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From the terraces of our winery, with a stunning view over the caldera, indulge your senses and intrigue your palate! Enjoy a wine experience that you will always treasure!

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VOLCANIC HERITAGE

Santorini's agricultural heritage is rooted in its volcanic soil that yields products of distinctive profile, compiling the Trilogy of Santorini land: Tomato, Fava beans and wine.

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Authentic products, cultivated with dry farming, produced by volcanic terroir along with the collective force of the farmers-members of the Cooperative SANTO.

Discover their explosive taste!

PDO Santorini Tomato Paste Double Concentration

PDO Santorini Tomato Paste Double Concentration

Santorini Fava

Santorini Fava

Tomato Dip

Tomato Sauce with Vinsanto

Wine tourism center.

Santo Wines Wine tourism center, located in Pyrgos village next to Santo Wines winery with breathtaking volcano view, is open all year round to welcome visitors from all over the world, at its modern facilities that are dedicated to Santorini wines, gastronomy and fine living.

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WINE TASTING

Being recommended by Wine Enthusiast Magazine as the best place in Santorini to taste wine, make us not only proud but eager to keep offering the most iconic wine tasting experience in Santorini!

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WINE AND DELI SHOP

Take the taste of Santorini back home with you! Crispy whites, captivating reds, dreamy desserts, old and rare... all our wines and deli products “SantoTaste” are available for you to discover!

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Santo Wines Winery

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+30 22860 23137

Pyrgos santorini, zip 84701.

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Santo Wines

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Santo Wines

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Santo wines.

Santo Wines - Wineries - Santorini

Santorini boasts a longstanding tradition of winemaking, thanks to its fertile volcanic soil, making it renowned for its local wine varieties. This is why the residents have committed themselves to the art of producing wine and established well-known wineries to proudly display their exceptional creations! Within the picturesque, traditional village of Pyrgos , on the captivating heights of the caldera, lies one of Santorini's most esteemed wineries.

This state-of-the-art winery with advanced machinery and modern facilities , along with the Oenotourism Center, was created in 1992, and since then it has offered excellent awarded wines. A visit to Santo Wines is an utterly worthwhile experience since you have the chance to taste a variety of wines accompanied by fine viands in a tastefully decorated place with lounge music (or live music if you get lucky), or in a dreamy outdoor space.

There are hardly any words to describe the view you can enjoy from the terrace! The location overlooks the impressive Caldera , the Volcano , and the vast Aegean Sea, and offers a stunning view at any time of the day. Especially during the evening, under the sunset colors, the atmosphere at the terrace gets totally romantic and inviting! What is more, if you desire, you have the option to participate in a guided winery tour to get acquainted with the winemaking equipment and the historical background. You can also watch a 15-minute documentary, produced by Santo Wines, that gives insights into the history of the famous Santorini wine! Additionally, there is a store, where you can select from a wide variety of wines, wine-related accessories, and other traditional specialties, such as tomato paste and fava beans to purchase.

Santo Wines is also known for arranging popular wine tastings and providing a venue for weddings and various special events , as it is perfectly designed to host unforgettable occasions. The staff is known for their outstanding hospitality, ensuring that all the guests are treated exceptionally well, making every special day truly memorable!

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Santorini Wine Tours & Wineries

Greece › Santorini › Wineries & Wine Tours Updated: February 1, 2024 By Santorini Dave

View over a winery tasting patio to the Santorini Caldera at sunset

The view of the Santorini caldera from Venetsanos winery on the Sunset Wine Tasting Tour .

See Also Where to Stay in Santorini Best Hotels in Santorini Best Things To Do in Santorini Magnificent Santorini entices over two million tourists annually to marvel at its astonishing geography, with sheer rocky cliffs soaring high above its gorgeous blue-purple caldera in the Aegean Sea. The caldera is the result of a massive volcanic eruption in 1600 BC that covered the island in volcanic debris; to this day, Santorini’s soil is made up of of volcanic ash, sand, and pumice stone. The combination of the island’s volcanic soil, intense sun, and extreme wind produces grape varieties that are very distinctive. Grapevines on Santorini are also uniquely cultivated in accordance with an age-old pruning system, which protects the grapes and helps them to flourish amid the island’s severe conditions. Santorini is home to some of the oldest vineyards in the world, containing ancient indigenous vines. Wine tasting at Sigalas Winery near Oia. Over the last decade, Santorini’s wines have gained worldwide recognition, and their superior quality is now undeniable. Santorini is ranked Greece’s #1 wine destination and is sometimes called “the wine island,” boasting twenty wineries and counting. Santorini Wineries and Wine Tours Highly recommended: A Santorini wine tour that visits multiple wineries. Pictured: Gavalas Winery . Many Santorini wineries offer tours and tastings, but if you want to visit multiple wineries, book a wine tour. While it’s possible to visit wineries on your own, a tour makes getting from one to the next much quicker and easier. (Most wineries are small and hard to find if you don’t know the island well, and most tours include hotel pick up and drop off.) Plus, drinking and driving is very uncool. Wine tours are incredibly popular on Santorini and they fill up quickly – so book early. Santorini boat tours don’t sell out as early as wine tours do, so book your wine tour first. Most wine tours run from March to November. Best Santorini Winery Tours: Santorini Small Group Wine Tour • Santorini Private Wine Tour Best Wine Tours with Sunset: Santorini Wine Tasting • Santorini Sunset Wine Tour The Santorini wineries with the best caldera views are Santo and Venetsanos . Most wine tours will visit one or both of them.

People taste wines at a table next to a picturesque caldera cliff

Most Santorini wine tours visit one of the two wineries with sweeping Caldera views – Santo and Venetsanos. This is Santo Wines outside of Pyrgos.

The Best Wine Tours in Santorini 1. Small Group Santorini Wine Tour A great small-group tour that visits three traditional wineries and vineyards scattered around Santorini. Hotel pick up and drop off makes it all super easy. Will usually visit Santo Winery or Venetsanos (both with great caldera views – Santo is pictured above) or Gavalas (my favorite) and 2 others. Starts at 3:30pm and lasts a little over four hours. 2. Santorini Private Wine Tour This is a private wine tour for serious wine lovers. The intimacy and attention to detail are definitely worth the splurge, but maybe not for everyone. Most people do the tour as a couple, but it can accommodate a group of up to 6. Starts at 10am or 4pm, with the evening tour enjoying a sunset view from either Santo or Venetsanos Winery. 3. Santorini Sunset Wine Tasting A wonderful small group tour in the early evening; visit 3 wineries and have 12 tastings. Starts at 4pm and usually finishes at Venetsanos Winery (pictured above) for fantastic caldera views at sunset. Fully Booked Wine Tours It’s common for the above tours to sell out in June, July, August, and September. If so, these tours are also excellent: • Half-Day Wine Adventure Tour • Santorini Sunset Wine Tour

The Best Santorini Wineries Most of the island’s wineries are located in the center of the island, south of Fira, between the ferry port and the airport. Of the twenty wineries on the island, fifteen are open to the public for tours and wine tasting. 1. Gavalas Winery – Megalochori My favorite winery on Santorini. Small, friendly, intimate, and family-run for five generations. Their flagship wine is their Santorini Assyrtiko in its famous blue bottle – a high-quality classic. This wine is one of the few white wines that contains tannins. 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 restaurant onsite, but there is a good taverna nearby. Gavalas can be somewhat hard to find if you’re driving on your own. 2. Venetsanos Winery – Megalochori One of the most well-known and oldest wineries on the island, with spectacular views of the caldera, volcanic cliffs, and Santorini’s famous sunset. This winery was built in 1947, closed in 1974, and reopened in 2014 after renovating and modernizing its wine-making equipment. Venetsanos has recently introduced an Assyrtiko-Aidani Orange wine with apricot, peach, grapefruit, apple, and pear aromas. Its cliffside location means that it is somewhat exposed to the winds, and the outdoor terrace may be closed if it’s an especially windy day. Of the two caldera view wineries, Venetsanos offers similar views as Santo but is a bit smaller, with a little more charm. 3. Domaine Sigalas – Oia A small, scenic winery in Baxedes near Oia, a 10-minute walk from a bus stop on the Fira-Oia bus route. Sigalas offers award-winning wines and good views of the sunset year-round. The founder, Paris Sigalas, has operated the winery since the early 1990s. Their 40 hectacres of vineyards produce 200,000 bottles a year. They are open for small tours, wine tastings, and the option to pair any of their wines with excellent food. Tastings are held both in their tasting room indoors and outside on their beautiful patio overlooking their vineyards. 4. Santo Wines – Pyrgos Large and modern winery with amazing caldera views. They are the largest wine producer in the Cyclades island group, and one of the most well-known wineries on the island, producing 50% of Santorini’s total wine production. They maintain a privately owned organic vineyard and feature four organic wines: 100% Assyrtiko, 100% Athiri, 100% Aidani, and 100% Mavrotragano. They also produce Santorini’s only sparkling white Assyrtiko wine. Santo has an onsite wine tourism center open all year round, and offers the most comprehensive tours of any one winery. Their sun-drenched restaurant and patio are ideal spots to watch the sunset. It can be a busy place in the peak summer season, but their seating area is expansive and there is a huge onsite parking lot. (Santo is a popular stop on many wine tours.) Santo Wines is a cooperative that was founded in 1911. In addition to their wide selection of wines, they also maintain a large shop selling Santorini tomatoes, fava, capers, caper leaves, and sweet preserves. 5. Art Space Winery – Exo Gonia This small and unique winery is a spellbinding blend of modern winery, art gallery, and museum within a centuries-old wine cave. The owner guides you around the property and explains its history with a thick Greek accent. Very cool. Art Space’s main varieties are: Assyrtiko, Aidani, and Mavrotragano. Although Art Space is not certified organic, organic grapes are used to make their wines. Santori Winery Overview Our videographer discusses Santorini wine and wineries with Master of Wine Yiannis Karakasis in Athens. (He literally wrote the book on the topic.)

Map showing the locations of all wineries on Santorini, and providing information about the top ones to visit

More Great Santorini Wineries Anhydrous – Fira This winery’s restaurant and tasting room are located a short 10-minute walk from the main square in Fira. Anhydrous Winery derives its name from “Anydros,” which means waterless in ancient Greek, as the vineyards are hydrated only by the island’s sea mist. Cement egg-shaped tanks are used to age their Anhydrous Icon wine (one of their five varieties of wine). These cement tanks help to keep the temperature more evenly regulated. Their Anhydrous Restaurant is beautiful and features an open-air patio with lots of shade. Cooking lessons are also available. An onsite spa offers both face and body treatments using their exclusive cosmetics made from grapes. Their cosmetics are available for purchase at the winery. Argyros Estate – Episkopi Gonia Beautiful and modern winery that is the largest single-owner vineyard on the island. Voted in the top 50 of the world’s best vineyards and wine destinations. Argyros is considered to have one of Santorini’s best Vinsanto wines (sweet wine); their Monsignori vineyard has two hundred-year-old vines from 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 A charming modern winery that’s been a family-run operation for three generations. Their vines grow in six villages on Santorini, providing a wide selection of the best terroirs on the island. Their red grape Mavrotragano is one of their newest plantings and is wire-trained (not the traditional kouloura basket-trained vines) to allow more sunlight to reach the branches. Prior to their cultivation, Mavrotragano was near extinction on Santorini. Their restaurant, Aroma Avlis, features fresh seafood and vegetarian options. Boutari – Megalochori A beautiful dome winery that was built in 1989. Boutari is one of the most awarded and historical wine producers in Greece. The winery is small, focusing on Assyrtiko, Athiri, and Aidani grapes. Their onsite indoor restaurant serves traditional local food such as fava, tomato fritters, and traditional pork sausage. Boutari Winery is not open on Sundays. Canava Chrissou & Tselepos – Pyrgos The newest winery on Santorini; at the time of this writing, the winery is 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 the USA, Canada, and China. Canava Roussos – Episkopi Gonia Traditional and charming, this is the island’s oldest winery, having been founded in 1836. It has been a family-run operation for over six generations. Aged Nykteri wine and Vinsanto wine are their specialty. Their outdoor theater hosts musical performances and concerts. Gaia – Perivolia Gaia Winery is beachside on Santorini’s east coast, with a rustic wine-tasting patio directly on the water. Their wine collection features an exceptional offering and a novel approach to wine aging. Their Assyrtiko variety wine named Gaia Thalassitis Submerged is bottled and then aged underwater in an environment that is entirely free of oxygen and light. Every year, roughly 500 bottles are put in a crate and then submerged 20 meters underwater off the east coast of Santorini for four years. The results have been very successful. The wine is vibrant, takes on a smoky aroma, and has a rounder quality. Additionally, the wine bottle is very distinctive – complete with barnacles attached. Not surprisingly, Gaia Thalassitis Submerged is their most expensive wine. Gaia Wines’ total yearly production is 120,000 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. Hatzidakis – Pyrgos The only certified organic wine producer on the island of Santorini, the winery is located down a narrow and windy road, overlooking its expansive vineyard near the village of Pyrgos. Hatzidakis Winery’s philosophy from vine to wine is simplicity with limited intervention. The new winery mimics a traditional canava (an underground cave winery); its reception area, tasting room, and wine tours are all inside of caves, built into the side of a hill. The caves have very tall ceilings, which sets the stage for some interesting 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 modern winery sits atop its wine museum. The museum, presenting the history of Greek wine and the life of Santorininan vine-growerssince the 1600s, is set in an atmospheric 300-meter-long cave and tunnnel complex, 8 meters underground. It is an excellent place to learn more about the island’s wine-making processes, and also an excellent choice to visit if children are joining. There is no restaurant onsite. Vassaltis – Vourvoulos An ultra-modern winery that opened in 2016 and offers tours around its vineyard, production area, and in their cellar where the tastings take place. They also offer four lunch and dinner menu options (pre-booking required), including pairing menus. The winery specializes in producing wines made from the Assyrtiko, Athiri, Aidani, Mantilaria, and Mavrotragano grapes. Mikra Thira – Thirassia The first and only winery located on Thirassia, a tiny island 11 km west of Santorini – with a population of approximately 300. Accessible via a scenic ten-minute ferry ride from Oia, this modern winery has a bright tasting room and sunny patio with views of Folegandros, Ios, and Sikinos. Mikra Thira currently produces three dry white wines, all designated as PDO Santorini. Wine tours and tastings are available by appointment. How to Get to Thirassia: There is a small foot-passenger ferry that runs three to four times a day in the summer and takes about 10 minutes. The ferry departs from the Ammoudi port in Oia to Riva port on the island of Thirassia. Private water taxis are also available for hire.

Wineries in Santorini.

Wineries and vineyards are scattered all around the Santorini landscape.

Getting To Santorini Wineries Santorini buses from Fira to Akrotiri or Perissa will stop a short walk from Santo Winery , Venetsanos , Gavalas , and Boutari . (If coming from Oia, Imerovigli, or another village you’ll need to bus to Fira and then switch buses.) Buses from Fira to Kamari will stop a short 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 bus to Fira and then switch buses.) Buses from Fira to Oia will stop a moderate walk from Vassaltis Vineyards and Domaine Sigalas Winery . Getting a Santorini taxi to and from wineries is possible, but in practice, a pretty big hassle. Best Restaurant for Santorini Wines Oia Vineyart is a hidden gem, tucked away in an old captain’s house in Oia’s quieter back streets, and the only restaurant/wine bar in Santorini offering wine from every winery on the island. The food – 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 maintain a deli shop selling local cheeses, cured meats and fish, and produce; perfect for a self-catered picnic or light meal. A worthwhile stop for anyone passionate (or simply curious) about Santorini’s local food and wines.

Santorini Wines

Wine barrels stacked in a cave cellar

Barrels of Santorini’s famed Vinsanto wine at Hatzidakis Winery .

