Santorini's Wine Route
Santorini is one of the oldest wine-growing regions in the world — wine has been cultivated here for over 3,500 years, and the volcanic soil produces grapes that create wines of distinctive character. The island has over 15 wineries, mostly in the central and southern parts, and a unique cultivation method found nowhere else in the world: the Kouloura.
The Kouloura Method
In Santorini, there are no vines in the conventional sense. Instead, the vines are woven into basket-like wreaths (Kouloures) on the ground, inside which the grapes ripen protected from the strong Meltemi wind and the scorching sun. This method is over 3,000 years old and unique worldwide. Some vines on Santorini are over 200 years old — the phylloxera, which devastated Europe's vineyards in the 19th century, never reached Santorini (the volcanic soil offered no breeding ground).
The Wines
- Assyrtiko: Santorini's star wine and one of Greece's best white wines. Bone-dry, mineral (the volcanic soil!), with crisp acidity and aromas of citrus, flint, and salinity. Perfect with seafood. Now grown throughout Greece, but Santorini Assyrtiko remains unmatched.
- Nykteri: A barrel-aged white wine from Assyrtiko grapes harvested at night (hence the name: nykta = night). Fuller-bodied and more complex than the classic Assyrtiko, with notes of honey and dried fruits.
- Vinsanto: Santorini's famous sweet wine — not to be confused with the Italian Vin Santo. Made from sun-dried Assyrtiko and Aidani grapes, aged for years in oak barrels. Amber-colored, with aromas of caramel, dates, and orange peel. A legendary dessert drink.
The Best Wineries
- Santo Wines (Pyrgos): Cooperative winery with Santorini's most spectacular terrace — wine tasting with Caldera panorama. Tasting from 15€ for 3 wines.
- Venetsanos Winery (Megalochori): Historic winery in the Caldera cliffs, restored, with excellent wines and breathtaking views. Tasting from 18€.
- Estate Argyros (Episkopi): One of the oldest wineries (since 1903), known for the best Assyrtiko and Vinsanto on the island. Tasting from 12€.
- Gavalas Winery (Megalochori): Family winery in the fourth generation, specializing in rare indigenous grape varieties. Personal and authentic.
💡 Tipp
Plan a "wine route tour" through the south: Start in the morning at Akrotiri (excavation), then Red Beach, lunch in Megalochori, two wineries in the afternoon (Santo Wines for the view, Argyros for the wine), and in the evening, sunset in Oia. A perfect Santorini day. If driving yourself: Maximum of 2 wineries with tastings, then taxi or bus.
