Santorini Wine Tours & Wineries

by Mary Howard
- June 15, 2024

Santorini Wineries and Wine Tours

Many Santorini wineries provide touring and sampling experiences, but booking a wine excursion is recommended if planning to visit multiple vineyards. While independently touring the vineyards is possible, an organized trip makes moving between locations much faster and easier. (Most wineries are small and difficult to find without familiarity with the island layout, and most excursions include hotel pick up and return transportation.) Additionally, driving after consuming alcohol is an unsafe practice.
Wine excursions are incredibly well-liked on Santorini and so they fill up shortly – so e book early. Santorini boat excursions don’t promote out as early as wine excursions do, so e book your wine tour first. Most wine excursions run from March to November.
Distinguished Santorini Winery Tours: Santorini Small Gathering Wine Excursion • Santorini Private Wine Outing
Top Wine Experiences with Sunset: Santorini Wine Sampling • Santorini Sunset Vine Tour
The Santorini wineries with the best oceanic perspectives are Santo and Venetsanos. The majority of wine routes will go to one or both of them.

Table of Contents

The Best Wine Tours in Santorini

1. Small Group Santorini Wine Tour

A highly rated small group experience visits three distinctive vineyard estates dotted around the volcanic island. Transportation from the port city makes it hassle-free. Stops usually include locales with dramatic caldera perspectives or a winery favored for its varietals. Lasting slightly over four hours, it begins mid-afternoon for tastings and tours at the boutique vineyards.

2. Santorini Private Wine Tour

This private wine experience is tailored for true oenophiles seeking an immersive tasting. The personalized attention and intimate scale ensure an edifying tasting, though some may prefer a less exclusive approach. Pairs or groups of up to six partake starting at 10am or 4pm, with the evening option allowing observation of sundown from noteworthy vintners.

3. Santorini Sunset Wine Tasting

An engaging small-group wine tour in the later afternoon allows tastings of a dozen varietals across three vineyards, culminating in picturesque views over the caldera at Venetsanos as the sun sets.

Fully Booked Wine Tours

It is common for the above mentioned tours to sell out quickly during the summer months of June, July, August, and September. If unavailable, other excellent options include:

•

If desiring a boutique-style hotel:Vincci the Mint

• A tour to experience Santorini`s wineries at sunset

The Best Santorini Wineries

Most wineries reside inland, south of Fira between the ferry dock and airport. Of the twenty wineries, fifteen welcome patrons for visits and sampling.

1. Gavalas Winery – Megalochori

My favorite local winery owned and operated by the same family for five generations. Their flagship wine is a high-quality Assyrtiko white varietal housed in the iconic blue bottle exclusively associated with Santorini. Interestingly, this unoaked white contains trace tannins, a rare characteristic.

Gavalas has also made efforts to focus on several rare grape varieties, such as Katsano and Gaidouria. Their Gavalas Katsano is produced in small amounts and is a blend of these two grapes exhibiting floral and herbal aromas combined with honey and lime flavors.

There is no dining establishment onsite, but a good taverna is located nearby. Gavalas can be difficult to find without driving directions.

2. Venetsanos Winery – Megalochori

One of the oldest and most renowned vineyards on the island, boasting splendid panoramas of the volcanic caldera, cliffs, and Santorini`s legendary sunsets. Construction of the winery commenced in 1947, it was later shuttered in 1974, and reopened in 2014 following renovations and upgrades to its wine production apparatus. Since that time, Venetsanos has introduced an Assyrtiko-Aidani orange wine exhibiting aromas of apricot, peach, grapefruit, apple, and pear.

Its cliffside setting means that it is somewhat exposed to the winds, and the outdoor terrace may be closed if conditions are particularly blustery. Of the two caldera view vineyards, Venetsanos offers comparable views as Santo but is a bit smaller, with a little more charm.

3. Domaine Sigalas – Oia

Small vineyard near Oia offers scenic setting and proximity to public transportation. Sigalas presents accoladed wines alongside scenic sunsets. Footpath leads to bus connecting to nearby towns within minutes.