Santorini has plenty of quality options for wine lovers. The three most celebrated wines produced on the island are the crisp white Assyrtiko , the sweeter dessert wine Vinsanto , and the traditional white Nykteri . These wines use the Assyrtiko grape, which is indigenous to Santorini. Assyrtiko Assyrtiko (pronounced a-SEER-tee-ko) is considered the finest white wine in Greece, and Santorini’s Assyrtiko is the island’s best and most prolific wine. It’s also the most famous Greek white wine worldwide, and its fame is due to Santorini’s remarkable quality. Assyrtiko is a crisp, light, dry white with a hint of citrus fruits (lemon, lime, or grapefruit) and is slightly bitter. It has a definite saltiness and mineral taste. Assyrtiko is similar to a Sauvignon Blanc.

Vinsanto Vinsanto is a dessert wine and Santorini’s oldest wine. Vinsanto is highly regarded and is extremely sweet with a dense taste and smells more like red wine, even though it’s made with the prominent white grape variety. Vinsanto has a thick, syrupy consistency and a golden color; if allowed to age, it can turn an amber color. Vinsanto is made from late-harvest white grapes that have been dried in the sun for ten days (an ancient technique dating back to 700 BC) and then aged in oak for two or more years. This production method is complex and produces very small yields. Sometimes the wines are aged for decades, and it has the potential to age for a century. The longer the wine has aged, the more bold the flavor. Old vintages are extremely rare and expensive. Vinsanto must always contain at least 51% Assyrtiko grapes and is commonly blended with Aidiani and/or Athiri grapes. Only a handful of wineries on the island of Santorini produce Vinsanto. Although they are both sweet dessert wines, Santorini’s Vinsanto (“wine from Santorini”) is unrelated to the Italian Vin Santo (“holy wine”). They are produced using different grapes and methods. Nykteri Nykteri (pronounced nith-terry) is the most unique dry white from Santorini. The wine is made from overripe grapes and then barrel-aged for at least three months. The grapes were traditionally harvested at night, hence the name Nykteri, derived from the Greek term “harvested at night.” Today, there is no requirement for the grapes to be harvested at night. There are various styles of Nykteri wine, ranging from a discreetly oaked flavor to a more full-bodied style with flavors of nuts and honey. Santorini Grape Varieties

Bins of grapes, just picked during harvest.

There are approximately 40 local grape varieties currently grown on Santorini, although not all are cultivated. Over a hundred years ago, there was much more diversity, and the island’s winemakers cultivated close to 60 different grape varieties. In recent years, producers have focused primarily on the top five varieties: Assyrtiko (white) Mandilaria (red) Aidani (white) Athiri (white) Mavrotragano (red) The top grape, by a long stretch, is the white grape Assyrtiko , whose plantings account for 75-80 percent of Santorini’s vineyards. The next most common is the red grape Mandilaria , which accounts for about 10 percent and is typically blended with Mavrotragano . Aidani and Athiri , both whites, make up the remaining 5-10 percent; apart from a selection of rare grape varieties like Platani , Katsano , and Gaidouria . Santorini White Grapes Assyrtiko Assyrtiko (pronounced a-SEER-tee-ko) is a white Greek grape, grown all over the country and indigenous to the island of Santorini. Assyrtiko grapes have transparent yellow-gold skin, are highly acidic with fruity flavors, and produce a high alcohol content wine. Assyrtiko vines are mostly disease-resistant and do well in drought conditions. Its bark is exceptionally hard, which helps protect it from the extreme summer winds. Some vineyards in Santorini have 70-80 year old Assyrtiko vines that produce sparingly. Although the grape yields from these vines tend to be low, they are some of the highest-quality grapes grown on the island. Aidani Aidani (pronounced eye-AH-nee) is an ancient white Greek grape variety found mainly on the islands of Santorini and Rhodes. Aidani is lower in sugar and acidity than Assyrtiko, with more floral aromas. Aidani is seldom used on its own and is often mixed with grapes having a high alcoholic content and acidity, such as Assyrtiko or Athiri, which helps to tame the boldness of these grapes and produces a smoother, softer wine when fermented. Although Aidani is a robust, drought-resistant variety of grape with thick skin, it’s more demanding to grow. Aidani grapes ripen at different times, so the grape harvesters have to pick some grapes first, then pass through the vineyard a second time to collect the remaining grapes. Additionally, Aidani ripens late, so it must be harvested last – which is not easy when it’s planted alongside other types. Athiri Athiri (pronounced ah-THEE-ree) is grown exclusively in Greece, and is known for its fruity flavors with hints of citrus like lemon, grapefruit, and nectarines. It is primarily used for blending with the dominant Assyrtiko. Athiri’s acidity is much lower than Assyrtiko, and the grapes are thin-skinned, with a golden-green appearance. Athiri grapes are generally easy to grow and therefore produce high yields. Santorini Red Grapes Mandilaria is the most widely planted red grape variety on Santorini. While Mavrotragano is an ‘exotic’ grape variety that’s making a comeback after it was near extinction on Santorini around 2008. Mandilaria Mandilaria (pronounced Man-dee-LAR-ya) is a black-skinned red grape, also known as Amorghiano (on Rhodes), and the most widely planted red grape variety on Santorini – though growers tend to produce small yields. Mandilaria grapes have very thick skins full of 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 frequently used in blends. Mavrotragano Mavrotragano (pronounced Ma-vro-TRA-ga-no) means “black and crunchy” in Greek. Producing a small fruit with high sugar levels, Mavrotragano grapes produce spicy, deeply colored, full-bodied red wines that are similar to a Syrah. Most producers on the island feature a 100% dry Mavrotragano, although in very small quantities. Mavrotragano was traditionally used to make sweet wines, but came close to extinction on Santorini a couple of decades back. In the 1970s, most of the island’s Mavrotragano plantings were replaced with Assyrtiko, the dominant and more lucrative variety. Since its low point around 2008, however, this little grape has been making a comeback, returning in very limited plantings cultivated by a few of Santorini’s most dedicated growers. For this reason, Mavrotragano is considered ‘exotic’ — a rare variety covering only one percent of the total plantings on Santorini. Excessive alcohol levels in this variety can be problematic if winemakers are not careful. Another challenge with this grape is that fully ripe bunches often include underripe green berries. Winemakers in Santorini continue to experiment with growing techniques to maximize this grape’s potential in wines and wine blends. Rare Varieties Once upon a time, the island’s vineyards grew over sixty varieties, however most of these varieties are no longer grown. Platani , Katsano , and Gaidouria grapes continue to be cultivated in very small amounts, and a few wineries are producing some unique blends using these fruits. Wines made with Katsano and Gaidouria do not have the pronounced acidity of Assyrtiko, but retain the salty mineral taste.

Wine tour in Santorini, Greece.

The Small Group Santorini Wine Tour visits multiple wineries, including Venetsanos – one of my favorites.

Santorini Grape Growing Conditions

Grapevines grow low, trained in baskey-shapes, in front of a rocky mountain

Grapevines at the Argyros Estate vineyards in Episkopi Gonia.

Soil Santorini’s soil, formed from the island’s major volcanic eruption in 1653 BC, is a mix of volcanic rock, ash, sand, pumice, and lava fragments, known locally as “aspa.” This composition makes the soil acidic with a low pH, influencing the mineral taste of the local wines. The soil, light and crumbly, retains little moisture and is not suitable for tilling. Its appearance resembles a blend of sand and lunar pebbles in red, black, or white. Vine roots here can extend up to 20 meters deep, seeking nutrients from the volcanic ash embedded deep in the soil. Intense Sun & Wind Summer in the Cyclades, including Santorini, is typically very sunny with very few cloudy days. The region experiences strong northern Meltemi winds from May to September, which can challenge wine production by risking grape damage. However, these tough conditions are also thought to enhance grape quality, producing better juice and superior wines. Rain & Sea Mist Santorini experiences minimal rainfall from April to September, with almost none in summer. Grape vines are irrigated only in their first one or two years; thereafter, they rely on moisture from the volcanic soil. At night, sea mist from the caldera blankets the island, supplying essential moisture to the vineyards. The island’s unique, porous, pumice-rich soil effectively absorbs and then gradually releases this moisture to the vines, providing an optimal amount of water for the grape crops.
What is Terrior? The vineyard at Hatzidakis Winery in Pyrgos. Terroir (pronounced teh-waar), derived from the Latin terra meaning soil or land, refers to the natural environment of a vineyard, including soil, climate, rainfall, and terrain. It’s the concept that the specific location where wine grapes are grown imparts a unique flavor to the wine, creating a distinct “personality” that cannot be replicated elsewhere, even with the same grape variety and winemaking methods. Essentially, terroir embodies the “taste of a place.” While primarily associated with wine, terroir also applies to other soil-grown foods like olives, tomatoes, and hops, where the growth region contributes to their distinctiveness.

Santorini’s Unique Growing Style

Grape vines trained to grow in a circle, close to the ground.

The traditional kouloura-trained grapevine on Santorini resembles a living basket. This vine is at Argyros Estate winery .

In Santorini, vines are grown low to the ground and are not supported by wire trellising, as is common in most vineyards throughout the world. In order to provide necessary protection from the island’s harsh conditions, local growers have adopted special training systems for the vines: Kouloura (Basket) Method The most common method, where grape-bearing branches are carefully woven by hand into a circular, 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 method, vines are shaped like goblets with pruned branches forming a spur at a lower point and longer canes trained into a circle higher up. In spring, the ring will grow shoots and bear fruit, parallel to the trunk. This age-old practice creates a taller trunk which facilitates better aeration, 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-protected areas. Additionally, terraced landscaping and traditional Greek dry-stone walls are used to enhance cultivation and reduce water loss. Harvesting In Santorini, grape harvesting is time-consuming and labor-intensive; mainly done while crouching, as the vines are low to the ground. Vines are widely spaced in the vineyard to optimize the absorption of scarce nutrients. Harvesting is always manual or assisted by donkeys, with no machinery involved. Santorini grape harvest. Wine Classifications – PDO and PGI
PDO stands for Protected Designation of Origin. Greece has more than 100 products that have been registered as PDO, including wine, cheese, olive oil, honey, and more. When a wine is labeled as “PDO,” this indicates that the wine comes from a specific area, is produced from designated varieties, and is made using that location’s traditional wine-making techniques. The PDO Santorini classification guarantees the wine will be made using at least 85% Assyrtiko grapes, with the remaining percentage made up of Aidani and/or Athiri grapes, all grown in the PDO zone of Santorini. All stages of the wine production must take place within the Santorini zone, including grape cultivation, fermentation, and bottling and labeling. The designated PDO Santorini zone consists 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 at least 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 includes all of the Cycladic islands located in the Aegean Sea. Grapes used to produce PGI Cyclades Islands wines must be planted at altitudes exceeding 30 meters. Most wine made in the Cyclades Islands PGI zone comes from either Santorini or Paros. Santorini Hotels for Wine Lovers

Hotel with great wine in Santorini.

The wine cellar at Akra Suites in Imerovigli.

Hotels of Note Akra Suites (Imerovigli): Charming wine cellar for tastings. Anatoli Hotel (Fira): Set in former winery and distillery. Angel Luxury Suites (Fira): Attached to a popular wine bar. Atrina Canava 1894 (Oia): Set in a former wine cave. Canaves Ena (Oia): Wine tastings offered on site. Charisma Suites (Oia): Offers a sunset champagne event every night, free for guests. Heliotopos (Imerovigli): Popular wine bar for sunset viewing. Katikies Garden (Fira): Their centuries-old canava formerly used to store the pope’s wine, 3 wine cellars currently on site. Katikies Kirini (Oia): Offers daily sunset wine tastings. Kapari Natural Resort (Imerovigli): Wine-themed restaurant on site. Nous (Mesariá): Offers wine from every winery on the island. Perivolas (Oia): Hotel restaurant is in an old wine canava. The Vasilicos (Imerovigli): Same owners as Vassaltis Vineyards; wine tastings, pairings, & tours offered. Vedema (Megalochori): Located in the heart of the wine country, offers tastings in their cellar. Santorini Wine History

Diorama showing historic grape growing methods on Santorini

The underground cave museum at Koutsoyannopoulos Winery is full of artifacts, photographs, and dioramas that illustrate the history of viticulture on the island of Santorini.

The iconic and picturesque caldera of Santorini was formed following a massive volcanic eruption around 1600 BC. The eruption left the island, engulfed in volcanic debris, lifeless and barren for three centuries until settlers arrived around 1300 BC. These settlers introduced 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 fi-lok-SUH-ruh), a tiny aphid that is devastating to vine roots, ravaged vineyards across Europe, including in Greece – but spared Santorini due to its unique volcanic and sandy soil, which lacks the clay necessary 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 old. In the late 19th Century, European wine crops were decimated by phylloxera insects. Santorinian vineyards were immune to this blight, however, as the tiny pest cannot survive in the island’s volcanic soil. While phylloxera was controlled in Europe by early 1900s, Greece’s wine industry suffered due to World Wars, leading to a total collapse of commercial wine production in the Cyclades. Santorini’s vineyards essentially became dormant. However, by the early 1950s, grape vines were flourishing all over Santorini, with over 4,000 hectares used for this purpose. Since the heyday of the 1950’s, however, Santorini’s vineyards have steadily dwindled; dropping to about 2,000 hectares in 1980, and then to merely 1,100 in 2023. This reduction is attributed to tourism-driven development, the challenge of finding vineyard labor due to high living costs, and the profitability of selling land to developers. Since the 1950’s, Santorini’s tradition of wine production has been threatened by modern day tourism. By the late 1980s, there were only six wineries on Santorini: Santo, Venetsanos, Koutsoyannopoulos, Canava Roussos, Boutari, and Markezinis — which no longer exists as a winery, having since been converted to cave-style accommodations. Since the turn of the century, however, Santorini’s wine industry has seen remarkable growth, with the development of new wineries and the modernization of some traditional canaves or underground wineries. Over the last forty years, the island’s total number of wineries has grown by over 200%. As of 2023, Santorini hosts twenty wineries, which is encouraging growth amid concerns that mass tourism might threaten the wine industry’s future. Books on Santorini Wine & Wineries The Wines of Santorini by Yiannis Karakasis is a joy to read and wonderfully informative about every last detail regarding 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 Volcanoes and Wine: From Pompeii to Napa , by Charles Frankel The World Atlas of Wine , by Jancis Robinson Wine Folly: The Master Guide , by by Madeline Puckette & Justin Hammack Read More Where to Stay in Santorini Best Hotels in Santorini Best Things to Do in Santorini Santorini Museums Best Santorini Boat Tours

About Santorini Dave

Santorini Dave Author Bio.

Thanks for all the great information. Can we get from Santo Winery to our cruise ship if we leave Santo at sunset? The itinerary says 10:00 pm for the cruise ship to leave. Thanks!

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The time of sunset varies by time of year. I trust you’ve looked this up. So, by what time should you leave Santo Wines? If you were getting in a taxi to head back to Fira at 8:00pm I think you’d make your cruise’s departure. But there are many variables. How long does it take to get a taxi to arrive at Santo? How long is the line at the cable car? Personally, I would visit Santo through the day and then return to Fira and watch the sunset from one of the bars just a short walk from the cable car. I hope that helps.

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If we want to do our own tour of the wineries, like Santos, Venetsanos and Boutari, how would be the easiest way to get there and visit all 3. Will we need to use taxi or is there buses? Thanks

There are bus stops pretty close to all 3 of these wineries. So getting to any one of them and then returning from any one of them is fairly easy. However, getting between them is much more of a hassle. And calling for a taxi can be a long wait, if they come at all. If you wanted to visit more than one winery it’s best to do a tour or to hire a driver for the day.

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Wonderful website with tons of great info! Thank you!

Just returned from Santorini and loved the visit at Estate Argyros. Wines and hospitality were both top notch! From there it was an easy drive over to Metaxy Mas for lunch. I think the whites at Argyros are among the best on the Santorini.

John Osgood

Thanks John. Glad it was helpful.

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Sadly, all wine tours are sold out for our visit in 3 weeks. We have decided to spend our time doing a boat tour, hike, and Akrotiri but would like to visit at least one winery. Which would you choose for a quick one-hour stop: Venetsanos or Santo Winery. Thanks.

Both have great views but Venetsanos has a little more charm. Santo has a better (larger) wine shop – if you’re looking to take some wine home (or get it shipped).

