Santorini Wineries
Visiting Santorini wineries is a popular activity on this Greek island in the Cyclades, whose volcanic soil provides a distinctive terroir.
Wine-making is not an activity that many people associate with the Greek islands, but several islands are noted for their wines and vineyards including Crete, Samos and Santorini.
All three have a long history of winemaking, with Crete being very highly-rated recently by Wine Enthusiast magazine. Samos makes some of the best dessert wines in the world and provides the grapes to Metaxa for making their unique Greek brandy-style spirit.
Your Best Santorini Guides and Maps
Santorini Wineries
The Canava Roussos winery in Episkopi is the oldest of the current wineries on Santorini, looked after now by the 4th generation of the same family. There's a free winery tour but naturally a charge for the wine-tasting.
Volcan Wines is between Messaria and Kamari and in addition to the self-guided tour there are wine-tastings and an underground wine museum.
Boutari is one of the best-known names in Greek wine and they have one of the best winery visits on Santorini. The presentation here will teach you a lot about Santorini wines generally, and Boutari makes a great variety of wines, which you can sample. You'll find it in Megalohori, where you'll also find the much smaller but charming Gavalas Winery.
Near Pirgos there are some more wineries to visit, including the Argyros Estate in the village of Mesa Gonia, east of Pirgos. They aren't open for visitors but will show you around and give you a tasting if you phone them in advance (tel: 22860-31489). The same applies to the Hatzidakis Haridimos Winery which is on the road that leads from Pirgos to the Profitis Ilias Monastery (tel: 22860-32552).
Santorini Wines
There has been wine-making on Santorini for as long as records exist, but it became especially popular when the Venetians ruled the island and began exporting Santorini wines to Italy and other parts of Europe. The famous Italian sweet wine Vin Santo gets its name from Santorini, and you can try a similar wine on Santorini itself where it is called Vinsanto.
The volcanic nature of the soil is good for producing crisp white wines, and when you're visiting Santorini you'll notice grape varieties you may not have heard of before. The three most popular Greek white grape varieties on Santorini are Assyrtiko, Athiri and Aidani. In fact about two-thirds of the island's vineyards are planted with Assyrtiko, so you'll see that on a lot of menus.
Some Cool Santorini Gifts
Shower Curtain
Personalised IPhone 14 Cover
Wireless Charger
Luggage Tag
The two most popular Greek red grapes on Santorini are Mandalieria and Mavrotragano. You'll also find some blended wines, some rosé wines, and some wines made from imported vines that have more familiar names to visitors.
Santorini Wine Tours
You can organise your own visits to Santorini's wineries but you will need a car as they are spread out around the island. This is one case where we'd recommend joining an organised tour, so that you don't have to worry about drinking and driving.
The tour companies also know the best options. Two of the wineries have great views of the caldera, so taking a sunset wine tour ensures you end up at one of these places for a wine tasting with spectacular views.
See Our YouTube Video of Santorini
If you're happy to pay a little bit more you can also have a private tour, otherwise you can book a small group tour, which usually lasts a half-day. Another option is to do a general island tour which includes a stop at one of the wineries on the way. There are also gastronomy tours which include wineries, breweries, restaurants and food producers.
One thing to be aware of is that Santorini wine tours are increasingly popular and because they are limited in size they tend to fill up quickly. If it's something you really want to do, book that tour as soon as you arrive. Your hotel or any travel agency will be able to help.
Our Pick of Greek Islands Guides
Other Santorini Pages
Things to Do on Santorini
Some of the best things to do on Santorini, as well as seeing the caldera, include wine tasting, beaches, and visiting the sites of ancient Thira and Akrotiri.
Santorini
Santorini or Thira in the Cyclades islands has cheap and luxury hotels, car rental, ferries from Athens, Crete and other islands, and flights from Athens.
Santorini Car Rental
Santorini car rental companies include Budget, Hermes, VIP Rent a Car and Euro Dollar, with Santorini car hire at the airport, and around Santorini.
Pictures of Santorini
Greece Travel Secrets brings together some outstanding pictures of Santorini in the Cyclades islands of Greece.
Hotels on Santorini
Hotels on Santorini, Greece, in the Cyclades, range from luxury choices to good cheap accommodation in Fira, with caldera views.
Fun Things to Do on Santorini
This list of fun things to do on Santorini include visiting an old tomato canning factory, listening to Greek bagpipes, and enjoying some local beers.
Best Time to Visit Santorini
Greece Travel Secrets picks the best time to visit Santorini, with a monthly summary of the weather, plus hotel prices and special events to help plan a visit.
Best Restaurants on Santorini
Greece Travel Secrets picks the best restaurants on Santorini, choosing the top gourmet and fine-dining eating places with some exclusive dining experiences.
Athens to Santorini
There are lots of flights from Athens to Santorini as well as a ferry service from Piraeus, with flights to Santorini leaving from Athens International Airport.
Ten Best Budget Hotels on Santorini
Greece Travel Secrets picks the ten best budget hotels on Santorini, some with caldera views, some near beaches and some close to the heart of Fira.
Greek Food and Drink
Greek food and drink is a highlight of any visit and Greece Travel Secrets brings you info about food and drink from all over Greece, from Athens to Zakynthos.
Ten Best Dishes in Greece
Greece Travel Secrets lists the ten best dishes to try in Greece, especially if it’s your first visit, and also discover the best places to find them.