The founder has overseen operations at the winery since the early 1990s. Their 40 hectares of vineyards produce 200,000 bottles annually. Small tours, wine tastings, and the option to pair any of their wines with excellent food are available. Tastings are held both indoors in their tasting room and outside on their beautiful patio with views of the vineyards.

4. Santo Wines – Pyrgos

As one of the most prominent vintners on Santorini, this large winery takes advantage of magnificent crater perspectives. Yielding half the island group`s wine production, they cultivate an organic vineyard exclusively for four varietals: Assyrtiko, Athiri, Aidani and Mavrotragano. Moreover, they craft Santorini`s sole sparkling Assyrtiko, truly capturing the essence of this enviable landscape through botanical harmony.

Santo boasts an all-year wine tourism center providing the most comprehensive tours of any individual winery. Their sun-soaked restaurant and veranda offer prime sunset vistas. While busy in peak summer months, expansive seating and a sizable parking lot accommodate visitors. (Santo frequently hosts wine tour stops.)

Santo Wines is a cooperative established in 1911. In addition to their extensive wine selection, they also run a large shop selling Santorini tomatoes, fava, capers, caper leaves, and sweet preserves.

5. Art Space Winery – Exo Gonia

This small yet peculiar winery skillfully blends modern production facilities with an art exhibition and historical exhibit within an ancient wine cavern. During tours, the owner elucidates the property`s progression with a notable Greek accent, cultivating great intrigue.

Art Space`s primary grape varieties are: Assyrtiko, Aidani, and Mavrotragano. While Art Space is not certified organic, organic grapes are utilized in crafting their wines.

Santori Winery Overview
Our videographer discusses Santorini wine and wineries with Master of Wine Yiannis Karakasis in Athens. (He literally authored the book on the topic.)

More Great Santorini Wineries

Anhydrous – Fira

This winery`s on-site eatery and tasting facilities are situated a brief ten-minute stroll from Fira`s central square. Anhydrous Vineyard derives its name from “Anydros,” meaning waterless in ancient Greek, since the vineyards are solely hydrated by the island`s maritime condensation. Cement egg-designed vessels are used to age their flagship wine Anhydrous Icon (one of their five wine varieties). These cement containers assist in maintaining an evenly regulated temperature.

Their Anhydrous Restaurant is beautifully designed and features an open-air patio with plenty of shade. Cooking classes are also available. An onsite spa offers both facial and full-body treatments using their exclusive cosmetics made from grapes. Their cosmetics are available for purchase at the winery.

Argyros Estate – Episkopi Gonia

This award-winning estate has grown to become the largest individual operator of vineyards on the island, winning recognition among the top 50 scenic wine regions globally. Visitors can tour the grounds and sample varieties for which they have received acclaim.

Argyros is considered to have one of Santorini’s best Vinsanto wines (sweet wine); their Monsignori vineyard has two hundred-year-old vines dating back to when their ancestors made Vinsanto for the church. The winery does follow some organic practices, and their use of herbicides is low, though they are not a certified organic grower.

Artemis Karamolegos – Exo Gonia

For three generations, a winery has been operated as a family business on the Greek island of Santorini. Their grapes are cultivated across six villages, allowing for a diverse assortment of quality varietals reflective of the diverse terroir found throughout the locale.

Their red grape Mavrotragano is one of their newest plantings and is trained along wires (not the traditional basket-trained vines in kouloura) to allow more sunlight to reach the branches. Prior to their cultivation, Mavrotragano was nearly extinct on Santorini. Their restaurant, Aroma Avlis, features fresh seafood and vegetarian options.

Boutari – Megalochori

Constructed in 1989, Boutari Winery is a small but historically significant producer located in a beautifully designed domestic building. Renowned for its emphasis on indigenous Assyrtiko, Athiri, and Aidani varietals, Boutari has earned widespread accolades within the Greek wine industry.

Their on-site indoor restaurant serves customary local victuals like fava, tomato fritters, and traditional pork sausage. Boutari Winery is not accessible on Sundays.