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Your site is helpful. Are there any wine tours in the off season? We are visiting in February and can’t find any availability. Thanks.

There are combo sightseeing and wine tours ( like this one ) available in February.

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My problem: No availability left for Wine Tours.

Hi Dave, Love your website and has been super helpful planning my trip. I just booked a solo trip to Greece and will be staying in Fira for 2 and half days. I would love to do a wine tour but it appears that everything is either totally booked up already or requires multiple people to take part. Are there any wine tours that allow solo travelers that are still available to book and if I wanted to plan a DIY tour what would your recommendation be? (Time of day, vineyards to see, walking or renting a driver for a few hours). Lastly if I were to do a DIY tour stopping at 3 vineyards for tasting what would that estimated cost be? Thanks!!

Yes, wine tours get fully booked earlier and earlier every year.

For a DIY wine tour I’d start at Venetsanos Winery (buses go nearby on their way to Akrotiri or Perissa). Then walk to Gavalas Winery in Megalochori. It’s less than a 15 minute walk and it’s a little tricky because of the lack of sidewalks but still pretty easy and doable. If that sounds unappealing you could call a taxi but you might be waiting a while. Those are two of my favorite wineries in Santorini. If you needed a third keep walking (sort of south and west) to Boutari about another 10 minutes south of Gavalas. Then bus back to Fira. As for costs it’s very hard to say as each winery offers a wide range of tastings.

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Thanks for all the information on wine tours! Regarding to answer on a DIY tour, I wanted to follow-up to your answer to a previous poster. We’ll be staying in Megalachori, and are interested in doing our own mini-tour starting at Gavalas, and then walking to either Venetsanos or Boutari (which both seem to be semi-close?). Which would you recommend, and about how far is the walk?

Thank you! Danielle

Go to Venetsanos for the views (awesome) and setting. Go to Boutari for the wine. Not that there’s a huge difference in quality but Venetsanos does get more people interested primarily in the views. Boutari is sort of ugly and attracts more serious connoisseurs. As to walking, it’s a little tricky but doable and not far (walking along the busy road is more of the problem). If possible scope out both places beforehand (in a car, if you have one) which will make finding them on foot easier.

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We would like to book for a tour online for November, but I can’t for some reason. Are the tours full or closed for the season?

If so can we do it in the island? Or do you recommend just walk in the winery? Our plan is on November 14-18.

Thank you Mark

This private wine tour of Santorini will typically have availability in November.

We’d like to visit a winery near Oia during our visit in December. I see Sigalas is within a short drive of Oia. Is it open in December and will we be able to visit?

Sigalas usually closes in early December. But if you contact them they’ll open up, give you a quick tour around the grounds, and let you taste and buy some wines. Send them an email at [email protected] or call Panayiota at +30 6982 877912.

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Hi Dave, many thanks for all of the useful information your site provides. It’s been incredibly helpful for planning my trip over the last few months! I will be staying in Santorini for 6 days, what are the benefits of doing a wine tour as opposed to visiting on your own? We have rented a car for our stay. Look forward to hearing from you!

The biggest advantage is you can enjoy the wine without having to worry about drinking too much. The pours are usually generous and it’s not hard to feel tipsy after a winery or definitely two. Also, finding the wineries can be a challenge. And the tours offer good info on the winers, wineries, and how the grapes are grown that you wouldn’t get without the tour. But can you do it yourself? For sure.

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Dave, you’re a legend. Thanks a million for all this info. My wife and I are going to Santorini in a couple weeks and would like to do a wine tour. We prefer red wines to the dessert-ey whites but I’m noticing there are mostly white wines that are popular. Do you recommend any wineries or wine tours that have mostly reds? Thanks in advance.

The best wines on Santorini are whites so I’d encourage you to focus on them even if your tastes tend in a different direction. If you do want to try some reds then Gavalas Winery has the best red wines in Santorini.

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After reading your review on Santo Winery and seeing the views, we are hoping to select a sunset tour that includes this winery. However, on the linked “Santorini Half-day Wine Tour” above from GetYourGuide, it does not specify which wineries will be visited. Are you fairly certain that Santo Winery is usually on that tour route? I messaged GetYourGuide about a week ago to check but have not received a response.

Although it was not listed on your website, I also reached out to Santorini Wine Tours to see what tour route they take. Unfortunately they do not visit Santo but instead visit Venetsanos, which they say has equivalent views?

What are your thoughts on this? We just want to make sure we sign up for the best sunset tour option! Ashlee Hansen

No tour will absolutely guarantee which wineries they will visit as it can always change. The Santo winery or Venetsanos is consistently the final visit on the sunset version of the Half Day Tour. Venetsanos is great and has gorgeous sunset views (similar to Santo).

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Hi Santorini Dave,

I will be in Santorini on my honeymoon for 3 nights September 29 – Oct 1, during that time it will be my (soon-to-be) husband’s birthday (Sept 30). I want to plan a wine tour with dinner reservations afterward to celebrate (or something like that). What do you recommend?

The wine tours on Santorini are really well done and well worth doing. Most will drop you back at your hotel (or really any place along the caldera) so you’re free to pick from the best restaurants on the island .

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Thanks for this site. It’s great! I’m wondering if you have any tips on a do-it-yourself wine tour? I plan to rent scooters for exploring the island, but I wouldn’t want to do this while drinking at several wineries. Is it possible to do this via taxi? Or, are they too expensive and hard to order? Is there an area with a bunch in walking distance? We are staying in Finikia if that makes a difference.

Thanks for your help,

Santorini is loaded with wineries but they are fairly spread out. If you did want to do a self-guided walking tour I would visit the 3 following wineries: Gavalas (in the village of Megalochori), Venetsanos (on the caldera), and Santo Winery (on the caldera). Start by taking a bus from Fira (or wherever you’re staying) to Megalochori – they’ll run about every 30 to 60 minutes. Then find the Gavalas winery (a little tricky but it’s a small village so not too hard). Then walk north and towards the caldera to find Venetsanos. Then further north (and back towards Fira) to get to Santo. You’re now north of the ferry port so there will be plenty of buses running from the main road back to Fira. These 3 wineries are great but the walk between them is not really along the caldera, provides few views, and has stretches on a busy road. So, do it to save money but don’t be expecting a beautiful walk between the wineries.

Walking route of self guided wine tour on Santorini.

Hi Dave, Your site has been so helpful in planning our Honeymoon in Santorini! We definitely want to take one of the wine tours. Aside from time of day, is there a real difference between the half day wine tour and the sunset wine tour you suggested on this page? We can’t decide which would be better since they seem so similar… would love your insight! Lilach

Go with the half-day tour (it has two times for you to choose from, so the evening tour will have sunset views). I listed the other tour primarily because my first choice often gets sold out.

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Hi Dave, Do you know which 3 wineries the Santorini half day small group wine tour visits? Nicole

Gavalas, Santo, and Boutari are the most commonly visited but can change because of the season or schedule. All are good – and the smaller wineries are often the most memorable.

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I was thinking of doing the 5 hour boat tour: red beach/white beach/bbq/hotsprings.

I am going May 21-24. Do you recommend me going on the day one 10AM-3PM, or the sunset one 3PM-8PM. I would think watching the sunset is amazing but afraid once it reaches -7-8, it would be too windy. I don’t mind doing the morning but I just want to make the right choice.

What do you think? Darlene

I would do the sunset one as watching the sun set from below the Oia cliffs is really unique. Though swimming will be better (and they’ll be more of it) on the daytime tour. It can be windy anytime so don’t plan around that.

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I’m going to Herakleion for 5 days second week of September, thinking of taking the ferry over to Santorini for 1 day. Which day of the week is best to go over (I grew up in Italy so I’m thinking it might be like there when on Sundays everything is closed, but Saturday are overly crowded) and ideas of best tours to make the most of our time there. I liked the photography tour but none of us are photographers, unless using Instagram, are you obliged to take professional pictures? Elena Metta

There are no guarantees but Wednesday and Thursday are typically the busiest days as those are the most popular days for cruise ship stops. Cruise ships will often leave Athens on the weekend and then return the following weekend giving them a port stop in Santorini mid-week. Sunday and Monday are the best bets for a “quiet” day. The photography tour is great for everyone from beginner to pro.

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Hello Dave, Your website is the most useful and helpful site I’ve ever come across while vacation planning. My significant other and I will be visiting Santorini (only for 4 days) from March 31-April 4th. We’re very limited on tours, and As per your recommendation I was interested in the 5 hour sunset catamaran tour. But noticed it includes swimming, snorkelling, and hot springs. Will the weather or water actually be warm enough during those dates to conduct those activities?

Thank you for ALL your efforts and advice.

There will be hot springs swimming as that water is warmish (not hot). The boat stops about 100 meters from the hot springs and the sea water from the boat to the hot springs is chilly. Bring a big warm towel. The “swimming/snorkeling” will probably be ignored but they’re not the highlights of the tour in any case.

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Hi we will be going to Santorini / Mykonos in May, we will be on a cruise ship, the 2 islands are the ones I Really want to visit, and see the sunset on Oia. Mykonos we are only there from 7:00 to 14:00, Santorini arrival 7:00 to 19:00. Can you recommend a private Santorini shore tour for 2 senior ladies, (we are not rickety), would be much appreciated. Regards Dianne.

I would do either the half-day wine tour or the Santorini photography tour . Both are excellent. If you did decide to do a caldera boat tour be sure not to do one that takes in the sunset as you won’t have time to get back to your ship.

We will only be in Fira for 3 nights so unfortunately won’t have time to do a wine tour (we should have stayed longer but plans have been finalized). Is there anywhere in or near Fira to walk to a winery or at least enjoy a good selection of wines?

No wineries within walking distance of Fira but there is the Assyrtico wine bar/restaurant on the main pathway in Fira. Lots of good wine.

We’re a group of 4 visiting Santorini at mid-October. Would you recommend booking tours in advance?

You’ll likely be fine not booking and buying after you arrive – but you just never know. If it’s a tour you’re set on then I’d book in advance. Wine tours are small and can easily fill up with one group booking. Boat tours have more capacity and are easier left until after arrival.

We have 2 full days on Santorini. On the first day we’ll walk the foot path from Fira to Oia and explore the towns along the way. On the second day we’ll do either a wine tour of the Santorini wineries or a boat tour of the caldera with sunset and volcano walk. Which would you recommend? Which tour will have better food?

Both tours are great fun but the volcano/caldera/sunset boat tour is the one to do if you only have one day. You can do good wine tours in lots of places but there’s only one caldera like this. The food on the boat tour is adequate (far better than it has to be) but not as good as it would be on the wine tour – but still, do the boat tour.

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Visiting the Santo Winery on Santorini

santo wines visit

Wine tasting in Santorini has grown up in recent years and no place has demonstrated it more clearly than the cafe and tasting area at Santo Winery. With a world-class view from high above the famed caldera, this is a very worthwhile stop during your adventures on the island of Santorini.

The location is a terrific place to view the sunset , offering a different angle on the caldera. But if you're going to Santo in the late afternoon or evening, be aware that its elevation above the cliffs can make it a bit windy. You may be happy you brought a jacket, even when the day has been warm.​

Like all wineries of Santorini, the bottles here benefit from the unique growing conditions on the island. The rich volcanic soil contributes a distinct tang to wines grown here, and the unusual "basket" style of training the vines to protect them from the prevailing winds also plays a part. Santorini is blessed with a number of local varietals, including the popular assyrtiko grape whose ghostly paleness delivers a deep dose of minerality to the wines made from it. On the darker side, the deep red "vin santo" wine was originally produced for use in the churches, and its rich sweetness makes it an ideal dessert wine which also shows up in some modern Santorini cooking. Santo presents a number of wines from various collective members, so the selection is extensive.

Oenotourism Center

While at the winery you can enjoy a film about the Santo winemaking process at the Oenotourism Center. The Center is open from 10am until sunset, April through November.

With a large open terrace area, Santo Winery frequently hosts wine and food events, among them the now-annual "Cities by the Sea" wine and gastronomy festival. It's also a popular location for weddings and other events.

Wine and Gourmet Food Shop

Obviously, Santo would be delighted to send you home with any quantity of wine. They offer special combination packages with a choice bottle packed with a variety of other Santorini specialties including the indigenous yellow fava bean and the famed anhydrous tomato paste, prepared from tomatoes which have been watered only by the dew collecting in the porous volcanic soil. (Even if you're indifferent to tomatoes, you'll fall for this paste as a kind of volcanic vegetable caviar.)

Getting There

Santo Winery is easy to get to from Fira - just drive south from Fira, following the signs to Perissa. About 4 km or 2.5 miles from Fira, you'll see the flag-adorned winery to your right. Parking is free. The winery is sometimes closed for special events, so you may want to give them a call in advance just to make sure.

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Santos Winery Santorini: A review of the best Santorini Winery

Updated On: October 15, 2023

Written By: Pavlos Inglesis

Santos Winery is definitely one of the best wineries in Santorini and one of the best things you can do on the island. I recently visited it and went through their large selection of local wines along with their wine-tasting experience. This is my review.

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My Opinion:

This is the most famous and the largest winery in Santorini, with the largest and most organised shop as well. It may feel very touristic and not really a secret but if you only have time for one winery on the island, make it this one, and you won’t regret it. Their terrace has some of the most impressive volcano views on the island. You don’t need to book any wine tour for this one, as you will just sit at any of the tables, and you will be given a menu to choose from. Your waiter will then explain everything you need to know about the wines. You won’t be able to visit and see in detail the wine production, though.

READ ALSO:  Where to Stay in Santorini Best Wine Tours in Santorini 32 Best Things to do in Santorini Akrotiri Prehistoric City: All You Need to Know Santorini Tomato Museum: All You Need to Know

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TOP RATED HOTELS IN:

Oia:  Maregio Suites Fira:  Cosmopolitan Suites Imerovigli:  Grace Santorini Firostefani:  Tsitouras Perivolos:  Orabel Suites Perissa:  Anastasia Princess Kamari:  Sunrise Studios

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Akrotiri:  Cavo Ventus

Firostefani:  Villa Aura

Imerovigli:  Grace Villa

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🌄 Sunset Cruise with Meals and Drinks

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🥾 Hike the path from Fira to Oia

ALL AVAILABLE FERRIES TO GREEK ISLANDS:

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My name is Pavlos and I come from the beautiful country called Greece. You can follow me on Twitter here and I will try to do my best to respond to you personally. This is my blog to help you plan your next holidays to Greece and the greek islands, whether it is Santorini, Mykonos, Crete or even Athens. I was actually born in Athens and I have been to almost all of the greek islands and pretty much most of mainland Greece. I know the ins and outs of my country and hopefully my travel blog will help you make the most of your holidays.

Booking.com  i s the website with the most available rooms and Private Villas in Athens, Santorini , Mykonos & Crete  (more than Airbnb!)

Ferryhopper    is the best website to book your ferry tickets or check the timetables for Santorini, Mykonos , Crete & all greek islands

Get Your Guide  has the best and largest variety of Tours in Athens and the greek islands (Santorini, Mykonos, Crete etc)

Rentalcars is the easiest way to rent a car or a quad for Greece with thousands of available options

Booking.com Flights  has all the available flights to and from the greek islands

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Santo Wines | Santorini, Greece

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 Santo Wines: Where Every Sip Tells a Story

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Santo Wines, nestled in the picturesque village of Pyrgos on Santorini, Greece, has been crafting exceptional wines since 1947. This cooperative of local vine growers is dedicated to showcasing Santorini’s unique terroir in every bottle.

What makes Santo Wines truly special is its vineyards, located on the volcanic soil of Santorini. This, coupled with the island’s distinct climate and strong winds, creates an environment perfect for grape cultivation, resulting in wines with unparalleled character and flavor.

Among its offerings, Santo Wines is renowned for its Assyrtiko wines, crafted from the indigenous Assyrtiko grape variety. These wines are celebrated for their crisp acidity, citrusy flavors, and mineral notes, delighting wine enthusiasts worldwide.

Apart from Assyrtiko, Santo Wines also produces other notable wines like Nykteri and Vinsanto. Nykteri, a dry white wine, blends Assyrtiko, Athiri, and Aidani grapes, while Vinsanto, a sweet dessert wine, is made from sun-dried Assyrtiko, Athiri, and Aidani grapes.