Where to Eat in Athens and Piraeus
If you're wondering where to eat in Athens and Piraeus we have a few suggestions including some favorites around the Acropolis, Omonia Square, and Syntagma.
History of Tzatziki and a Recipe
Greece Travel Secrets tells the history of the classic Greek dish tzatziki, with a recipe for making your own yogurt and cucumber dip.
Luxury Weddings in Greece
Luxury Weddings in Greece, including venues such as a boutique hotel with deluxe spa on Santorini, can be booked through Ionian Weddings.
Weddings in Greece
Weddings in Greece and the Greek islands can be luxury or cheap, are easy to arrange from the UK or USA in Santorini, Mykonos, and Rhodes.
Zakynthos Winemaker
Antonis Maroudas is a Zakynthos winemaker who lives on the 'wine road' and is one of the people who make Zakynthos.
Corfu’s Special Cuisine
Corfu’s special cuisine includes dishes like sofrito and pastitsade and the chance to try ginger beer and kumquats.
Corfu Olives
Corfu olives are an important part of this Greek island's economy, with an estimated 3-4 million trees producing olive oil of exceptional quality.
Corfu Food and Drink
Information for travelers on Corfu Food and Drink including restaurants and tavernas, Corfiot specialties, desserts, wine and other Greek drinks like ouzo.
Corfu Beer Festival
The First Corfu Beer Festival took place in Arillas in North West Corfu and celebrated the beer of Bavaria and of Corfu, in the Ionian islands of Greece.
Tipping in Greece
The Greece Travel Secrets guide to tipping in Greece from two Greece travel experts, including when to tip, what to tip and when not to tip.
What Is Metaxa?
What is Metaxa? Metaxa is an amber Greek spirit combining brandy made by distilling wine, sweet wine from Samos and a secret recipe of Mediterranean botanicals.
What Is Greek Raki?
Raki is an alcoholic drink made with distilled grapes and anise, and popular in Greece and other Mediterranean countries, including Greece’s neighbour Turkey.
What Is a Greek Salad
What is a Greek Salad – a Greek Salad is made up of tomatoes, cucumber, onions, green pepper, olives, and feta cheese.
Latest Posts
-
The Lesser-Known Traditions of Greek Easter
Step off the beaten path this spring and discover the enchanting — and often surprising — Easter traditions found across Greece. -
Easter in the Mystical Castle of Monemvasia
In the castle town of Monemvasia, with its dramatic medieval backdrop and sea views, Easter is a deeply spiritual and atmospheric experience. -
Sifnos: Greece’s Hidden Culinary Star on the Rise
Sifnos, a Cycladic island, is gaining fame for its rich culinary heritage, especially the beloved melopita honey-cheese tart. -
Easter in Leonidio: A Tapestry of Light, Culture and Cliffs
In Leonidio, Easter comes alive with handmade hot air balloons in the sky and lanterns made from bitter oranges in the streets. -
April 9 Strike in Greece to Impact Public Transport, Ferries and Air Travel
Transportation and travel across Greece will face disruptions on Wednesday, April 9, as public transport, ferry and aviation workers join a nationwide strike called by Greek labor unions. -
Ancient Theater of Lefkada Brought Fully to Light Following Systematic Excavation
The Greek Culture Ministry has announced that the first ancient theater ever identified in the Ionian Islands has recently been brought fully to light on Lefkada, revealing an impressive monument that… -
Seven Greek Traditions Recognized as Intangible Cultural Heritage
From traditional barrel-making to age-old folk dances, seven new entries on Greece’s National Inventory preserve the country’s living heritage for future generations. -
Greek Air Traffic Controllers to Hold 24-hour Strike, Disrupting Flights on April 9
The Hellenic Air Traffic Controllers Union have announced a 24-hour strike for Wednesday, April 9, in response to the protest called by the Civil Servants’ Confederation (ADEDY). The strike is being h… -
Ten Best Budget Hotels on Santorini
Greece Travel Secrets picks the ten best budget hotels on Santorini, some with caldera views, some near beaches and some close to the heart of Fira. -
No Ferries in Greece on April 9 as Seamen Join Nationwide Strike
The Pan-Hellenic Seamen’s Federation (PNO) has announced its participation in the 24-hour strike called by the General Confederation of Greek Labor (GSEE) on Wednesday, April 9. The strike, which will…
Why not sign up for our Greece Travel Secrets newsletter? Each week you'll get emailed our regular Greece Travel Secrets Magazine for news, information, and inspiration for planning your travels in Greece.
As a welcome gift you'll also get a free e-book, Heaven on Earth. This contains 19 of Mike's favourite stories that he's written about travelling in Greece for newspapers and magazines over the years.
You'll find it over at Substack. Check out one of the Archive issues to find the Subscribe button.
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases, but at no cost to you.
BUY A JOURNAL TO RECORD YOUR OWN GREECE TRAVEL SECRETS!
LEARN A LITTLE GREEK BEFORE YOU GO!
FOLLOW OUR GREECE VIDEOS
ON YOUTUBE
No words or images to be used without prior permission.
We do not sell personal information: see our Privacy Policy.
California Consumer Privacy Act - CCPA: Sale Of Personal Information
Greece Travel Secrets does not sell any information it gathers for any reason. It has not collected or sold any personal information in the last twelve months or ever in the past.
This website was built using Site Build It!