Canava Chrissou & Tselepos – Pyrgos

The newest winery on Santorini; at the time of this writing, the winery was not open to the public for tours or tastings. This winery produces three white varieties, and eighty percent of its total production is exported to markets in the USA, Canada, and China.

Canava Roussos – Episkopi Gonia

Established in 1836, this island vineyard has a distinguished heritage as one of the oldest family-operated wineries in the region, now spanning over six generations. Specializing in aged Nykteri and Vinsanto dessert wines, the pastoral grounds also host cultural performances and concerts beneath the open-air theater.

Gaia – Perivolia

Nestled on Santorini`s east shore, Gaia Winery invites tasting on a rustic patio directly overlooking the sea.

Their wine collection showcases an exceptional assortment and a creative approach to aging wine. Their Assyrtiko variety wine called Gaia Thalassitis Submerged is bottled and then aged underwater in a setting that is completely free of oxygen and light. Annually, roughly 500 bottles are put in a crate and then submerged 20 meters underwater off the east coast of Santorini for four years. The outcomes have been very successful. The wine is vibrant, takes on a smoky aroma, and has a rounder character. Additionally, the wine bottle is remarkably distinctive – complete with barnacles attached. Not surprisingly, Gaia Thalassitis Submerged is their priciest wine.

Gaia Wines’ total yearly production is 120000 bottles. Their wine Gaia Thalassitis (the non-submerged variety) is a classic expression of Santorini Assyrtiko. The winery has no restaurant, but meat and cheese platters are available for purchase.

Hatzidakis – Pyrgos

As the solely certified organic grape grower on the isle of Santorini, the vineyard is found down a slender and unpredictable lane, overlooking its expansive rows of vines situated nearby the small town of Pyrgos.

Hatzidakis Winery’s approach from vine to wine emphasizes simplicity with restricted intervention. The new winery replicates a traditional canava (an underground cave winery); its reception area, tasting room, and wine tours are all held inside of caverns, constructed into the side of a hill. The caves have very tall ceilings, which sets the stage for some intriguing acoustics and where sounds tend to echo. Note: The cave’s ambient temperature is also noticeably cooler, being underground, so bring a sweater.

Koutsoyannopoulos Winery and Museum – Vothonas

This contemporary vineyard sits atop its wine history museum. The museum, charting the story of Greek wine and the lives of Santorininan grape growers since the 1600s, is positioned inside an evocative 300-meter lengthy grotto and tunnel system, 8 meters below ground. It serves as an excellent place to gain further understanding about the island’s wine production techniques, and also represents a worthwhile choice should children be included in one`s visit. There are no dining facilities on site.

Vassaltis – Vourvoulos

Since opening its doors in 2016, a modern vineyard has offered tours of the grounds and production facilities, guiding visitors through the process. Within barrel-lined cellars, tastings of various varietals are held. Diners can choose from four lunch and dinner options served with wine pairings, though advance reservations are recommended.

The winery specializes in creating wines constructed from the Assyrtiko, Athiri, Aidani, Mantilaria, and Mavrotragano grapes.

Mikra Thira – Thirassia

The sole winery on the tiny island of Thirassia, population around 300, 11 km west of Santorini. Accessible via a scenic 10-minute ferry from Oia, this modern facility houses a luminous tasting room and sunny patio overlooking Folegandros, Ios and Sikinos. Mikra Thira exclusively produces three dry white varietals under the PDO Santorini designation. Scheduled tours and tastings by appointment showcase the operation.

How to Reach Thirassia: There is a small passenger ferry that runs three to four times daily in summer taking about 10 minutes. The ferry departs from the Ammoudi port in Oia to Riva port on the island of Thirassia. Private water taxis can also be hired.

Getting To Santorini Wineries

Public buses on Santorini from Fira to Akrotiri or Perissa will stop a brief walk from Santo Winery,Venetsanos,Gavalas, and Boutari. (If arriving from Oia, Imerovigli, or another village you’ll need to take a bus to Fira and then switch buses.)
Buses from Fira to Kamari will stop a brief walk from the Koutsoyannopoulos Wine Museum,Artemis Karamolegos Winery,Canava Roussos,Argyros Winery, and Art Space Winery. (If coming from Oia, Imerovigli, or another village you’ll need to take the bus to Fira and then switch buses.)
Coaches from Fira to Oia will stop at a moderately lengthy walk from Vassaltis Vineyards and Domaine Sigalas Winery.
Getting a Santorini taxi cab to and from vineyards is possible, but in practice, a fairly big bother.