Visitors to Santo Wines are treated to guided tours of the winery, offering insights into the winemaking process. They can sample a variety of wines while soaking in the stunning views of the Aegean Sea and the Santorini caldera. The winery also boasts a restaurant serving traditional Greek dishes, making it a must-visit for food and wine enthusiasts alike.

A Taste of Island Life

Traveling to Santo Wines on Santorini is an adventure! First, you’ll need to make your way to the island. Once you’re there, getting to the winery, located in the village of Pyrgos, is easy.

  • By Car or Taxi: Renting a car or taking a taxi is super convenient. It’s just a 15–20-minute drive to Pyrgos from Fira.
  • By Public Transportation: Santorini has a bus network. You can hop on a bus from Fira to Pyrgos. Be sure to check the bus schedules beforehand, as they can vary.
  • When you arrive in Pyrgos, Santo Wines awaits you at the top of the hill, treating you to stunning views of the island and the caldera.
  • The winery is a popular spot, so you’ll find signs pointing you in the right direction. If you need a little extra help, the friendly locals or other tourists can guide you there.

Nestled in the charming village of Pyrgos on Santorini Island, Greece, Santo Wines stands out as a renowned winery cherished for its local vineyards. It’s also known as the Santorini Winery, highlighting its deep connection to the island’s winemaking heritage.

As a cooperative of local vine growers, Santo Wines actively preserves Santorini’s traditional winemaking methods. They warmly invite visitors to indulge in wine tastings and immersive tours, offering a delightful opportunity to explore the art of winemaking and savor a range of exquisite wines crafted on the island.

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Pouring joy into every glass of Santo wines!

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Savor the Spirit of Santo Wines

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Taking a taxi to Santo Wines proved to be an excellent recommendation from the hotel owner, providing a convenient and reliable means for me to reach the winery and indulge in some wine tasting. Santo Wines enjoys a stellar reputation on Santorini, so I was eager to explore it.

Upon arrival, I was greeted by awe-inspiring views of the Santorini caldera and the Aegean Sea. The terrace at Santo Wines offers the ideal vantage point to soak in the island’s beauty while sampling their extensive selection of wines.

Renowned for its top-notch wines, Santo Wines particularly shines with its Assyrtiko-based whites. I had the opportunity to savor a range of wines, including some traditional varieties.

The staff at Santo Wines proved highly knowledgeable, expertly guiding me through the various wines, elucidating their distinctive traits, and offering insights into the winemaking process specific to Santorini. It was a fantastic chance to delve deeper into the local winemaking traditions and savor the island’s flavors.

My wine tasting experience at Santo Wines, as well as the rest of my time in Fira, Santorini, was thoroughly enjoyable! It was truly unforgettable to relish such exquisite wines against the backdrop of the island’s breathtaking beauty. Although I wished to prolong my stay, it was time to bid farewell to the charming winery and make my way back to the hotel. While many would have opted for a taxi, I decided to take a different, more adventurous route – I hopped on the local bus!

Read More about Santorini

Fira is the capital of Santorini, Greece, perched on the edge of a caldera cliff.

SANTO WINES

 Stunning winery, which offers panoramic views of the Aegean Sea.

monastery of prophet elias

 A significant religious and cultural site of the island.

megalochori

 Sample the island’s famous wines and learn about the winemaking process.

PREHISTORIC MUSEUM

 Captivating journey into the ancient past of the island.

AKROTORI EXCAVATION SITE

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Santo Winery Santorini: What To See & Do

What to expect.

Greek Wines are now well perched on any Oenologist’s list along with French and Italian wines. Santorini wine varietals have a special place in the world of Greek wines because of that distinctive volcano flavour. This is a gift of the Santorini Volcano eruptions that gave the island that special volcanic ash tinged soil that infuses the grapes with a different acidic taste.

Santo Winery Wine

There are a decent number of wineries here, which is why wine tours in Santorini are so incredibly popular. However, if you are short on time and can just take in one winery then Santo winery definitely tops the list as it offers the perfect package. Some say that Santo is the best place in Santorini to enjoy the sunset… it beats Oia in terms of the cliff and setting sun views. Others love the combination of a huge wine shop, gourmet restaurant, curated wine tours and an incredible setting to sip wine in.

A huge sprawling winery that provides exceptional views of the cliffs and caldera, Santo has become one of the most sought after tourist destinations of Santorini. The exceptional views of the red-black cliffs and the volcanic caldera makes this one of the most picturesque spots on the island. They have wine tours that demonstrate the unique vine tending and growing practices on the island.

Inside Santo Winery

Wine tastings are offered that take in everything from the dry whites to sweet red to oak-aged to sparkling and dessert wine. There is a huge on-site restaurant offering a separate breakfast menu, kids menu and special gastronomy menus. Their wine shop is the largest in Santorini and it stocks local gourmet food items besides a huge range of wine.

The Santorini Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) wines are dry, white wines with high acidic content, strong mineralisation and good ageing potential. Santorini vineyards thrive upon the volcanic soil that’s constituted of lava, light stone and volcanic ash and this gives the grapes a different flavour.

The Union of Santorini Cooperatives, Santo Wines established itself in 1947 and now has 1200 active members. They are dedicated to upholding local wine production traditions and they produce superior quality Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) wines. As of now, they are the largest wine producer on the island.

Since 2000 Santo Winery has been working on a strategy that synergises tourism and the development of the local farming community. Since 2016 they are offering a guided tour of their completely modernised production units and that includes the winemaking units, tomato process factory and beans processing factory. They, however, remain faithful to the traditional production processes like manual handling (right from pruning to harvesting), dry farming and the use of pezoules… These are basically stone terraces that protect vines against excessive winds in Santorini. Note that the vineyards here on the island have a 3500-year-old history that is fascinating to learn.

Top Attractions

Most tourists who visit Santo dedicate at least a couple of hours to savouring its aesthetics that’s a perfect foil for its award-winning blends. Santo is one of the best wineries in Santorini for tastings and the primary reason is that their wine tasting area is so beautiful. Low lying comfy cushioned chairs and polished wood tables are prettily placed on patios, alfresco spaces and semi uncovered terraces that overlook the cliff and caldera.

Naturalistic neo-modern centrepieces and pastel hues in décor keep everything elegant and minimalistic. Who could resist wine tasting in a setting like this!!

Terraced seating is also available along the cliffside and burnt orange tables set off the black volcanic scenery around perfectly. At Santo, there is ample room for visitors. You could choose to sit in the sun, shade, along the cliffs, indoors etc. and everything comes with a grand view.

Santo Winery View

If you do the wine tasting sessions then choose from 6/10/12/16 pours and there will be complimentary croutons, cheese and Greek olive platters. The best thing about the tastings is that there is no rush and you can taste at your own pace… spacing out the wines. The staff are very friendly and attentive; they will even give you a snuggly blanket to cuddle in if the weather is chilly. Diet restrictions are listened to and adhered to meticulously.

So you can go to Santos and dine if you are a vegetarian/ vegan/ gluten-free/ dairy-free diet person. You can even go if you are a teetotaller… they serve awesome cappuccino. There are special menus for kids. Gourmet prix fixe gastronomy menus are available for 110 euros/ 125 euros.

If you are not a big wine aficionado then just ask for wine pairing recommendations with your food instead of doing the wine tasting. However good the Santo wines may be, the fact is that they are all made from 3 principal grape strains which is why there is not much variation. However, there is endless menu variation and most dishes are cooked to perfection. Considering the fact that Santo stresses heavily on organic produce and ethical cooking processes, you can indulge yourself guilt-free!!

Santo Winery Wine Tasting

If you don’t want to do a wine tasting then just order Santorini Assyrtiko (that’s the island’s most famous dry wine). It’s nice and light and its crisp acidity lends itself well to light meals. Santorini Assyrtiko is good if you plan on having just a couple of glasses while the sun dips below the horizon.

In case you aren’t fond of acidic dry wines (this is what the entire Island specialises in) try the Vinsanto… a sweet wine made from sundried grapes and 3 years of oaking. The dark red ‘vin Santo’ wine was actually produced for churches. There is a rich sweetness in it that makes it ideal for cooking some kinds of dishes and also as a dessert wine.

The restaurant serves great platters; meat platters, cheese platters, pitta and hummus platters and even salad platters; all good alternatives if you don’t want a full-sized meal. A glass of wine will be priced around 6 to 8 euros while a cheese platter will be priced around 25 euros.

Don’t miss a visit at the Oneotourism Center (open from 1992) that’s an amazing resource related to everything about winemaking. The Oneotourism centre is open from 10 a.m. to sunset from April to November. You can watch a short film about Santo winemaking process here before the wine tasting to make your experience more comprehensive.

At the Oneotourism centre, you will learn as to why the volcanic terrier of the island makes the Assyrtiko and other PDO wines so special. You will also learn about the dry farming technique and the way vines are protected against the raging winds that blow in Santorini.

You would, however, have to book a wine tour in advance to know some of the more intimate details like the Kouloura pruning technique that ensures that the vines stay close to the ground encased in a spiral basket. You can then look at the pezoules or the stone terraces that maximise the absorption of rainwater in the dry Santorini climate.

The gorgeous open terrace area is frequently used to host wine and food events and you will be lucky to catch one during your visit… the annual ‘Cities by the Sea’ wine and Gastronomy festival is now a phenomenon in itself. You might also see a wedding or a celebrity event happening here; Santo’s lovely setting makes it a top choice for photoshoots as well. Remember that wine tours are not usually available the day an event is on so you should check beforehand about that.

You will find that you are spending a sizeable amount of time clicking pictures inside the winery. There is the caldera and the volcano view with the Aegean blue surrounding it and the Santo winery structure and furnishings are incredibly pretty too.

Some of Santo winery specialities include organic yellow fava bean and the anhydrous tomato paste (both protected designation of Origin products) that’s prepared from tomatoes that have been watered by dew that has streamed down into the volcanic soil. The difficult and exotic production process of this tomato paste gives this a kind of ‘vegetable caviar’ kind of status. They also have organic volcanic olive oil bottles (at about 250 euros each) but they seem pretty steeply priced. You will find all this and more and the huge wine and organic food store at Santo.

The best part is that you won’t have to carry anything in your luggage as Santo wines will ship the products via UPS using standard shipping rates. A 6 bottle case will ship for 80 euros to any destination in the USA and for 45 euros to any destination in the UK.

The Santo winery tours are open from December to February from 10.00 a.m. to 6.00 p.m. Monday to Sunday. Guided tours are available at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. except for Mondays.

Wine tasting sessions are available from 10.00 a.m. to 4.30 p.m. Monday to Sunday.

There is a flight of 12 wines that comprise of dry whites, dry reds, desserts and some winning blends. There are 5 dry whites usually: Athiri, Aidani, and Assyrtiko varieties in different proportionate blends and degrees of oak. There is a Grande Reserve Assyrtiko that’s a hugely oaked sherry-like wine and a Rose Assyrtiko (blended with cherry and strawberry). Usually, the 100% Mavrotragano and the 100% Mandilaria are also a part of the tasting.

All this is served with a cappuccino and a huge tapas platter that has cheese, olives, croutons and that famous Island tomato paste. This wine tasting session is priced at around 36 euros and can be shared. However, if you order a smaller tasting i.e. a flight of 6 then you won’t be able to share the wines with your partner. There are also 10 and 16 wine pours.

The wine tours have to be pre-booked. Usually, a 20-minute tour costs around 12 euros per person and includes 2 wine tastings (Assyrtiko and Kameni). A short film about Santo winery is shown and the indigenous winemaking process is explained in some detail. You can book tours online by filling in a form on their website .

You can call/ email to know more about tour and tastings details. Phone: +30 22860 22 233; Email: [email protected]

Santo Winery is so well known that most one-day Santorini tours have a wine tasting session here along with the city sightseeing stops. A popular 9-hour tour by Viator offers a stop at Akrotiri archaeological site, Red beach, Perissa, Prophet Elias Monastery etc. along with a tasting of the volcanic varietals of Santo winery.

You can book this tour through this Viator website .

Viator also offers a 4.5-hour small group wine tasting and vineyard tour on Santorini that focuses on 3 wineries with maximum time spent on the Santo wine estate. This tour includes a 12 wine tasting session at Santo along with a cheese and olive platter. The tour also includes a sunset-watching opportunity

Book this tour from this Viator website .

How to Reach

Santo Winery is located right outside the Pyrgos village in Santorini and it’s pretty near Fira (4 km south). If you’re driving in from Fira then follow the signs to Perissa and about 4 km down the road there will be a flag decked winery on the right side of the road. You can quad bike to Santo winery from Fira too.

Santo Wines is located 6 km away from the Kamari airport and 6 km away from the Athinios port. The gorgeous black sand Perissa beach is 8 km away.

Lots of free onsite parking is available for guests. Direct buses run to Santo winery from Fira, Akrotiri and Perissa. You just need to inform the bus driver that you want to visit Santo winery and he will drop you off right outside the winery gate.

Staff at the Santo Winery are very helpful and they will willingly let you know the current bus timetable. Remember that you will have to get the return bus from a different location than the spot you got dropped off at. The bus station is just 5 minutes of walk away from the main gate.

It’s so much fun to explore Pyrogos afterwards; it’s a traditional Greek city that comes without the tourist trappings of Fira, Oia or even Megalochori. Incidentally, Pyrgos is the biggest preserved village on Santorini and the former capital of the island. The town square with its tall trees and quaint cafes as well as the Church of the Presentation of the Virgin Mary (1660) and Church of Agios Nikolaus are all worth a visit.

Pyrgos has nice restaurants too; the Selene. Franco’s Bar, Kasteli 1663 etc. Then there is Pyrogos Kasteli… the best-preserved Venetian castle in Santorini (you will have to hike up a bit to see this).

Pyrgos is at the foot of Mt Profitis Ilias which holds the beautiful Profitis Ilias monastery; another well-deserved hike.

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  • Embark through the enchanting world of the best wineries in Santorini for a memorable experience

What is the largest winery in Santorini?

Does santorini have vineyards, what is the best wine made in santorini, how many wineries are in santorini.

Within Santorini’s sun-kissed landscapes and volcanic terroir lies a treasury of winemaking excellence. Transcending the ordinary, the Santorini wineries blend ancient traditions with innovative techniques to produce wines that capture the essence of the Aegean.

In this blog post, we invite you to uncover the secrets of the most renowned estates on the island. Embark with us on a sensory journey and learn everything you need to know to prepare for your wine adventures!

  • The wine heritage of Santorini

Santorini boasts a rich history of winemaking, dating back over 3,500 years!

Historical evidence indicates that the Minoans were involved in viticulture on the island until the volcano eruption. The archaeological findings, including wine presses and storage jars, highlight the significance of wine production in this former flourishing society.

Over the years, this legacy was handed down through generations of vintners, making Santorini a paradise for wine enthusiasts. 

The vineyards have been the island’s soul for 35 centuries. Remarkably, they endured the threat of phylloxera, a pest that nearly decimated Europe’s vineyards in the late 18th century.

What makes them truly distinctive is that they were recognized in 1971 with the Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) for white wines mainly made with the Assyrtiko grape variety!

The winemaking process in Santorini is a labor of love, transforming grapes into liquid poetry. 

Kouloura Santorini

  • The vines are trained in a unique basket shape called “kouloura,” which protects the grapes from the strong winds and preserves moisture.
  • Harvesting occurs in August under the intense Cycladic sun. Grapes are handpicked to preserve their integrity.
  • Fermentation follows, revealing the wine’s character through a meticulous blend of tradition and technology.
  • The wine is then aged in stainless steel or oak barrels in wine cellars, allowing it to mature and develop complexity.

There, the temperature remains stable, and the humidity ensures that the wines breathe slowly, absorbing the elements of the volcanic soil. 

This process contributes to their distinctive flavors, aka crisp, mineral-rich whites and robust reds that encapsulate the island’s terroir and traditions.

