you to immerse yourself in the culture and partake in captivating tours. Even if you’re not ordinarily fond of wine, one taste of Santorini’s signature vintages will be an experience that lasts forever! So don’t miss out on this unique chance – explore the vineyards and indulge your palate with delectable local wines today!
As the island of Santorini boasts both passionate people and ideal geological conditions, it has become renowned for its stellar wine making tradition. These local wineries form a delectable trail across the picturesque isle – ready to be explored by eager vinophiles!
1. Venetsanos Winery
Santorini Winery: Venetsanos Winery
Transcend the ordinary and immerse yourself in a mesmerizing winemaking experience at Venetsanos Winery, overlooking the stunning caldera of Santorini from above Athinios port. Established by the Venetsanos family in 1947 – becoming the first industrial winery to grace its shores – this renowned producer has been creating exquisite wines for years with their main intention being that of satisfying local need as well as expanding exports. To ensure you don’t miss out on one of Santorini’s best wine tours and tastings, book online today! Offered daily Monday-Saturday between 10:00AM-05:00PM.
2. Domaine Sigalas
Santorini Winery: Domaine Sigalas
For over two decades, the Sigalas family have been crafting traditional, world-famous Santorini wines at Domaine Sigalas. In 1998, a new wine production and bottling plant was constructed to meet their growing demand – now with an impressive capacity of 300,000 bottles per year! It is easy to experience the flavor of these award winning vintages firsthand; simply make your booking online for a guided wine tour and tasting session today.
3. Hatzidakis Winery
Santorini Winery: Hatzidakis Winery
Boasting a location in the classified zone of Santorini’s Protected Designation of Origin (PDO), Hatzidakis Winery and Vineyards are situated among Pyrgos Kallistis, Megalochori, Emporio and Akrotiri. Their main varieties include three white grapes: Assyrtiko, Aidani and Mavrotragano – as well as one red variety for delectable wines.
The Hatzidakis winery sprawls across 10 acres of rolling hills that range from 220 to 1200 feet in altitude, with a majority facing south or southeast. Every inch is organically grown and produces some of the finest wines you can taste on Santorini! To have your own wine tasting experience at this amazing Santorini winery, book by phone or mail now – don’t miss out on this opportunity for an unforgettable experience!
4. Boutari Winery
Santorini Winery: Boutari Winery
In the late 80’s, the winemakers of this vineyard began exploring their potential to make Santorini wine. The Boutari Winery was established near Megalochori Village and had its first harvest in 1989. For the past thirty years, Santorini’s winemaking professionals have strived to progress their techniques and quality standards through agronomists, vintners, and new ideas.
Thanks to this dedication, Boutari Winery has assumed a major role in advancing wine production within the area as well as tourism. To experience some of these remarkable developments for yourself – Monday through Saturday from 11:00 AM-06:00 PM there is an exclusive wine tasting tour!
5. Gaia Wines
Santorini Winery: Sun dried assyrtiko grapes for Vinsanto in Gaia Wines
Gaia Wines, situated between the quaint villages of Kamari and Monolithos, is built on a beach. Constructed in the early 1900s as a tomato factory, Gaia has lovingly refurbished this unique building into an industrial-style winery that honors its historical roots. As such it serves both as an architectural gem and example of modern preservation efforts. Visitors are welcome to experience award-winning wine tastings from April through October daily from 11:00AM to 19:00PM!
6. Santo Wines Winery
Santorini Winery: Santo Wines Winery
Santo Wines Winery was conceived in the 1992 village of Pyrgos, offering a magnificent view of the caldera. One of Greece’s most modern wineries, Santo winery is unique not just for its spectacular location but also due to its innovative architecture. Combining technological excellence with local wisdom, this remarkable establishment has been built across varying levels – similar to that found on traditional terraces developed by farmers looking to cultivate their land efficiently and effectively.
Enjoy an unforgettable wine tour at the Santo Wines winery and sample some of their best produced Santorini wines! Instead of relying on pumps to move must and wine, this state-of-the-art facility takes advantage of gravity’s natural effect to help improve the quality. Reserve your visit today and discover why Santorini is one of the top destinations for world class wines!
7. Gavalas Winery
Santorini Winery: Gavalas Winery
If you’re looking for an unparalleled wine experience, look no further than Gavalas Winery in Megalochori! As a traditional family business, this vinification has been perfecting their craft since the end of the 19th century. With just one visit to the winery, we guarantee that even novice oenophiles will quickly become lovers of these high quality wines produced at Gavala’s; book your tour from March to November and discover why it is deemed as one of Santorini’s best wine producers – you won’t regret it!