Best Restaurant for Santorini Wines

The Oia Vineyart is a hidden treasure, tucked away in an old captain’s home in Oia’s calmer back lanes, and the only restaurant/wine bar in Santorini offering wine from every winery on the island. The cuisine – elevated gastronomy, locally sourced – is excellent; wines can be ordered by the glass, bottle, or in tasting flights (€35 for 6 different wines)

They also run a delicatessen selling local cheeses, cured meats and fish, and produce; perfect for a self-prepared picnic or light meal. A worthwhile stop for anyone passionate (or simply curious) about Santorini’s regional cuisine and wines).

Santorini Wines

Santorini has plenty of quality options for wine lovers. The three most celebrated wines produced on the island are the light and crisp white Assyrtiko, the sweeter dessert wine Vinsanto, and the traditional white Nykteri. These wines utilize the Assyrtiko grape, which is indigenous to Santorini

Assyrtiko

Assyrtiko (pronounced a-SEER-tee-ko) is considered the finest white wine in Greece originating from the island of Santorini. Santorini`s Assyrtiko is the island`s best and most prolific wine variety, which has gained the most international fame among Greek white wines due to its remarkable quality. Assyrtiko produces a light, dry white wine with hints of citrus such as lemon, lime, or grapefruit and a slight bitterness. It possesses a definite saltiness and mineral taste. Assyrtiko bears similarities to a Sauvignon Blanc.>.

Vinsanto

Vinsanto is a sweet dessert wine and Santorini’s oldest variety of wine. Vinsanto is highly regarded and has an extremely thick, syrupy texture and intense taste despite being made with the prominent white grape variety. Vinsanto can take on a rich, golden hue initially and evolves to an amber color if allowed to mature.

Vinsanto is crafted from late-harvest white grapes that have been dried underneath the sun for ten days (an ancient technique dating back to 700 BC) and then aged in oak barrels for two or further years. This production method is intricate and yields very small amounts. Sometimes the wines are aged for decades, and it retains the potential to age for a century. The longer the wine has aged, the bolder the taste becomes. Aged vintages are extremely scarce and costly. Vinsanto must always contain no less than 51% Assyrtiko grapes and is generally blended with Aidiani and/or Athiri grapes. Just a handful of wineries on the island of Santorini produce Vinsanto.

While both sweet dessert wines, Santorini’s Vinsanto (“wine from Santorini”) is unrelated to the Italian Vin Santo (“holy wine”). They are produced differently using alternate grapes and methods.

Nykteri

Nykteri (pronounced neeth-TER-ee) is a unique dry white wine originating from Santorini. This wine is crafted from overripe grapes and barrel-aged for no less than three months. Tradition dictated the grapes were harvested at night, lending the name Nykteri derived from the Greek word for “harvested at night.” Presently, there is no stipulation the grapes must be collected after dark. Styles of Nykteri vary from discreet oak influence to a fuller body with nut and honey flavors.

Santorini Grape Varieties

Around forty local grape varieties are currently grown on Santorini, although not all are cultivated. Over a century ago, there was much more diversity, and the island’s wine producers cultivated close to sixty different grape varieties. In recent years, manufacturers have focused primarily on the top five varieties:

Assyrtiko (white)
Mandilaria (red)
Aidani (white)
Athiri (white)
Mavrotragano (red)

The grape variety that is grown most extensively on the island of Santorini, making up seventy-five to eighty percent of total vineyards, is the white grape known as Assyrtiko. The next most commonly cultivated grape is the red Mandilaria grape, accounting for approximately ten percent and often blended with Mavrotragano. The white grape varieties of Aidani and Athiri each constitute the remaining five to ten percent portion, along with a selection of uncommon grape types such as Platani, Katsano, and Gaidouria.