Although there are numerous indigenous grape varieties, here are the most widespread ones:

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

Apart from the above, there are 2 more wines that stand out for their outstanding taste. The first one is Vinsanto , the famous dessert white wine with a distinct sweet flavor. The second one is Nykteri, the traditional wine stomped during the night!

  • The 10 best Santorini wineries for an authentic experience

Anhydrous winery Santorini

Formerly known as Avantis estate, Anhydrous Winery stands as a testament to the region’s winemaking prowess. 

Founded in 2012, it crafts a diverse selection of wines, with Assyrtiko taking center stage. From refreshing whites to strong reds, each bottle reflects the unique character of Santorini.

Upon arriving, explore the beautiful venue, which used to be an outdoor cinema. Then, visit the refined spa area, where the winemaker’s wife exhibits her beauty products made of grapes.

Finally, indulge in a memorable wine tasting, a fantastic experience you will surely relish for a lifetime!

Estate Argyros winery in Santorini

Situated amid the sun-drenched countryside, Estate Argyros is a family-owned winery that has played a pivotal role in preserving Santorini’s winemaking traditions. 

With a heritage spanning generations, the family’s commitment to quality and innovation has positioned their estate among the foremost on the island.

Regarding the produce, their portfolio encompasses whites, reds, and dessert wines, each crafted with precision to showcase the distinct characteristics of Santorini’s volcanic soils.

Be astounded by the meticulous production techniques you’ll encounter at its premises. Finish your visit with an immersive wine-tasting experience in its inviting atmosphere with a view of the vineyards, which creates the perfect backdrop for savoring exquisite wines. 

Gavalas winery in Santorini

With roots dating back to the 19th century, this family boutique winery is one of the oldest in Santorini, blending passion with tradition and a profound connection to the island’s terroir.

Nestled in a stone building that used to be a canava winery, it features cellars, grape stomping rooms and high-end technology to ensure excellent wine quality!

Even though it is renowned for producing Assyrtiko, Aidani, Mandilaria, and Mavrotragano, it’s also the only winery that vinifies the rare varieties of Katsano and Voudomato.

Witness its charming areas and learn about its unique history with a Santorini wine tasting tour. With the captivating village of Megalochori as a backdrop, you can’t go wrong with your choice as you enjoy their handcrafted wines.

Hatzidakis winery Santorini

Founded in 1997, Hatzidakis Winery advocates sustainable winemaking, embodying the visionary spirit of its late founder, Haridimos Hatzidakis. 

With a focus on organic farming, it takes a holistic cultivation approach to ensure the health of the vines and the purity of the grapes. 

At the core of its winemaking philosophy is the Assyrtiko grape. The winery has mastered the art of expressing the full spectrum of this variety, from bone-dry expressions to late-harvest sweet wines. Aidani and Mavrotragano are among the stars of their portfolio, too.

Feel welcomed as you wander through its minimalist, elegant premises. The tasting room, a traditional underground cave, offers a serene setting to try the diverse range of mouthwatering wines.

Artemis Karamolegkos winery in Santorini

Artemis Karamolegos is an award-winning family winery and the 3rd largest in Santorini in volume production.

Blending traditional winemaking practices with modern techniques, it boasts expansive vineyards spanning across different parts of the island.

The volcanic soils and age-old vine training methods contribute to the unique characteristics of their various wines, from Assyrtiko to Vinsanto and Terra Nera.

Opt for a wine tour in Santorini to take a behind-the-scenes look at the winemaking process. The modern tasting room provides an ideal ambiance to delight in a selection of wines, accompanied by panoramic views of the vineyards.

What makes it unique:

The winery goes beyond the glass, offering a delightful gastronomic experience at its restaurant, Aroma Avlis. There, you can taste distinct local dishes, which make for the perfect complement to the wines. 

Mikra Thira winery in Thirassia

Mikra Thira is the 1st winery on Thirassia island, just a short boat ride from Santorini, which opened its doors in 2023.

Although quite new to the oenological landscape, its wines have already been awarded, making it a gem worth visiting.

Showcasing traditional Cycladic architecture, it’s a treat to the senses, with its vineyards inviting you to relish the magic of the surrounding landscapes.

Let yourself in the hands of your experienced guides as you uncover the secrets of the winemaking process unfolding before your eyes!

Perched on the edge of the caldera, Santo Wines offers an immersive experience that marries breathtaking views with splendid wines.

As the sun begins its descent over the Aegean Sea, the winery becomes a haven for those seeking both a visual and gustatory feast. 

Its expansive terrace provides unobstructed panoramas, transforming the act of wine tasting into a celebration of Santorini’s terroir. 

Due to its supreme location, it’s one of the most famous wineries on the island. Thus, it’s no wonder it gets crowded, with tourists swarming to snap photos of the iconic landscape.

Located right above Santorini’s main port, Venetsanos is yet another award-winning estate boasting phenomenal caldera views.

Managing 15 hectares of vineyards, mainly with the Assyrtiko variety, this family-owned winery was the first industrial one on the island.

What makes it stand out is its rich history along with its striking architectural structure. Furthermore, its 250m2 terrace is ideal for holding exclusive events with the captivating caldera as a background.

Similar to Santo Wines, it’s very touristy. So, we recommend booking your visit far in advance to ensure availability for your wine tasting.

Founded in 2014, Vassaltis is a boutique, high-end winery that emerges as a heaven for oenophiles.

Housed in a sleek building that complements the island’s aesthetic, it embodies a harmonious blend of modernity and tradition.

From Vinsanto to Mavrotragano, Vassaltis produces a wide variety of wines, and it’s committed to preserving the long-standing winemaking process.

Upon arriving, admire its minimalist premises and indulge in an unforgettable wine tasting paired with delicious food while being surrounded by lush vineyards.

Located on the northern part of Santorini, Domaine Sigalas is one of the most high-end wineries on the island.

With a laid-back atmosphere, it takes pride in cultivating diverse grape varieties at its 40-hectare vineyards.

Many of its labels have also been awarded in both Greek and international competitions, making the estate renowned worldwide.

Book your visit in advance and enjoy a fascinating journey through its mouthwatering wines that emit the island’s unique volcanic character.

From the charming slopes of Avantis to the historic cellars of Estate Argyros, each winery presents a unique narrative that adds to the island’s allure. 

Whether savoring the Assyrtiko or exploring the winemaking process, they promise to elevate your appreciation for the exquisite wines that make Santorini a vinicultural gem in the Aegean. 

Oh, and make sure you book your private Santorini wine tasting tour to get an insider look with the help of an experienced guide. Cheers to a delightful exploration of the wine wonders awaiting!

  • FAQs about Santorini wineries

Santo Wines is the largest winery in Santorini, with Estate Argyros being the second one.

Santorini boasts extensive vineyards, with the island’s volcanic soil creating the ideal conditions for cultivating high-quality grapes .

Vinsanto, Assyrtiko, Aidani and Mavrotragano are considered to be Santorini’s best wines. But of course, it depends on each person’s unique tastes and preferences.

There are 21 wineries operating in Santorini, which provide a glimpse into the island’s distinct winemaking process while offering wine-tasting experiences.

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  • Wineries You Need To Visit...

Wineries You Need to Visit in Santorini, Greece

The Santo Winerys balcony is the perfect spot from which to take in magnificent views of Santorinis caldera

Santorini’s volcanic terrain and unique climate make for some of Greece’s best wine, including the sweet, bronze-coloured Vinsanto – an island staple.

Santorini’s long-standing wine-making tradition takes place in lush vineyards all over the island, but especially around the village of Megalochori, with family-run and state-of-the-art wineries to visit and prominent white-grape varieties to sample, like Assyrtiko, Athiri and Aidani. Embark on a wine-tasting adventure and try classic or rare labels at the island’s finest wineries.

1. Venetsanos, Caldera Megalochori

View From Venetsanos Winery - Santorini

Built into a cliff above Athinios port, Venetsanos became Santorini’s first industrial winery in 1947. At a time when access to electricity was limited, engineer Giorgos Venetsanos employed gravity to process grapes through three floors until they emerged as wine that was piped to the harbour for export. This cliff-carved winery is worth a look for the design alone and is open to visitors. You can book a tour recounting the winery’s history, discover new winemaking techniques and finally sip the magnolia-scented Nykteri wine at Venetsanos’s Sunset Terrace, which doubles as a café serving Greek staples such as stuffed vine leaves.

2. Estate Argyros, Mesa Gonia

Established by Georgios Argyros on a five-acre (2ha) vineyard in 1903, Estate Argyros has since grown significantly over the last century, now covering an area of nearly 65 acres (26ha). Today, the winery is run by Yannis Argyros, a fourth-generation vintner, who looks after vines that date as far back as the 1850s. Some of the grape varieties grown here are Assyrtiko, Aidani, Mandilaria, Mavrathiri and Voudomato, while dry-white and dessert wines are Argyros’s main draw. Make sure you taste the 20-year-old Vinsanto paired with the estate’s signature Vinsanto-infused chocolate treat.

4. Boutari, Megalochori

Griechenland, Kykladen, Santorini, Megalochori, Weinkellerei Boutari

Boutari was established in 1879 in the Macedonian highland town of Naoussa, while in the late 1980s, the company’s winemakers started exploring opportunities on Santorini. Since 1989, Santorini’s Boutari, housed in a beautiful white-domed building, has been one of the leading wineries on the island. Local white-grape varieties like Assyrtiko, Athiri and Aidani are cultivated in its vineyards; products include sweet wines like Vinsanto and red Ampeliastos, next to a new experimental wine every year. Wine tastings in five different languages and a guided tour of the property are on offer.

5. Vassaltis, Vourvoulos-Oia

A recent addition to Santorini’s viticulture scene, Vassaltis was created by Yannis Valambous, a former financier in London who decided to invest in a winery that favours quality over quantity. Vassaltis’s first wines were released in 2015; ever since, he’s been producing the usual Assyrtiko and Aidani wines, as well as Nassitis, a blended white made of Athiri, Aidani and Assyrtiko. Book a wine-tasting session and try Vassaltis’s premium Plethora and Gramina labels, wonderfully paired with ceviche, tiraditos or tartare of Greek fish.

6. SantoWines, Pyrgos

Wine tasting at santo wines winery Santorini

The SantoWines union has been safeguarding Santorini’s wine production since 1947. The Santo winery opened in 1992; straddling different levels, its cutting-edge design allows the vineyards to be cultivated as naturally as possible thanks to gravity. Guided tours of the winery and wine tastings are on offer, while events are regularly hosted on Santo’s sophisticated terrace. Don’t leave without trying the Vin de Liqueur, a liqueur version of the classic Vinsanto.

7. Art Space, Exo Gonia

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Places to Stay

Where to book your stay in santorini for a local experience.

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The Best Resorts in Santorini, Greece

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See & Do

The must-do day trips in santorini, greece.

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The Best Hiking Trails in Santorini, Greece

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The Most Beautiful Beaches in Santorini, Greece

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The Best Hotels in Kamari, Santorini, for Every Traveller

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The Best Hotels in Imerovigli, Santorini, for Every Traveller

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10 Santorini Wineries: How to Choose Which Santorini Winery to Visit in 2023

  • by Anna Maria
  • February 5, 2021 December 25, 2022

Are you wondering what Santorini winery to visit? This is your guide to the best wineries in Santorini! Santorini is famous for it’s caldera views, white-washed homes, blue domes, and honeymoons. But did you know that Santorini is also the #1 destination in Greece for wine? There are over 20 Santorini wineries ! Santorini is known for the grape Assyrtiko who’s wine has been compared to some of the most expensive wines in the world. The volcanic soils and unique ways that grapes are grown, make wine tasting in Santorini an absolute must. When you’re visiting Santorini be sure to pop in to at least a few wineries. Check out this list of do’s and don’ts before you go. Below you’ll find:

  • Santorini wineries with the best wine
  • Santorini wineries with the most spectacular views
  • Best food experiences at wineries in Santorini
  • Fun and authentic wine experiences in Santorini

santo wines visit

Wine Experiences at Vassaltis Vineyards

What wines to try at vassaltis vineyards, wine experiences at hatzidakis winery, wines to try at hatzidakis winery, wines to try at gavalas winery, wine tour options at estate argyros in santorini, what wines to try at estate argyros, wine tours at venetsanos winery, wine tour experiences at santo winery, wine & food experience at sigalas winery, wine experiences at avantis winery, koutsoyannopoulos winery in vothonas, art space in exo gonia, santorini, book a wine tour in santorini.

santo wines visit

Before you go…

Be prepared to buy up all those delicious Santorini wines and take them home safely with a wine suitcase. Here is my guide to picking the best wine suitcase for your wine travels.

Wineries with the Best Wines in Santorini

If you’re a wine lover, these are the wineries in Santorini to visit. I love them all and I couldn’t choose just 1 Santorini winery based on the wines alone. In my never humble opinion, these are the Santorini wineries that make the best wine.

santo wines visit

Vassaltis Vineyards in Vourvoulos , Santorini

Vassaltis Vineyards is the newest Santorini winery with incredible wines. It is a modern and sleek winery yet fits into the landscape of the vineyards. The family has been grape growers on the island for generations but sold their grapes to other wineries. In 2010, Yannis Valambous, who inherited the vineyards from his father, decided to break ground and build a winery to produce his own wines. The goal was simple; make great wine .

Vassaltis Winery offers 4 different wine tasting options.

  • The Line-Up: Taste their new releases along side small bites
  • Tour & Wine: Tour the vineyards and the wine cellar plus wine tasting
  • Signature Tasting: Taste their best reserve wines, single vineyard wines with food pairing
  • Menu Degustation: A 5-course tasting menu with accompanying wine pairing

You are welcome to spend as much time as you like when visiting Vassaltis Winery. After your tasting or tour, you can choose a glass of any of their wines and order food from the menu a la carte.

Vassaltis Winery has a diverse selection of wines to try. Here are my favorites.

  • Pet Nat: sparkling wine of Savvatiano made in the ancestral method.
  • Nassitis: a blend of Assyrtiko, Athiri, and Aidani at a great value.
  • Gramina: single vineyard Assyrtiko with a bit of barrel ageing.
  • Mavrotragano: a bold red wine from the native Mavrotragano grape.

santo wines visit

Hatzidakis Winery in Pyrgos Kalistis

Hatzidakis Winery is a family owned and operated winery in the southern half of the island of Santorini. Seemingly, this winery has manage to stay true to themselves despite the mass tourism around them. Their objective is to keep making great wine as they always have. You will not find a state-of-the-art tasting room at Hatzidakis. You’ll find a humble family cherishing their organic vineyards and staying true to their roots.

It’s a steep hill down to the winery but it is worth it. The Hatzidakis Winery staff is very warm and welcoming. You can enjoy a guided tour of their barrel caves and learn about the family, grape-growing, and their wine philosophy on one of their tours. You must make an appointment.

Even if you do not make it to Hatzidakis Winery, be sure to order their wines in the local restaurants.

  • Aidani: a dry white wine from the grape Aidani. You can identify this bottle from the child’s drawing on the label.
  • Assyrtiko de Louros- An old-vine Assyrtiko.
  • Nyxteri- made from very ripe Assyrtiko grapes and aged in a barrel.
  • Vin Santo- dessert wine that’s been aged for 16 years in barrel.

santo wines visit

Gavalas Winery in Megalochori, Santorini

What I love best about visiting Gavalas Winery is that you’ll feel like you’re visiting a friend’s winery and not some stuffy tasting room. You’ll have the opportunity to taste all their wines including the extremely rare grapes: Katsano and Voudomato . The winery is rustic and the hospitality you will receive matches that old-school style. It is very likely that you’ll meet one of the family members. Despite having no Wi-Fi, they do have an online booking system .

  • Assyrtiko in the blue bottle: 100% Assyrtiko from old vines.
  • Katsano: A truly unique grape.
  • Voudomato: Rose wine. Another extremely rare grape.
  • Mavrotragano: A bold red wine. Pick this up if you want to age a wine to open in 10+ years.

santo wines visit

Estate Argyros in Episkopi Gonias , Santorini

Argyros Winery is one of the oldest wineries in Santorini. The Argyros family has been making wine on the island for over a century . Their winery is set among the vineyards of the newly-renovated estate. As you look around, you may be confused as to where the vineyards are; you’ll only see little round shrubs. This is because Santorini grows grapes on the ground! The winds are extreme and the grapes are protected in a vine basket called a koulouri. Take a closer look at the vines when visiting Estate Argyros; it’s fascinating. Book a tour to Argyros Winery here.