8. Art Space Winery Museum
Santorini Winery: Art Space Winery
From 1861 until 1952, the pre-industrial winery belonging to Nikolaos A. Argiros stood in Thira. In 1999 his son Antonis N. Argyros decided to revive it and created Art Space – a museum dedicated to both wine history and the art of producing it from scratch! The old winery rooms have been restored for visitors’ enjoyment, making this one of Santorini’s oldest attractions with its fascinating story as part of Greece’s long agricultural heritage.
Take your pick between two daily tours starting at 11:00AM every morning and enjoy a memorable day learning about wine culture while tasting some terrific Santorini wines manufactured right here on site!
9. Estate Argyros
Santorini Winery: Estate Argyros
Uncover a one-of-a-kind winery experience at Estate Argyros in Episkopi Santorini, established in 1903. Here you can sample some of the best indigenous wines from this region: namely Assyrtiko and other varietals created with passion only found here. Reserve your Santorini wine tasting today to explore the delectable offerings available through two distinct tours offered online!
10. Artemis Karamolegos Winery
Santorini Winery: Artemis Karamolegos Winery
Artemis Karamolegos winery features 11 wines that demonstrate the incredibly flavorful complexity of Santorini wine. The Terra Nera series is a great way to start your exploration into this beloved region and consists of two island favorites: Assyrtiko and Mandilaria. Particularly, Terra Nera White introduces drinkers to an approachable version of its namesake grape as it’s derived from younger vines planted at low altitudes for a simpler style with less aging time or complexity. Guests visiting the winery will be treated to a unique, comprehensive wine tour experience. Our tasting area is located in an ancient cellar while our outdoor patio offers breathtaking vistas of the surrounding vineyards. We boast a full-service retail shop and offer expertly guided tours daily from 12:00 AM to 06:00 PM with hospitable staff members providing service that’s second-to-none.
11. Canava Roussos
Santorini Winery: Canava Roussos
Canava Roussos Winery is the top-of-the-line winery in Santorini. It showcases a contemporary structure that blends traditional and modern features, such as stainless steel tanks and oak barrels. This state of the art facility has been producing wine for generations using cutting edge methods as well as tried and true techniques. If you’d like to experience it firsthand, give them a call today to book your tour!
12. Koutsogiannopoulos Winery and Wine Museum
Santorini Winery: Koutsogiannopoulos Winery
Koutsogiannopoulos Winery and Wine Museum, home to the renowned Koutsogiannopoulos family’s legacy of winemaking knowledge, offers up a one-of-a-kind experience for all visitors. With captivating historical exhibits as well as hands on wine tasting activities from March to November every Monday – Saturday between 10:00 AM and 05:00 PM you’ll get an authentic taste of what life is like amongst some of the most beautiful places in Greece! Don’t wait any longer; book your unmissable journey today!
13. Canava Santorini Distillery Museum
Santorini Winery: Canava Santorini Distillery
Established in 1974 by Evangelos Lygnos, Canava Santorini Distillery Museum is still being run under the same values and local ingredients as it was when it first opened. Loukas Lygnos, son of Evangellos, continues to pass down recipes that have been used for generations and has made a point to keep them intact throughout time. After moving into its current location in 2012, many modern technological criteria were adopted but nevertheless kept their traditional distillation methods from before. If you are interested in visiting the museum or participating on one of Santorini wine tours; please book directly with us today!
Bottom Line
Immerse yourself in a paradise for wine lovers! Santorini has been cultivating its own unique wines for over 3,000 years on the isle’s distinctive volcanic soil. Here you’ll find renowned wineries offering world-class Assyrtiko and Vinsanto varietals — two of the most exquisite bottles around. So don’t hesitate any longer – book your ticket to this magical place today, visit one or all 13 featured vineyards we’ve prepared for you and indulge in their captivating flavors responsibly!
Unbeknownst to many, Santorini is a dream vacation spot for oenophiles. On this miniscule island of only 30 sq. miles there exist more than 20 wineries- an incredible amount in comparison with its size! From full vineyard tours to wine tastings on breathtaking terraces, you will find everything your heart desires within the vast selection of grapes and flavors that Greece has to offer.
Famous for its exquisite taste, Vinsanto wine is the quintessential drink of Santorini. This unique beverage is crafted from sun-dried white grapes and aged in oak barrels for a minimum of two years, yielding rich aromas and flavors like rum, sultanas, plums, and menthol that tantalize your tastebuds. So when you are visiting this Greek paradise make sure to savor one of the best wines it has to offer: Vinsanto!
Assyrtiko is the most popular Greek wine, originating from Santorini but now produced all over Greece. This pleasant white wine features a delightful fruity flavor with slight hints of citrus.
In Greece, it’s illegal to buy alcohol if you are below 18 years of age; however, this law isn’t always strictly enforced. Unlike other countries that do have a legal drinking age in place, consuming alcohol in private places such as homes is permissible regardless of your actual age. Consequently, individuals under the accepted legal purchasing and drinking ages may still find ways to enjoy alcoholic beverages even while living by their respective laws.