Santorini White Grapes

Assyrtiko
Assyrtiko is a white grape indigenous to the Greek island of Santorini. It has a transparent yellow-gold skin and produces highly acidic, fruity wines with a high alcohol content. Assyrtiko vines exhibit significant disease resistance and thrive in arid conditions. Its bark possesses an exceptionally hardened structure that effectively safeguards it from the island`s strong summer winds.
Some vineyards in Santorini have 70-80 year old Assyrtiko vines that have been generating small amounts of grapes. While the yield from these vines tends to be low, the grapes grown are among the highest quality on the island.
Aidani
Aidani, an antique Hellenic grape type primarily concentrated in Santorini and Rhodes, has traditionally played a supporting role in wineblends rather than standing alone. With lower sweetness and tanginess compared to Assyrtiko, it contributes floral fragrance, softening the intensity of higher acidity, alcohol grapes like Assyrtiko or Athiri. These blended fermentations produce smoother, fruitier wines still showcasing regional terroir.
Though Aidani grapes have thick skin making them resilient to drought, growing them demands more effort. The grapes ripen at different times so pickers must pass through the vineyard twice, initially collecting some grapes then returning to harvest the rest. Additionally, Aidani ripens late necessitating it be gathered last – a challenge when planted alongside other varieties.
Athiri
Athiri (pronounced ah-THEE-ree) is exclusively cultivated in Greece, and is known for its fruity aromas with hints of citrus such as lemon, grapefruit, and nectarines. It is primarily blended with the dominant Assyrtiko grape variety. Athiri’s acidity level is much lower than Assyrtiko, and the grapes have thin skins, with a golden-green appearance. Athiri grapes are generally easy to grow and therefore yield high volumes.

Santorini Red Grapes

Mandilaria
Mandilaria (pronounced Man-dee-LAR-ya) is a black-skinned red grape variety, also known as Amorghiano (on Rhodes), and the most widely cultivated red grape on Santorini – though growers tend to produce small yields. Mandilaria grapes have very thick skins replete with tannins, which account for the most intense colorations in Greek wine, and are high in antioxidants. Wines from this variety have a low alcohol content, however, and typically lack intense flavor and aroma, so Mandilaria is regularly used in blends.
Mavrotragano
Producing a small, dark-colored grape with intensely sweet flavor, the Mavrotragano variety cultivated on Santorini yields robust, deeply pigmented wines of full body that are reminiscent of Syrah. Though output is limited, most local producers focus exclusively on dry wines crafted entirely from independently-grown Mavrotragano grapes.
Mavrotragano was traditionally utilized to create sweet wines, but came close to vanishing on Santorini about two decades ago. In the 1970s, most of the island`s Mavrotragano plantings were replaced with Assyrtiko, the dominant and more lucrative variety. However, since around 2008, this small grape variety has been making a comeback through very limited cultivation by a few of Santorini`s most dedicated growers. Because of this, Mavrotragano is seen as `exotic` – a rare varietal covering only approximately one percent of the total plantings on Santorini.

Excessive alcohol levels in this grape variety can cause issues if winemakers are not meticulous. Another challenge with this grape is that fully ripe bunches often include underripened green berries. Winemakers on Santorini continue experimenting with viticultural techniques to maximize the potential of this grape in wines and blended wines.

Rare Varieties

In times past, the island`s vineyards grew over sixty variants of grapes, yet most of these types are no longer cultivated. Platani,Katsano, and Gaidouria grapes continue to be grown in very small quantities, and select wineries are producing some unique blends utilizing these fruits. Wines created using Katsano and Gaidouria do not have the pronounced acidity of Assyrtiko, but retain the salty mineral flavor.

Santorini Grape Growing Conditions

Soil

Santorini`s soil, which formed from the major volcanic eruption on the island in 1653 BC, consists of volcanic rock, ash, sand, pumice, and lava fragments locally called “aspa.” This composition makes the soil acidic with a low pH, influencing the mineral flavors of the local wines. The soil, light and crumbly, retains little moisture and is unsuitable for tilling. Its appearance resembles a blend of sand and lunar pebbles in red, black, or white colors. Here, vine roots can extend as deep as 20 meters, searching for nutrients from the volcanic ash embedded far down in the soil.