Estate Argyros offers 2 different ways to taste their wines. Their first wine tasting package is a tour of the facility and vineyards, and a tasting of 4 of their wines. The cost is 15€ and lasts 45 minutes. What I recommend is the food and wine pairing experience at Estate Argyros. This wine tour option includes a wine tasting of 7 of their wines as well as food and wine pairing suggestions. The wines are served with a charcuterie platter. The cost is 40€ and the duration is an hour and a half. There are also many guided tours that provide transportation as well.

When visiting Argyros Winery, you must try their Vin Santo. Vin Santo is made in an ancient method of making dessert wines. The grapes are dried in the hot Santorini sun until they are nearly raisins to concentrate the sugars. This results in a natural sweet and delicious wine perfectly balanced by the acidity of the grapes. Another thing I love about Argyros wines is that their entry-level wines are a great value . Of course, their estate wines will thrill you.

santo wines visit

Choose a Santorini Winery with the Best View

This may be rude to say, but a good rule of thumb while wine tasting in Santorini is: The better the view, the worse the wine. Yup, I said it. However, some of you may only have a day or two in Santorini and want to take in as much of the caldera as humanely possible. I mean, how else will you make your friends jealous with your Instagram pics ? Now, don’t get me wrong, some of the wines are very good, but make no mistake, you are paying for the view. As you may imagine, these wineries are EXTREMELY busy and always flooded with tourists, especially at sunset. You’ve been warned. But if you book with a tour agency , you’ll have better luck than without.

the santorini winery with the best views

Venetsanos Winery

If you’re going to pick a caldera-view winery, pick Venetsanos Winery. The wines are better and it is not as busy as Santo Wines. Truth is, the views are stunning. Their terrace is gorgeous, but again, you’re paying for the view. Keep in mind, it is still quite crowded especially around sunset. Be sure to make a reservation as far in advance as possible or go with a tour guide.

If you hope to visit Venetsanos Winery, I advise you make your reservation well before your trip. The tables are often fully-booked. They offer a 30 minute tour at the top of the hour between 1pm and 5pm. The tour is 6€, the wine tasting is 15€ and then any snacks are between 8€-25€ per dish. This adds up quickly, but hey, you’re on vacation. If you’re vacationing to mend a broken heart, be prepared for a proposal every 15 minutes on the terrace.

santorini winery with a view

Santo Winery

I mean, this is why you came to Santorini, right? The view is spectacular. Santo is the cooperative winery on the island. If I’m being honest, the wines have gotten better over the years but make sure you taste some wines from the family wineries as well to understand the magnitude of quality wines coming from the island. The winery is on several levels each with breath-taking views . To avoid crowds, it’s probably best to go with a tour company.

The winery has done a very nice job to accommodate their guests. There’s a short video that explains a bit of the history of wine making on the island. Their website is relatively easy to use for booking. Be sure to book well in advance. They offer several different tasting packages with some interesting food options as well.

Best Santorini Winery for Food

If you’re anything like me, you travel for wine and food. These wineries have the best of both worlds. Local ingredients, star-studded chefs; these are the best Santorini wineries for foodies .

santorini winery for food

Domaine Sigalas near Oia

Domaine Sigalas is just outside of Oia in a village called Baxedes. The view of the sea is distant but you’ll be busy staring at your plate! The wines are excellent and the wine pours for wine tasting are generous. You can create your own tasting flight and order food a la carte as well. You may notice that their are wines from outside of Santorini offered as well. This is because of a recent merger with Kir-Yianni winery.

They offer three different set packages for wine experiences at Sigalas Winery.

  • Wine & Vineyard: Tour of the vineyards plus a tasting of 8 different wines. Duration is just over an hour and the cost is 50€
  • Wine & Vineyard with Lunch: Same as above with small local snacks. Duration is 2 hours and the cost is 70€.
  • 6 Course Tasting Menu: This is what you should book. The 6 course tasting menu is an experience . Six different courses paired with wines and carefully prepared and presented. The duration is 3 hours and the cost is 150€.

santorini winery for foodiees

Avantis Winery near Fira

Avantis Winery is the new kid on the block in Santorini though Avantis has been making wine on the island of Evia for years. They have a few different wine tasting packages to choose from. However, my suggestion is to take a cooking class or indulge in their wine and food pairing menu . They’ve hired Chef Yiannis Baxevanis to create an amazing gastronimic experience for their guests. They are very reasonably priced considering the quality they offer.

Oh wait, did I mention there’s also a spa ?

  • Santorini Experience: 5 wines from Santorini.
  • Avantis Experience: Wines from Avantis wineries in Evia and Santorini.
  • Cheese & Wine: Wine tasting with an assortment of local cheeses.
  • Meze & Wine: A selection of meze along with the wine tasting.
  • Cooking Class: Learn how to make 3 famous Santorini dishes with the chef. Includes a bottle of wine.
  • Wine & Dine: Lunch a la carte with wine.

Book at tour at Avantis here.

Unique Wineries of Santorini

If you want a true learning experience or to see how locals really live, these are the best Santorini wineries for you.

santo wines visit

The Wine Museum at Koutsoyannopoulos Winery is 300 meters long and 8 meters underground. I had a friend describe it as half Madam Tussauds and half Chuck E Cheese. And yes, it is a bit cheesy but you will fully understand wine making on the island. The audio-guided tour explains everything from history to grape growing to wine making. It’s a great place to go wine tasting if you have kids in tow . It’s also a nice reprieve from the heat. Included in the price of the museum ticket is a tasting of four wines. You can also upgrade to their reserve wines.

santorini winery plus art gallery

Art Space is an art gallery, wine museum, and winery all in one. Converted from an old wine cave you can taste wine while admiring the beautiful artwork. The staff does an exception job explaining the history of the winery and explaining the wines as you taste. Book a guided tour to the winery here.

As a wine tour operator myself, I highly recommend hiring a wine tour company when visiting wineries in Santorini. The roads are narrow and crowded. Plus, you’ll be drinking wine. Best to leave the driving and navigating to a pro. Another perk is getting special attention at some of the busier wineries in Santorini. There are several wine tour companies in Santorini. These are the top 3 (alphabetical order).

Santorini Day Tours

Santorini Unique Experience Tours

Santorini Wine Stories

Santorini Wine Tours

Santorini Wine Trails

Tell me about your experiences at any Santorini winery you’ve visited. Any other wineries you think should be on the list? Leave me a comment and let me know.

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Footsteps to Santorini

santo wines visit

Top 5 Wineries in Santorini and Βest Wines

Wine production in Santorini is a tradition that counts more than 3,500 years. The climatic conditions and the volcanic soil allow the growing of unique grape varieties, that give exceptional world-wide famous white and red wines which you try in local wineries in Santorini!

The unique basket style method, an unusual technique of framing the vines low down to earth, in a spiral-shaped nest, to protect them from drought and strong winds, show how the locals used their creativity to adapt to the circumstances and take advantage of the fertile ground to the fullest.

santo wines visit

Visitors from all over the world have the chance to enjoy them in a plethora of wineries around the island.

Find hereby our top 5 peaks and why you should visit!

Sigalas winery.

Sigalas Winery is a hidden gem nearby Finikia village that has been nominated as one of the best vineyards in the world.

Being rather small but scenic and due to its distant location, Sigalas Winery does not get as crowded as other popular wineries, which results in the visitor having the utmost attention of the experienced staff. Visitors can get guided tours in the vineyard, can do the wine tasting while getting to know all details from the experts, and can enjoy tasteful seasonal degustation menus or delicacies that accompany the wines.

santo wines visit

The winery’s awarded labels’ production reaches nowadays 350.000 bottles per year, exported worldwide. Furthermore, the innovation of Sigalas Winery is inserting for the first time the organic viticulture by participating in organic farming methods program and cooperates with DIO (certification organism for organic products).

santo wines visit

The winery might not provide caldera views but its’ sunset views of the Aegean Sea are guaranteed all year round. The small yard, hidden into the vineyards, is the ideal place for relaxation while enjoying the unique wines.

santo wines visit

  • Location ; Domaine Sigalas Winery is located on the outskirts of Oia, within 20 minutes of walking distance from the traditional village of Finikia. Getting there on foot from Oia might not be hard (depending on the heat of course) but definitely make sure to get a taxi to return back to Oia’s village since it is up-hill and wine consumption makes it harder!
  • Why visiting ; for making you feel part of nature as you are sitting almost in the vineyards, for the scenic sunset views, for the wines and the local delicacies
  • Favorite wines; Sigalas Santorini, Sigalas Mm, and Apiliotis (dessert wine)

santo wines visit

Santo Wines Winery

The Santo Wines Winery, perched in Pyrgos village and offering its visitors breathtaking Caldera views is one of the most popular wineries in Santorini, not only for wine lovers but also for couples that look for a unique place to organize their wedding ceremony or reception.

santo wines visit

A true tourist wine center, as we can easily characterize Santo Wines, frequently hosts wine and food events, and gastronomy festivals. At the Oenotourism Center visitors are more than welcome to watch a documentary referring to the culture of winemaking at Santorini.

santo wines visit

In Santo Wines’ restaurant, you can enjoy tasting notes and wine aromas of the labeled estate’s proposals accompanied by a variety of delicious snacks, appetizers, desserts, and degustation menus. A wine and deli shop with a big variety of wines, wine-oriented accessories, and accompanying delicacies from all over Greece, not only Santorini, awaits guests with plenty of space in their luggage. 

santo wines visit

Tips: Make sure in case you wish to visit Santo Wines to get a jacket with you, since, even in the summertime, it gets quite chilly and windy and the winery is found on a quite high open spot. Prior to your visit contact the winery should you wish to schedule a tour. It will be more convenient for you and you will avoid surprises such as non-availability or some event hosting. 

santo wines visit

  • Location ; Santo Wines, 4 km south of Fira, is easily accessible by taxi or local bus, on the Fira – Pyrgos route.
  • Why visiting ; for the Caldera Views and the music evenings, for enjoying high-quality wines at very good prices and for shopping at the Wine & Deli Shop products from all over Greece
  • Favorite Wines ; Santorini Assyrtiko, Santorini Nychteri, Santorini Assyrtiko Grande Reserve

santo wines visit

Koutsoyanopoulos Wine Museum and Winery

It took this unique museum 21 years to transform into a long natural underground labyrinth winery, offering its visitors a journey back to the wine-making past of Santorini and giving them the chance to discover the whole wine odyssey since it’s very early years.

santo wines visit

Through its exhibitions, the museum artfully depicts the work of Greek winemakers and all wine-growing procedures from the 17th century until today. From plowing the grapes to weighing, harvesting, and trampling, very vivid exhibits, reveal to the visitor the secret of the famous Greek wines.

santo wines visit

The museum also houses tools and machines that have been used by winegrowers for many years. Guests are welcome to use guides available in 22 languages or a very informative automatic audio guide in 14 languages. At the end of the visit, guests can taste four, six, or eight wines in a specially designed space.

santo wines visit

  • Location ; The museum is located in Vothonas, 4 km far from Fira, very close to the airport. You can take a taxi or the local bus from Fira towards Kamari or the airport.
  • Why visiting; for the unusual, fascinating, and very informative museum

6 must-see museums of Santorini

Estate Argyros and Winery

The Estate in Episkopi Gonia, founded in 1903, is a modern winery located in the heart of the biggest vineyard in Santorini, well-known for its award-winning wines.

santo wines visit

This family business is one of the oldest wineries, passed from one generation to the other and counting four generations so far. Tradition and experience combined with the latest methods in winemaking technology to create full-bodied wines. The above principles are the fundamental basis of the winery’s philosophy.

santo wines visit

The culmination of this family tradition is exposed to visitors, with experienced guides who show around the guests and explain the history respectfully and ambassadors of wine, revealing one by one the secrets each label hides. 

santo wines visit

Vinsanto is a local, red-colored, sweet dessert wine, aged in barrels for two or three years, with grapes and honey aromas and a quite velvety texture that gave Estate Argyros several awards for their own produced labels. The winery combined dark chocolate with Vinsanto and created a magical recipe that is available only in selected areas of Santorini, in the airport duty-free, and of course in the winery.

santo wines visit

  • Location ; Estate Argyros is located, about 5,5 km southeast of Fira. You can take a taxi or the local bus from Fira to Kamari village.
  • Why visiting ; for the top-notch wines, for the Greek cheeses and cold cuts pairing the wine tasting, for savoring the delicious Visanto Chocolate
  • Favorite wines ; Cuvee Monsignori Santorini, Vinsanto 20 years aged, Aidani, Mavrotragano

santo wines visit

Venetsanos Winery

Venetsanos Winery, built in 1947 by the Venetsanos family was the first industrial winery in Santorini. If you are looking for another winery with unique caldera views, then this is the case. 

santo wines visit

The peculiar thing as per the structure of the winery is that it is constructed from above, expanding downwards, leading to a quite unusual structural result that primarily served as energy-saving during an era when using energy forces was not guaranteed.

Views from Venetsanos Winery

Experts are here to show you around the local terroir and explain the unique technique of wine growing while enlightening the history of the tradition. A small collection of various exhibits such as past-time machinery, first labels, photos, and manuscripts are demonstrated in the indoor impressive areas. 

santo wines visit

Take advantage of the café on the cliffside of the caldera to relax. Admire the views, and dream while sipping fine wines and pairing tasty delicacies. 

santo wines visit

  • Location ; Venetsanos is located right above the port of Athinios. You can get there by taxi or the local bus following the Fira – Athinios route.
  • Why visiting ; for the magnificent caldera views, for the lovely ambiance, and the very interesting building
  • Favorite wines ; Nykteri Venetsanos, Santorini Venetsanos 

santo wines visit

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  • October 5, 2023
  • Activities , Gastronomy , Santorini , Top Tips

7 Best Santorini Wineries to Visit in 2024

Exploring Santorini’s premier wineries offers a captivating journey through stunning landscapes, indigenous grape varieties, and a rich history. Among the best Santorini wineries, you’ll encounter the unique Assyrtiko grapes, which thrive in the island’s volcanic soil resulting in wines with a distinct character. Set against the backdrop of Santorini’s breathtaking vistas, these wineries are more than just places for wine enthusiasts – they promise unforgettable adventures and a deeper appreciation of the island’s viticultural heritage.

What’s so Special About Santorini Wines?

Before delving into the details of the best wineries in Santorini, it’s useful to understand the unique nature of Santorini’s wines. The island’s volcanic soil, buffeted by strong winds and bathed in intense sunlight, conspire to create an exceptional array of grape varieties.

Volcanic Soil: Santorini’s soil is rich in volcanic minerals, particularly pumice and ash. This well-drained soil is porous and retains heat, which is ideal for grapevines. The soil also imparts distinct mineral notes to the wines.

Basket-Shaped Pruning: To protect the grapes from the strong Aegean winds and harsh sun, vine growers use a traditional pruning method called “kouloura.” Vines are trained into a low, basket-shaped form, which shields the grape clusters from wind and sunburn.

Water Scarcity: Santorini receives minimal rainfall, and grapevines rely on moisture absorbed from the sea mists, morning dew, and occasional rainfall. Growers often use a unique method called “submarine watering,” where vines are submerged in soil to conserve moisture.

Early morning Harvesting: Due to the island’s scorching daytime temperatures, grapes are usually harvested during the cooler morning hours. This preserves the grapes’ acidity and prevents heat stress.

Indigenous Grape Varieties: Santorini is known for its indigenous grape varieties, such as Assyrtiko, Athiri, and Aidani. These grapevines have adapted over centuries to the island’s specific conditions and are the basis for Santorini’s unique wines.

Terraced Vineyards: Many vineyards on the island are terraced to maximize the available land and capture moisture from the sea mists. These terraces help to create a picturesque and distinctive landscape.

Where to find the best Santorini Wineries?

