Santorini Wine Guide: Best Wines, Wineries & Vineyards

Odd cultivation methods, the arid climate, and volcanic soil give rise to wines lauded for their distinctiveness all over the world. Let's journey into the history of Santorini, wine varieties, and well-known wineries.

A History Rooted in Volcanic Soil

The volcanic eruption on this island, around 1600 BCE, formed a particular terroir with mineral-rich and clay-free volcanic soil, which helps the vineyards defend themselves from the catastrophic insect phylloxera. Thousands of years ago, it sealed the fate of the wines from Santorini. This hardiness, coupled with the new "kouloura" method of vine training, where vines are woven into basket shapes, protects the grapes from harsh winds and strong sunlight.

The kouloura method is a traditional Santorini vine training technique where the vines are woven into a basket shape to protect grapes from harsh conditions.

Distinctive Wine Varieties of Santorini

1.Assyrtiko

Assyrtiko is a versatile white grape variety known for its crisp acidity and mineral-driven flavor; it is the jewel in the crown of Santorini's vineyards. Assyrtiko is used in both sweet and dry white wines and is often described as having a "salty" edge. It boasts earthy, citrusy, and stone fruit notes.

2.Athiri & Aidani

Assyrtiko is often blended with these two ancient grape varieties. For well-balanced and aromatic wines, Athiri brings lightness and floral fragrance, while Aidani provides a touch of sweetness and subtle perfume.

3.Nykteri

Nykteri literally means 'working the night' in Greek, a method of wine production, where grapes are typically harvested and pressed at nighttime to keep them fresh. Manufactured principally with Assyrtiko grapes, matured in oak barrels, producing a full-bodied wine with aromas of vanilla, honey, and ripe fruits.

4.Vinsanto

One of the most famous wines from Santorini is the sweet Vinsanto, made from sun-dried Assyrtiko and Aidani grapes. During its long aging process, it develops an intense amber color with complex flavors of caramel, nuts, spices, and dried fruits. Vinsanto was an important export during the Byzantine era and has traditionally been used during religious events.

Exploring Santorini's Red Wine Gems

While Santorini is best known for its whites, there are also some noteworthy red varieties:
Mandelaria: The primary red grape of Santorini, producing robust red wines with dark fruit flavors and firm tannins.
Mavrotragano: This red grape is making a comeback, producing rich, age-worthy wines with intense aromas of black fruit and spice.

Notable Wineries in Santorini

Among other exciting things to do, tourists can also experience the history of Santorini wine in wineries that also afford stunning views of the caldera. A basic wine tour will include guided tours of vineyards, elaborate tastings of various varietals of the region, and descriptions of the unique growing conditions imparted by the volcanic soil.

Such wineries are also educational for tourists on the wine culture of the island and often feature in the Santorini wine tour itineraries. Here are some of the prestigious wineries:

Estate Argyros

Argyros Estate

Estate Argyros was founded in 1903 and is famous for its excellent Assyrtiko wines and meticulous farming. Its Vinsanto is highly valued and really shows the depth of this classic wine.

Santo Wines

Santo wines

The cooperative of regional growers, Santo Wines, has a variety of wines on sale including Vinsanto, Nykteri, and Assyrtiko. Its modern building is one of the favorites for wine tasting with great views of the caldera.

Gaia Wines

Gaia wines, Santorini

Gaia Wines, which is located close to the sea, uses the island's atmosphere to create distinctive Assyrtiko expressions, such the well-known Thalassitis.

Boutari Winery

Boutari winery. Santorini, Greece

Boutari Winery, one of the oldest wineries in Greece, is well-known on Santorini. Their sophisticated wines showcase the island's distinctive terroir and age-old techniques.

In fact, Santorini wines reflect the hardy grape types, the age-old winemaking traditions, and the volcanic past of the island. Whether it is the sharp minerality of an Assyrtiko, the strong complexity of a Nykteri, or the sweet richness of a Vinsanto, every glass tells something new about the extraordinary terrain and enthusiastic winemakers of this island.

Interested in discovering more wineries with ease? Book a Private or Shared Wine Tour and savor the different wine varieties of Santorini!

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