Intense Sun & Wind

During the summer months in the Cyclades region including Santorini, the weather is generally very sunny with minimal cloudy days. From May to September, the area experiences strong northern winds called Meltemi, which can threaten grape crops by risking damage. However, these tough climatic conditions are also thought to enhance grape quality, producing better juice and superior wines.

Rain & Sea Mist

The region of Santorini experiences minimal rainfall from April through September, with virtually none during the summer months. Grape vines are watered solely in their first one or two years; thereafter, they rely on moisture from the volcanic soil. At night, sea mist arising from the caldera covers the island, offering crucial moisture to the vineyards. The island`s unique, porous soil composed predominantly of pumice effectively takes in and then gradually releases this moisture to the grape plants, providing an optimum amount of water for the annual crops.

What is Terrior?

Mainly related to wine, terroir also applies to other soil-grown foods like olives, tomatoes, and hops, where the growth region contributes to their uniqueness)..

Santorini’s Unique Growing Style

On Santorini, grapevines are cultivated near to the ground surface and are not supported by wire trellising, as is commonly practiced in most vineyards across the globe. In order to provide necessary safeguard from the island’s harsh conditions, local growers have adopted unique training systems for the grapevines:

Kouloura (Basket) Method
The most common procedure, where grape-bearing branches are carefully woven by hand into a round, wreath-like shape. This living ‘basket’ shelters the grapes from strong winds, intense sun, and dry climate, while also trapping humidity. Typically, trapping the humidity is generally not a good wine-making practice, but it is beneficial in Santorini’s extremely arid environment.
Kladeftiko (Small Ring) Method
In this way of training vines, they are shaped like goblets with pruned branches forming a support lower down and longer canes trained into a circle higher up. In spring, the ring will grow shoots and bear fruit, parallel to the trunk. This ancient practice creates a taller trunk which facilitates better airflow, as the grapes are off the ground, unlike in the kouloura method. However, they are also more exposed, which makes this method suitable only in wind-sheltered areas.

Additionally, sloped landscaping and traditional Greek dry stone walls are employed to enhance cultivation and reduce water loss.

Harvesting

Grape harvesting in Santorini is a meticulous and labor-intensive process mainly carried out in a crouched position due to the low-lying vines. The vines are strategically spaced across the vineyards to optimize absorption of scarce nutrients. Picking is always done manually or with donkey assistance, with no machinery involved.

Wine Classifications – PDO and PGI

PDO stands for Protected Designation of Origin.

Greece has over 100 products designated as PDO, including wine, cheese, olive oil, honey, and additional items. When a wine label reads “PDO,” it signifies the wine originates from a defined region, derives from specified grape varieties, and adheres to traditional winemaking methods of that locale.

The specific PDO Santorini order promises the wine will be created utilizing no less than 85% Assyrtiko grapes, with the staying rate made out of Aidani and/or Athiri grapes, all developed in the PDO zone of Santorini. All periods of the wine creation need to happen inside the Santorini zone, including grape development, fermentation, and bundling and marking. The planned PDO Santorini zone comprises of Santorini (Thira) and its closest neighboring island, Thirassia.

PGI stands for Protected Geographical Indication.

When a wine is labeled as “PGI,” this indicates that no less than 80% of its grapes have been grown in that particular zone. The rules regarding production are much more relaxed than the PDO designation, and only one stage of the overall production must take place within the specified zone.

The PGI Cyclades Islands zone involves all of the Cycladic islands located in the Aegean Sea. Grapes utilized to create PGI Cyclades Islands wines must be planted at elevations surpassing 30 meters. Most wine made in the Cyclades Islands PGI zone comes from either Santorini or Paros.