Santorini’s wineries may not be the largest, but they compensate with an abundance of passion, exceptional quality, and captivating ambience. Each visit is unique, a memorable experience in itself and here are our top recommendations for wineries in Santorini!

1. Santo Wines – the largest and most popular of wineries in Santorini

Far more than a mere winery, this thriving cooperative stands proud with a membership exceeding 1,000 individuals. Together, they diligently nurture and harvest the revered Assyrtiko grape alongside lesser-known varietals. Beyond its contemporary winemaking operations, Santo Wines can trace its roots back nearly seven decades, actively bolstering the island’s economic landscape. It is not limited to wine production, processing, and standardization alone; the cooperative also extends its expertise to other native emblematic products of the island, disseminating them across global markets.

Founded in 1991, the cooperative’s winery is strategically situated in one of Santorini’s most picturesque locations, right on the caldera edge of Pyrgos.

Over 400,000 visitors have had the pleasure of indulging in the cooperative’s diverse selection of wines, with options ranging from 6 to 18 different varieties, complemented by delectable local delicacies on the Sunset Terrace. For wine enthusiasts, a range of wine tours is available, along with an insightful documentary detailing the island’s rich history and winemaking traditions. The cooperative’s gift shop is well worth visiting with its full range of products, spanning from the renowned canned Santorini tomatoes to sauces, purees, and pastes.

INFORMATION: Pyrgos • Telephone: (+30) 2286028058 • Website: www.santowines.gr

WHY VISIT: To marvel at the breathtaking vistas from the splendid terrace while savoring exquisite wines.

Book on line here

2. Hatzidakis Winery – our favourite of the best wineries in Santorini

Haridimos Hatzidakis, a man known for keeping a low profile but boasting an incredible level of activity, landed in Santorini back in 1990, starting his journey as an oenologist. As time passed, the art of winemaking won him over. Hatzidakis has a penchant for tending to smaller vines and employs indigenous yeasts in the winemaking process to showcase the unique terroir of the region. His organically cultivated grapes span across 12 hectares, featuring varieties like Aidani, Assyrtiko, Mandilaria, Mavrotragano, and Voudomato, ultimately yielding around 120,000 bottles each year, half of which find their way to the US, Canada, and the UK.

The brand-new winery is a towering structure seamlessly integrated into the rock, which maintains a constant indoor temperature of 16°C, thanks to the natural soil’s insulation. Notably, the storage area upholds tradition with a north-facing window, ensuring efficient ventilation.

For those in the know, it’s a must to sample the Assyrtiko de Louros, a 100 percent Assyrtiko sourced from a special vineyard enriched with minerals from the volcanic rock. This highly sophisticated wine is matured for two years in oak barrels and produced in limited quantities, with only 1,000 bottles crafted annually.

One of the remarkable aspects of Hatzidakis’ wines is that they all carry the unmistakable mark of the winemaker. Even if you’re not a wine connoisseur, you’ll soon find that after savoring a Hatzidakis creation, it’s a distinct taste you won’t easily forget.

They offer an immersive wine experience that includes a guided tour and a delightful tasting of six exceptional wines, all for just 25€ per person.

For more information visit their website, www.hatzidakiswines.gr

If you’re not staying in Pyrgos and want to combine wine tasting with lunch or dinner, check out the Best restaurants in Pyrgos .

3. Gavalas Winery – small scale, intimate winery with amazing wines

In late August, fortunate visitors on the island can partake in a grand celebration at Gavalas Winery, where the grapes for Vinsanto are pressed. Gavalas Winery, steeped in tradition, upholds many of the age-old production methods with an almost ceremonial dedication. Winemaker Giorgos Gavalas, a fourth-generation vintner, collaborates with his son Vangelis and grape producers in Megalochori, Emporio, and Akrotiri to craft nine variations of the island’s native grape varieties. The winery’s annual output reaches 70,000 bottles, and a significant 60 percent finds its way to the US, Japan, Belgium, France, and the UK.

While Assyrtiko takes the lead in terms of cultivation and vinification, Giorgos and his winery have garnered considerable acclaim for their commitment to smaller, lesser-known local grape varieties such as Voudomato and Katsano. Take, for instance, the Voudomato rosé, which boasts a remarkably fresh taste achieved by allowing the grape pomace to infuse in the pressed juice for six to seven hours. This delightful wine is produced in limited quantities, with no more than 3,000 bottles crafted each year, making it a truly worthy indulgence.

Furthermore, the winery has established a nursery for experimental purposes, where they are cultivating Voudomato and Gaidouria, along with a few other varieties that remain a well-guarded secret. The hope is that these secretive varieties will come to fruition and contribute to the creation of the winery’s next exceptional label in the coming decade.

Check out their wine tasting options here

Some other notable Santorini Wineries

4. venetsanos winery.

Nestled on the stunning cliffs of Santorini, Venetsanos Winery is renowned for its unparalleled vistas of the Aegean Sea and the island’s caldera. This family-run winery seamlessly fuses tradition and innovation, producing an exceptional array of varietals that capture the distinctiveness of Santorini’s volcanic soil and native grape varieties. Guests are invited to explore the wine production process in their remarkable subterranean cellars, which blend modern technology with time-honored techniques. The winery’s contemporary design harmonizes elegantly with the natural surroundings, providing a tranquil ambiance for wine tasting. Venetsanos Winery is located in the village of Megalochori.

5. Argyros Winery

A family-owned winery with deep roots in Santorini’s winemaking traditions, Argiros Winery specializes in crafting exceptional wines from their vineyards, including the ancient vine Assyrtiko. They offer guided tours of their charming wine cellar, providing a glimpse into the island’s winemaking history. Argiros Winery is well-known for their Nykteri and Vinsanto wines, which reflect the unique character of the island. The winery is located in the picturesque village of Episkopi Gonia, situated in the central part of the island

6. Sigalas Winery

Sigalas Winery, nestled in the village of Oia, offers an intimate wine-tasting experience in a picturesque courtyard setting. The winery is famed for their championing of organic farming and sustainable winemaking practices on Santorini. They offer a range of expressions of the iconic Santorinian varietal, Assyrtiko. Guests can gain insights into sustainable winemaking practices and the island’s viticultural heritage. The winery is located in the northern part of Santorini, providing a unique setting for wine enthusiasts to enjoy.

7. Vassaltis Winery

Vassaltis Winery is a hidden gem nestled in the heart of Santorini’s vibrant wine scene. Situated in Vourvoulos, this boutique winery is celebrated for its commitment to crafting wines that authentically capture the island’s unique terroir. With a dedication to organic and sustainable viticulture, Vassaltis produces exceptional varietals, with the iconic Assyrtiko at the forefront. The winery’s modern design harmonizes seamlessly with the surrounding landscape, providing a tranquil ambiance for wine enthusiasts. Guests can indulge in guided tours, delving into the winemaking process, and enjoy tastings of these exquisite wines. Vassaltis Winery stands as a testament to Santorini’s vinicultural excellence and a must-visit destination for those seeking an authentic and memorable wine experience on the island.

Santorini Grape and Wine Varieties

Assyrtiko: This is the flagship grape variety of Santorini and is celebrated for its crisp acidity, citrus notes, and distinct minerality. Assyrtiko wines can range from bone-dry to slightly sweet, and they pair well with seafood and Mediterranean cuisine.

Nykteri: Nykteri is another iconic Santorini wine, typically made from Assyrtiko grapes. It’s characterized by its oak aging, which imparts complexity and richness. Nykteri wines often have flavors of ripe stone fruits and honey, making them a delightful accompaniment to hearty dishes.

Vinsanto: Vinsanto is a unique and cherished dessert wine produced in Santorini. Made from sun-dried grapes (usually Assyrtiko, Athiri, and Aidani), it’s known for its sweet, luscious, and honeyed character with hints of dried fruits. It’s a perfect wine to pair with desserts or savor on its own.

Athiri: Athiri is another native grape variety in Santorini, producing aromatic and refreshing white wines. These wines can exhibit flavors of tropical fruits and a pleasant acidity.

Aidani: Aidani is often used in blends, contributing to the aromatic complexity of Santorini wines. It’s known for its floral and fruity notes, making it a valued component in some of the island’s finest white wines.

Mavrotragano: is an additional grape variety in Santorini, typically used to produce red wines. It is not as common or well-known as the white grape varieties such as Assyrtiko, but it has been gaining recognition for its unique character and the potential to produce high-quality red wines. Mavrotragano wines are characterized by their deep, dark color, robust tannins, and complex flavors. Some describe these wines as having notes of black fruits, spices, and a distinctive minerality, reflecting the volcanic terroir of Santorini.

The content here has not been influenced by commissions as we do not receive any financial benefit from including these wineries. The information provided in provided in good faith and based on our own experiences and that of guests who have stayed at Demeter Cave House.

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The Best Santorini Vineyards and Breweries

By Author Daryl and Mindi Hirsch

Pinterest image: photo of Santorini Wine Tasting with caption reading

Santorini is justifiably famous for its epic views. But did you know that the Greek island has epic wineries too? Discover the best Santorini vineyards plus two excellent Santorini breweries.

Wine Tasting at Venetsanos Winery in Santorini

Eating great food in Santorini , Greece’s most popular caldera, is great fun for food travelers. But the stunning South Aegean isle also offers stunning wineries and top notch breweries for those who make appreciate great wine and beer.

While most Santorini vineyards and breweries are located away from the cruise excursion trail, they’re all accessible by car or bus. And, for those not interested in renting a car or taking a bus, Santorini has a myriad of tours that will take care of the pesky logistics.

What Is Santorini Wine?

Santorini Wine Tour Tasting

Greek wine may not be as famous as wine produced in countries like Italy, France and Spain. However, the Cyclades-based isle produces good stuff.

And, while you may feel like an oenophile explorer after your Santorini wine tasting experience, the truth is that Santorini wine is nothing new. In fact, it’s been around for more than three millennia.

Santorini Wine Bottles

Santorini wine producers have challenges that transcend the island’s volcanic soil. The island’s temperatures are high, it’s windy and there’s way more sunshine than rain. The producers also have rewards since Santorini grapes are notable for their intense flavors and higher than average levels of acidity.

Despite or perhaps due to the island’s volcanic land and arid climate, Santorini farmers have been growing some of Greece’s best wine grapes for over 3,000 years. Not only does the volcanic soil create interesting taste profiles, but it also protects the grapes from diseases like phylloxera.

Vines at Domaine Sigalas in Santorini

As we learned during our Santorini wine tour, the most common Santorini varietal is Assyrtiko which represents 78% of the white varietals grown on the caldera. Wines from the ancient grape stand out for their hints of citrus and floral notes on the nose and excellent acidic flavors. Other indigenous grape varieties include Aidani, Arthiri & Mavrotagano. Then there’s Vinsanto, Santorini’s luxurious dessert wine exclusively made with late-harvest grapes.

The only way to find your favorite Santorini wine is to taste as many of them you can – preferably at the source.

The Best Santorini Wineries

Venetsanos Winery Selfie in Santorini

We recommend the following wineries as you plan your Santorini itinerary:

Venetsanos Winery (Megalochori)

Server at Venetsanos Winery in Santorini

Carved into the cliffs just above the port of Athinios, Venetsanos Winery’s sunset terrace is the ultimate spot for tasting wine in Santorini. The views of the island’s caldera and nearby islands are nothing short of breathtaking.

Constructed in 1947 and more recently renovated after being closed for decades, Venetsanos has been offering wine tastings and tours at its unique winery sine 2014. Venetsanos also has a museum for guests who want to learn about the winery’s storied history.

We shared a four-glass tasting during our sunset wine tasting experience. It included pours of 2018 Santorini (Assyrtiko), 2018 Nykteri (Assyrtiko), Anagallis (Aidani, Assyrtiko and Mandilaria) and 2016 Vinsanto (elixir of the gods).

Although we arrived by car, other guests we met had taken the bus from Thera (also known as Thira) to the Megalochori winery. Whether you drive, take the bus or splurge on a taxi to get to Venetsanos, the magical cliffside view from the Southeast corner of the caldera is worth the effort.

Pro Tip Make an advance reservation to ensure a sunset viewing for your tasting.

Venetsanos Winery is located at Caldera Megalochori, Santorini Island 847 00, Greece.

Domaine Sigalas (Oia)

Domaine Sigalas Wine Tasting in Santorini

Drinking wine at Domaine Sigalas’ Oia winery is a relaxing way to explore the breadth of Santorini wine. Not only does the winery grow estate grapes on its 37 hectares to produce 300,000 bottles each year, but it also purchases additional fruit from 100 local farmers.

Founded in 1991, the winery, located on the gentle slope on the north side of island, offers wine tasting experiences and food pairings for visitors. During our visit we sat surrounded by rows of vines in the field. We tasted six-glasses of wine while enjoying a lunch of Dakos salad with barley rusks, tomato, Chloro cheese, capers, olives and oregano.

Our tasting included the following wines: Am (Assyrtiko and Monemvasia), Santorini (Assyrtiko), Kavalieros (Assyrtiko), Ean (Mandilaria), Mm (Mandilaria and Mavrotragano) and Vinsanto (Assyrtiko and Aidani). Santorini and Vinsanto both qualify for PDO status. They were all great as was the salad.

Pro Tip Schedule a tasting to fully experience Domaine Sigalas and its wines.

Domaine Sigalas is located at Baxes, Oia, Santorini 847 02, Greece.

Santo Wines (Pyrgos)

Santo Wine Tasting in Santorin

Santo Wines is a popular winery that offers wine tastings with epic views of the caldera. Founded in 1947 as a cooperative, this Pyrgos winery is the island’s largest with more than 1,000 wine-growing members. Visitors to Santo Wines can take a tour and watch an informative documentary in the winery’s oenotourism center.

When we visited, we skipped the documentary and headed straight to the wine bar. We enjoyed two five-glass flights with a variety of white and red wines along with a sampling of local cured meats, olives and barley rusks. Since it was already dark, we focused on the wine instead of scenery and selfies.

Pro Tip Book a tasting via Santo Wine’s online reservation system.

Santo Wines is located at Pyrgos Kallistis 847 00, Greece.

Additional Santorini Wineries

Bottle of Santorini Wine

Visiting our favorite Santorini wineries will give you a solid introduction to the island’s wine. Consider visiting one or more of the additional wineries if you’re planning a self-guided Santorini wine tour:

  • Art Space (Exo Gonia)
  • Artemis Karamolegos (Exo Gonia)
  • Boutari Winery Santorini (Megalochori)
  • Estate Argyros (Episkopi Gonia)
  • Gaia Wines (Perivolia)
  • Gavalas Winery (Megalochori)
  • Hatzidakis Winery (Pyrgos)
  • Vassaltis Vineyards (Vourvoulos)

The Best Santorini Breweries

Beer Souvenirs at Santorini Brewing Company in Santorini

Sometimes we’re satisfied with drinking mass-market beers like Mythos and Fix but sometimes we want more. Thankfully, with two excellent breweries on the island, Santorini has joined the craft beer movement

Santorini Brewing Company (Episkopi Gonias)

Slow Donkey Beer at Santorini Brewing Company in Santorini

Famous for its donkey logo, Santorini Brewing Company sells its beers in many of the top Santorini restaurants . (We spotted the brewery’s distinctive beer bottles at three different eateries.) Founded in 2011, the small craft brewery brews its beer in Santorini with a focus on quality.

We met co-owner Majda Anderson when we visited the brewery for a beer tasting. Anderson shared that the brewery produces more than 100,000 liters each year, some of which are distributed abroad to the US, UK, Japan and Switzerland.

Equally important, we tasted three beers during our visit – Yellow Donkey, Red Donkey and Lazy Ass Donkey. We also bought a t-shirt as a fun Santorini souvenir.

Pro Tip You can buy t-shirts and bottles of beer when you visit the brewery for a tasting.

Santorini Brewing Company is located at Mesa Gonia, Santorini 847 00, Greece.

Volkan Beer (Thira)

Volkan Beer at Volkan on the Rocks in Santorini

Located in Thira, the brewers at Volkan Beer add local ingredients like lava rock filtered mineral water and grape honey to its craft beers. The Santorini brewery currently produces four different beers – blonde, black (dunkel), white (lager) and grey (wheat).

