The Delicious Treasures of Santorini
Santorini is a standout destination for wine enthusiasts with the volcanic soil and arid landscape being the key elements for production since antiquity.
The Wine of Gods
Winemaking in Santorini
A Glorious History In The Making
Santorini’s wine-making acclaim evolved in the 14th century and reached its peak in the 19th century when the Russian Orthodox Church adopted Santorini Vinsanto as the official wine for the Holy Communion. With their rich history and flavour profiles, Santorinian wines are calling you to immerse yourself in the ultimate vinicultural experience.
Santorini Wines
What Makes Santorini Wine So Unique
The uniqueness of Santorini wines is rooted in the local terroir; Santorini’s self-rooted vineyard boasts an uninterrupted history thanks to its volcanic composition that shielded it from grape phylloxera, the parasite that damaged most European vineyards in the 19th century. The vines are not irrigated, only hydrated by natural humidity and the sea mist. Another characteristic is the method of pruning, known as kouloura, with the vines kept close to the ground in a spiral form that protects them from the strong wind.
The Essence Of Excellence
Santorini Wines
Local Varieties
Santorini boasts exceptional white grape varieties, with Assyrtiko holding the most prominent place. Its acidic flavour, with citrus and mineral nuances makes it a great pairing with grilled fish and seafood. Also famous are Aidani with its floral aroma, and Athiri. As for red grapes, Mavrotragano is one of the highlytouted varieties, while the lesser-known Voudomato has a refreshing palate with pleasant acidity.
Unique Pleasure By Glass
Vinsanto
The Santorinian Ambrosia
The uniqueness of Santorini wines is rooted in the local terroir; Santorini’s self-rooted vineyard boasts an uninterrupted history thanks to its volcanic composition that shielded it from grape phylloxera, the parasite that damaged most European vineyards in the 19th century. The vines are not irrigated, only hydrated by natural humidity and the sea mist. Another characteristic is the method of pruning, known as kouloura, with the vines kept close to the ground in a spiral form that protects them from the strong wind.
How to Discover the Tastes of Santorini
Tracing the Route to Authenticity
To discover Santorini’s flavours, you can join a cooking class and learn culinary secrets that have been handed down from one generation to the next. A visit to a Santorini winery is also a must; from small to large-scale wineries, in traditional or state-of-the-art premises, there’s something for everyone.
For a pure taste of Santorini’s produce and to discover the rich wine heritage of Santorini you can visit local wineries for wine-tasting experiences, tours of the vineyards and many more authentic experiences.
The Gastronomic Scene of Santorini
A Delicious Itinerary with Endless Stops
Prepare your palate for unforgettable gastronomic sensations while in Santorini. The island offers a food scene as captivating as its geology and history. From scenic tavernas and nostalgic grandma’s specialities to creative haute cuisine and culinary ventures bearing the signature of acclaimed Greek and international chefs, a mouthwatering mix of flavours awaits to be discovered in a paradise for discerning epicureans and seekers of authentic flavours!
Discover all local wineries
A Legacy of Santorini Winemaking
Estate Argyros
Established in 1903, Estate Argyros represents a four-generations-long investment and stands as the largest private owner of vineyards in Santorini, with landholdings exceeding 120 hectares. The estate boasts remarkable vines with an average age of over 70 years, while its oldest parcels are more than two centuries old. Guided by the deep understanding that great wines are born in the vineyard, the estate invests heavily in meticulous, hands-on cultivation, requiring hundreds of man-hours per hectare and maintaining exceptionally low yields. Through this unwavering attention to detail and generations of dedication, Estate Argyros has earned global recognition for its commitment to producing wines of the finest quality.
A Legacy of Tradition and Rare Varietals
Gavalas Winery
Located in the traditional village of Megalochori, Gavalas Winery stands as one of the oldest wineries in Santorini. Housed in a historic stone canava that reflects the traditional architecture of ancient Thira, the family has carefully preserved original spaces—such as the old cellars and grape stomping rooms—while seamlessly integrating a modern section with high-tech equipment. Now guided by fourth and fifth-generation winemakers George and Vagelis Gavalas, the estate is passionately dedicated to highlighting the island’s unique terroir through limited-production bottlings. While they produce vibrant expressions of classic local varieties like Assyrtiko, Aidani, and Mavrotragano, Gavalas holds the unique distinction of being the only winery in Santorini to vinify the rare, indigenous Katsano and Voudomato grapes, bringing the richest flavors of the land to the global stage.
The First Winery of Therassia
Mikra Thira
Born from a shared dream between renowned winemakers Vangelis Gerovassiliou, Vassilis Tsaktsarlis, and Ioanna Vamvakouri, Mikra Thira proudly stands as the first winery established on the unspoiled island of Therassia. Situated near the village of Potamos in a building that beautifully reflects traditional Cycladic architecture, the estate embraces the raw beauty and unique volcanic microclimate of Santorini’s “alter ego”. The winery cultivates organic, ungrafted vines—many over 80 years old—spread across both Therassia and Santorini, focusing almost exclusively on the famed white Assyrtiko variety. By utilizing the traditional ‘kouloura’ basket-shaped pruning method and maintaining exceptionally low yields, Mikra Thira crafts truly authentic wines that capture the pristine, rugged essence of the Aegean terroir.
Santorini's Largest Cooperative Winery
Santo Wines
Founded in 1911 and representing 1,200 local producers, Santo Wines stands as the largest cooperative on the island, dedicated to preserving Santorini’s unique winemaking heritage. Deeply committed to sustainable development and the cultivation of indigenous volcanic varieties like Assyrtiko, Athiri, and Mavrotragano, the cooperative operates a stunning multi-level winery completed in 1992 in the village of Pyrgos. Today, its spectacular Wine Tourism Center—built amphitheatrically above the caldera—is one of the island’s most iconic landmarks. Welcoming over 600,000 visitors annually, the center offers an immersive journey into the world of Santorini wine through guided tours, tastings of their internationally awarded labels, and a restaurant that beautifully pairs volcanic wines with local gastronomy.
A Tradition of Excellence Since 1870
Koutsogiannopoulos Winery
Founded in 1870, Koutsogiannopoulos Winery stands as one of the oldest and most historic winemaking estates in Santorini. Under the leadership of Giorgos Koutsogiannopoulos, the family beautifully marries traditional winemaking techniques with modern technology to produce exceptional wines from their privately owned vineyards across the island. Offering a collection of 14 distinct labels that perfectly reflect Santorini’s unique volcanic terroir, the winery also provides visitors with the rare opportunity to taste aged wines from past vintages. Guests can enjoy exclusive, personalized wine tastings guided by expert sommeliers, and seamlessly combine their experience with a tour of the family’s famous 300-meter underground Wine Museum, ensuring a deeply authentic and memorable journey into the island’s rich viticultural heritage.