Santorini Hotels for Wine Lovers

Hotels of Note

The highly regarded Akra Suites (Imerovigli): A charming locale ideal for wine tasting experiences.
Formerly a winery and distillery, the Anatoli Hotel (Fira) was located.
Angel Luxury Suites (Fira): Connected to a notable wine bar.
A hotel located in a former wine cave (Oia): .
A hotel offering wine tastings (Oia): .
Charisma Suites (Oia): Offers an evening champagne celebration every night that is free for guests.
Heliotopos (Imerovigli): A popular wine bar renowned for its scenic sunset views.
Parque Warner Madrid – In December, Madrid’s popular theme park, home to an extensive variety of rides, enhances its attractions for Christmas by adding extras like a parade, fireworks, traditional music, artificial snowfall and appearances by Santa Claus.
Katikies Kirini in Oia: Offers daily sunset wine experiences.
Kapari Natural Resort (Imerovigli): The wine-themed restaurant located on site at this resort
Nous (Mesariá): Provides tastings of wine from every winery located on the island.
Perivolas (Oia): The hotel`s dining area is located in an old wine storage area.
The Vasilicos (Imerovigli): Same owners as Vassaltis Vineyards; wine tastings, pairings, & tours offered.
The Vedema (Megalochori) located in the heart of the wine country, provides tastings in their cellar.

Santorini Wine History

The iconic and picturesque crater of Santorini was molded after an immense volcanic blast roughly 1600 BC. The eruption left the island, immersed in volcanic particles, barren and empty for 3 centuries up until settlers arrived around 1300 BC. These settlers presented vine cultivation in the volcanic soil.

From 500 AD to 1500 AD, Santorini’s sweet wines, traded as “vin Santo” (wine from Santorini), gained popularity, leading to the contemporary name “Vinsanto” for these wines. During this era, the island’s dry Assyrtiko wines were far less favored than the celebrated Vinsanto.

In the late 1800s, phylloxera (pronounced fy-lox-uh-ruh), a tiny aphid extremely destructive to vine roots, devastated vineyards across Europe, including in Greece – but spared Santorini due to its unique volcanic and sandy soil, which lacks the clay essential for the pest’s proliferation. As a result, Santorini’s vineyards, some centuries old, have maintained their natural root systems. Some of the island’s vines are believed to be over three hundred years of age.

While phylloxera was controlled in Europe by the early 1900s, Greece’s wine industry suffered due to World Wars, leading to a complete collapse of commercial wine production in the Cyclades. Santorini’s vineyards essentially became dormant. However, by the early 1950s, grape vines were flourishing all across Santorini, with over 4,000 hectares utilized for this purpose.

Since the peak years of the 1950s, however, Santorini’s vineyards have gradually declined; reducing to around 2,000 hectares in 1980, and then to just 1,100 in 2023. This decrease is attributed to tourism-driven development, the challenge of finding vineyard labor due to high living expenses, and the profitability of selling land to developers.

By the late 1980s, there were just six wineries on Santorini: Santo, Venetsanos, Koutsoyannopoulos, Canava Roussos, Boutari, and Markezinis — which no longer functions as a winery, having since been converted to cave-style accommodations. However, over the last twenty years, Santorini’s wine industry has seen remarkable development, with the founding of new wineries and the modernization of some traditional canaves or underground wineries. Throughout the last forty decades, the island’s total number of wineries has increased over 200%. As of 2023, Santorini hosts twenty wineries, which is encouraging growth amid concerns that mass tourism might threaten the wine industry’s potential future.

Books on Santorini Wine & Wineries

The Wines of Santorini by Yiannis Karakasis is a pleasure to read and wonderfully informative regarding every last detail relating to Santorini wines. It’s a little tricky to find but if you get the chance do grab a copy).

More recommended books on wine and viticulture

Comparing volcanic eruptions from Pompeii to vineyards in Napa, by Charles Frankel
The World Atlas of Wine, by Jancis Robinson
A guide sharing wine knowledge in an accessible way, by by Madeline Puckette & Justin Hammack

about me

Welcome to my travel website! I’m Mary Howard, an American who has been exploring the world full-time for 8 years.

Together with my husband, Intan, we often find ourselves in our second home, Bali, but our adventures take us to exciting destinations all over the globe.

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