Volkan on the Rocks is the best spot to drink all of these beers. The best part of drinking here is that you can drink Volkan beers with one of the island’s best views. Be sure to taste all four beers to find your favorite flavor.

Pro Tip Pair your beer with tasty food when you visit Volkan on the Rocks.

Volkan on the Rocks is located at Firostefani, Thira 847 00, Greece.

Frequently Asked Questions

Santorini is famous for its crisp white Assyrtiko wine. It’s also famous for its sweet, rich Vinsanto dessert wine.

Santorini wines are relatively expensive due to the limited number of bottles produced each year. The island’s wine production is limited by its geography and climate.

The top Santorini wineries include Venetsanos Winery, Domaine Sigalas and Santo Wines.

Yes. Reservations are a must for both tours and tastings at Santorini vineyards. Another option is to schedule a wine tour.

Santorini Planning Checklist

  • Buy discounted travel insurance from Heymondo .
  • Find a great Santorini hotel via Booking.com , Expedia or Hotels.com .
  • Find an  apartment in Santorini with a kitchen .
  • Arrange  transfer service around the island .
  • Buy a  universal travel adaptor  from Amazon so you can charge your laptop, cell phone and camera in Europe.
  • Buy a Santorini travel guide from Amazon so that you don’t miss any bites or sites.
  • Arrange a  rental car for your trip.
  • Book a fun Santorini tour with GetYourGuide or Viator .

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About the Authors

Daryl and Mindi Hirsch

Saveur Magazine’s BEST TRAVEL BLOG award winners Daryl and Mindi Hirsch share their culinary travel experiences and recipes on the 2foodtrippers website. Since launching the site in 2012, they’ve traveled to over 40 countries in their quest to bring readers a unique taste of the world.

Disclosures

Article Update We update our articles regularly. Some updates are major while others are minor link changes and spelling corrections. Let us know if you see anything that needs to be updated in this article. Funding We self-funded our trip to Santorini. Sponsorship We thank Urban Adventures for hosting us on a Santorini wine tour.

Original Publication Date: June 19, 2023

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Moscow Wines: The Best Wine Bars

Moscow is a vibrant city with something for everyone. From amazing nightclubs and restaurants to Russian Bathhouses and sights, Moscow is an amazing tourist destination. Moscow Wines are just as amazing!

Moscow Wines The Best Wine Bars - DP

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The city is absolutely packed with wine bars offering unique Moscow wines and wine tasting experiences. As well, the cold weather in Russia breeds unique grapes. When in Moscow, these are the venues to visit for the best wine experience!

Moscow Wines and Wine Bars

Few wine bars in Moscow have made quite the impact on the locals than Wine Bazar. This sophisticated, bohemian-chic spot resides on Komsomolskiy Avenue. For the full experience complete with excellently-paired food options and an impressive wine list, you need look no further. At Wine Bazar you get to enjoy everything that you love about wine without spending your whole budget.

Visitors and residents of Moscow alike consider Wine Bazar to be a must-see Moscow wine bar. The extensive list of Moscow wines and wines from other locales get patrons visiting time and time again!

Wine Religion

Are you a budding wine connoisseur? Do you simply love wine and want to broaden your horizons? As you can expect of a place called Wine Religion, the folks here take their Moscow wines very seriously. Expert sommeliers are on-hand to help you choose from their list of cherry-picked wines. Of all the Moscow wine bars that you ever visit, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a more knowledgeable staff.

Check out these amazing European Female-Owned Wineries!

With a wine list of over 100 selections, Magnum Wine Bar is a local authority on all things wine.

If your aim is to kick back with a bottle of wine and jam to some live music, Wino has everything you need. More than wine, Wino also serves wine-based cocktails that are sure to delight the senses. For some of us, enjoying wine is an experience to be had. This comes complete with a great atmosphere, music and food. If this is true for you, this Moscow wine bar must be in your consideration for your next night out.

Not far from the Metro station and with prices that are competitive, Wino serves the local citizenry and visiting guests. Attentive sommeliers are there to guide you as you search for your newest favorite chardonnay, merlot, and more.

Magnum Wine Bar

With a wine list of over 100 selections, Magnum Wine Bar is a local authority on all things wine. In fact, their list of Moscow wines draws in wine connoisseurs from far and wide. They also carry wines from other locales. You don’t even have to have the deepest of pockets to get a glass or two of something familiar, or something new.

Ambience, professional sommeliers, and incredible prices make Magnum Wine Bar a tough spot to beat in terms of well…everything. They even serve adventurous and innovative food dishes to accompany your favorite glass!

And if you’re ever in the mood for brunch, Magnum Wine Bar is a serious gem. This city loves good wine and good food.

If variety is your thing, LITRO is the place to be. This Italian restaurant on Bolshaya Gruzinskaya Street has made big waves, and in all the right ways. Though Italian cuisine is why people come to LITRO, the wine is what convinces them to stay for hours. They offer selections from the vast reaches of the world (not just Italian, French or Moscow wines). Best yet, they’re sold at prices that can’t be beaten! You’re bound to try something new and daring that will leave an impression.

The Moscow wines sold at LITRO are an immense variety. You can buy many of their selections at a variety of sizes. Bottles, 1 liter bottles, half-bottles and glasses are all available for you to enjoy. You never have to settle for more than you want!

Conclusion:

If one thing is certain, it’s that the people of Moscow love their wine. And they take it very seriously, too. Expert sommeliers, decadent food pairings, excellent atmosphere and immense variety are the calling card of Moscow wine bars. All 5 of these wine bars and restaurants are a step above the rest. But don’t think for a second that this list is exhaustive of all the great Moscow wine bars and restaurants. You could live in Moscow for your entire life and never get around to them all!

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santo wines visit

Devine Harmony, Wine & Crab, Moscow Review

Name and fit-out both led the Foodie Mookie crew to wonder at the wisdom of their choice to dine at Wine & Crab. The restaurant front did little to inspire but the lure of the catch cry “Moscow’s best cellar” urged the crew to look past the name and veneer to proceed down an ancient stairwell into what was to become an amazing adventure into superb old world wines and a menu paying homage to the delectable crustacean so simply stated in the the restaurant name – the Crab.

The Berezutsky brothers (Sergei and Ivan) are the genius pair behind the genius pairing of wine and crab. Both are awarded chef in the local restaurant scene. Sommelier Sergei Antonov has stocked a cellar to fill any old world wine enthusiast with awe. Bottles range from modest bottles ( 2016 Coppiere Pinot Grigio and 2015 Villa Pillo Cingalino, Rosso di Toscana) at 2250 rubles through to 950000 rubles for a 2013 Romanee-Conti, Domaine de la Romanee Conti. This collection includes an entire wall of White Burgundy, Pookies particular favourite which can be seen in the photo gallery. Needless to say, some very nice bottles of this old world Chardonnary were purhased to pair with a subset of the crab selection available, 9 varieties in total.

Having selected an Etienne Sauzet, 2014 Puligny Montrachet ‘Les Combettes’, the crew order crabby entries, Parcel from Russian Far East (King crab, Snow crab, Helmet crab), Salt-baked horsehair crab with venere rice and Crab bonbons (King crab, mango and caviar; Hanasaki crab and passion fruit; Snow crab, guacamole and almonds). The service is difficult as the Crew do not speak Russian and the staff do not speak english well, but eventually the sommelier returns with the bottle of wine and helps with the ordering. The dishes arrive out of order so the Crew eats what is presented and make allowance for the language barrier. The wine, unexpected in Russia, is devine and matches perfectly with the sweet but salty crustacean flavours.

Post devouring crab and wine and feeling merry, the crews eyes moved to the crabs in the aquarium in the centre of the dining area, Kamchatka King Crab. “Can’t come all the way to Russia and not try their famous Kamchatka Crab” – besides it was starting to snow when we arrived so what better excuse than an imagined snow storm above our heads to convince a diner to stay for an extra serving of wine and crab. The owners might be on to something here!  So the Crew order 600 grams of the Kamchatka and a bottle of Domaine Francois Raveneau, 2016 Chablis Premier Cru Montee de Tonnerre. Bliss, harmony and all good things.

Having eaten our fill of crab and warmed ourselves on White Burgundy we adventured outside to find that there truly was snow falling thick and fast. Lucky we were well fortified against the cold, thank-you Monsieur’s Sauzet et Raveneau and the brothers Berezutsky! Wine & Crab restaurant is certainly worth a visit. Take a good supply of rubles and forgive that not all Russians can speak English. Why should they have to in the heart of Mother Russia!?

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“New wine trails”: Bava wines in Moscow and Saint Petersburg

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COMMENTS

  1. Santorini Wines

    Santo Wines Wine tourism center, located in Pyrgos village next to Santo Wines winery with breathtaking volcano view, is open all year round to welcome visitors from all over the world, at its modern facilities that are dedicated to Santorini wines, gastronomy and fine living. Being recommended by Wine Enthusiast Magazine as the best place in ...

  2. Santo Wines

    Saturday. 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM. Sunday. 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM. Write a review. About. This state-of-the-art facility in Greece houses a modern winery, a tomato processing factory, and a wine tourism center. For the full experience, enjoy a guided winery tour and cellar visit before sitting down for the star of the show—local wines paired expertly ...

  3. Santo Wines: The Can't Miss Santorini Wine Tasting With a View!

    Back to Santo Winery in 2022. When we booked our return trip to the island, Santo Wines was easily at the top of our list! We were actually coming from Thailand and planned to visit the Santorini winery later in the week. However… After our first day, we took the bus to beautiful Red Beach and realized the Santo Wine was on the same route.

  4. Santo Wines in Santorini

    Season: Open year-round. Hours: 9am to 10pm daily, summer months until midnight. Website: santowines.gr. Location: Pyrgos Kallistis 847 00. Telephone: +30 2286 028058. Restaurant: On-site restaurant offering a good variety of snacks, entrees, and desserts - including a continental breakfast menu and a kids' menu.

  5. SANTO WINES: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)

    Santo winery - nestled at an altitude this is the biggest winery in Santorini. It offers not just wine tasting and buying opportunities, , but killer views of the caldera and ocean. There are a huge number of outdoor seating. There are various options for wine tasting. Definitely a must visit in Santorin

  6. Santo Wines

    Visit this gem of Santorini and get ready for the most palatable journey! Santo Wines is a notable wine representative and the biggest wine producer on the island, that dates back to 1911. Santorini boasts a longstanding tradition of winemaking, thanks to its fertile volcanic soil, making it renowned for its local wine varieties.

  7. Santorini Wines and Wineries

    Will usually visit Santo Winery or Venetsanos (both with great caldera views - Santo is pictured above) or Gavalas (my favorite) and 2 others. Starts at 3:30pm and lasts a little over four hours. 2. Santorini Private Wine Tour. This is a private wine tour for serious wine lovers. The intimacy and attention to detail are definitely worth the ...

  8. Visiting the Santo Winery on Santorini, Greece

    Getting There. Santo Winery is easy to get to from Fira - just drive south from Fira, following the signs to Perissa. About 4 km or 2.5 miles from Fira, you'll see the flag-adorned winery to your right. Parking is free. The winery is sometimes closed for special events, so you may want to give them a call in advance just to make sure.

  9. Santos Winery in Santorini: A Review with PICS

    Santos Winery is definitely one of the best wineries in Santorini and one of the best things you can do on the island. I recently visited it and went through their large selection of local wines along with their wine-tasting experience. This is my review. This is the 6 wines selection at Santowines winery, along with some greek nibbles.

  10. Santo Wines: A Journey through Santorini's Winemaking Legacy

    The winery also boasts a restaurant serving traditional Greek dishes, making it a must-visit for food and wine enthusiasts alike. A Taste of Island Life. Traveling to Santo Wines on Santorini is an adventure! First, you'll need to make your way to the island. Once you're there, getting to the winery, located in the village of Pyrgos, is ...

  11. Santo Winery Santorini: What To See & Do

    Open Hours. The Santo winery tours are open from December to February from 10.00 a.m. to 6.00 p.m. Monday to Sunday. Guided tours are available at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. except for Mondays. Wine tasting sessions are available from 10.00 a.m. to 4.30 p.m. Monday to Sunday.

  12. The top 10 Santorini wineries (2024)

    Finish your visit with an immersive wine-tasting experience in its inviting atmosphere with a view of the vineyards, which creates the perfect backdrop for savoring exquisite wines. ... Santo Wines in Pyrgos. Perched on the edge of the caldera, Santo Wines offers an immersive experience that marries breathtaking views with splendid wines.

  13. 10 Best Santorini Wine Tasting Tours

    Here are my 3 top picks that offer great value-for-money when it comes to wine tasting in Santorini. #1 TOP PICK. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️. 4.5 Hour Santorini Wine Tasting Trip. ️ Personally approved! ️Try 12 different wines across 3 wineries. ️ Sunset winery visit with caldera views. ↳ Book it. #2 PICK.

  14. Wineries You Need To Visit In Santorini Greece

    Santo's hipper counterpart, Art Space, is also worth a visit. The establishment housed SantoWines' first winery until 1952. In 1999, owner Nikolaos Argyros's son Antonis reopened it as a modern winery, art gallery and museum, built in an underground cave that's surrounded by a thick layer of pumice.

  15. 10 Santorini Wineries: How to Choose Which Santorini Winery to Visit in

    Wine Tours at Venetsanos Winery. If you hope to visit Venetsanos Winery, I advise you make your reservation well before your trip. The tables are often fully-booked. They offer a 30 minute tour at the top of the hour between 1pm and 5pm. The tour is 6€, the wine tasting is 15€ and then any snacks are between 8€-25€ per dish.

  16. Top 5 Wineries in Santorini and Βest Wines

    Wine and Deli shop at Santo - Photo by Santo Wines official website. Tips: Make sure in case you wish to visit Santo Wines to get a jacket with you, since, even in the summertime, it gets quite chilly and windy and the winery is found on a quite high open spot. Prior to your visit contact the winery should you wish to schedule a tour.

  17. 7 Best Santorini Wineries to Visit in 2024

    Book on line here. 2. Hatzidakis Winery - our favourite of the best wineries in Santorini. Haridimos Hatzidakis, a man known for keeping a low profile but boasting an incredible level of activity, landed in Santorini back in 1990, starting his journey as an oenologist. As time passed, the art of winemaking won him over.

  18. The Best Santorini Vineyards And Breweries

    Santo Wines is a popular winery that offers wine tastings with epic views of the caldera. Founded in 1947 as a cooperative, this Pyrgos winery is the island's largest with more than 1,000 wine-growing members. Visitors to Santo Wines can take a tour and watch an informative documentary in the winery's oenotourism center.

  19. Moscow

    Moscow - St. Petersburg. Price per person. 641,69. View details. About the tour Reviews 10. 8 days / 7 nights. St. Petersburg Moscow. We offer you a unique opportunity to visit Russia's two largest cities, Moscow and St. Petersburg. This fascinating, week-long tour will take you to the historic Russian capitals that have always played the most ...

  20. Moscow Wines: The Best Wine Bars

    When in Moscow, these are the venues to visit for the best wine experience! Moscow Wines and Wine Bars Wine Bazar. Few wine bars in Moscow have made quite the impact on the locals than Wine Bazar. This sophisticated, bohemian-chic spot resides on Komsomolskiy Avenue. For the full experience complete with excellently-paired food options and an ...

  21. Devine Harmony, Wine & Crab, Moscow Review

    Name and fit-out both led the Foodie Mookie crew to wonder at the wisdom of their choice to dine at Wine & Crab. The restaurant front did little to inspire but the lure of the catch cry "Moscow's best cellar" urged the crew to look past the name and veneer to proceed down an ancient stairwell into what was to become an amazing adventure into superb old world wines and a menu paying ...

  22. "New wine trails": Bava wines in Moscow and Saint Petersburg

    "New wine trails": meet our Marco Negro and taste Bava wines in Moscow (October 4th) at Brix Wine Bar and in Saint Petersburg (October 8th) at Gusto Restaurant (Chef Fabrizio Fatucci).