Ah Santorini, the Greek island everyone flocks to for epic sunsets and seemingly endless photo opps. But there’s so much more to this volcanic gem than meets the eye. I’ve been fortunate enough to visit four times and with every trip I’ve made a point to venture off the beaten path. Each visit has included a Santorini winery or two so, by now, I’ve had a chance to visit almost all of the vineyards. If you want to explore a different side of the island and are wondering which Santorini wineries to hit up, take a look at my list below for a recap fo the best wineries in Santorini…
Santorini Wines 101
First, a bit of background. The wines produced in Santorini are all kinds of special. The volcanic soil, strong winds and intense sun all culminate to produce some of the most interesting varietals I’ve ever tasted — like Assyrtiko, Nykteri and Vinsanto. They are complex, distinct and highly sought after around the globe…
The vineyards in Santorini are also pretty incredible. The vines are unique and many are shaped in the form of baskets (low to the ground) to protect the grapes from strong winds!
Another fun fact: vines on the island are not irrigated artificially and since rainfall is rare, the plants depend on humidity and sea mist. Lastly, Santorini escaped the grape phylloxera making it one of the oldest wine regions on the planet…
6 Best Wineries In Santorini
1. Santo Winery Santorini (Pyrgos)
Built on different levels to mirror the terraces of the vineyards, SantoWines Winery has jaw-dropping views of the Caldera. The cooperative represents over 1200 members making it the largest winery on the island. It’s consistently ranked as one of the best wineries in Santorini so expect lots of tourists and tour buses! That being said, we had no trouble getting a table and our views were unobstructed…
Tip: most people flock to Oia for the sunsets (which you should do at least once), but for a more relaxed experience I recommend heading to Santo Winery Santorini where you can perch high on the cliff to take it all in. And while you’re in Pyrgos, follow the sunset with a meal at Selene Restaurant (about a 10 min drive). Here, you’ll get to taste some of the best food on the island and can even take a cooking class! Trust me when I say: you will leave Pyrgos with a full belly and a happy heart…
2. Domaine Sigalas (Oia)
There are wineries you pop into for quick tastings and then there are ones you never really want to leave. Domaine Sigalas is the latter in my opinion…
With an incredible wine list, warm hospitality and mouthwatering cuisine (the best winery menu on the island in my opinion), this is a winery I return to time and time again. I highly recommend booking one of their wine tasting experiences…
Domaine Sigalas has won numerous awards and have received high praise from wine critic Robert Parker (who gave many of their wines over 90 points). Their Mavrotragano was my personal favourite and paired really beautifully with the tower of mushrooms and cheese that we ordered during our most recent visit…
3. Gavalas Winery (Megalochori)
When I asked locals which Santorini winery was their favourite, the majority pointed me to Gavalas. Over 300 years old, the family-run winery doesn’t have a restaurant or any notable views, but what they lack in those two realms, they make up in the wine department…
It’s remote, it’s cozy and kind of perfect. A step back in time! You can even take part in traditional foot-stomping of the grapes if you’re there in late August.
4. Venetsanos Winery (Megalochori)
Yamas (cheers) to the dramatic views at Venetsantos Winery! Carved into a cliff, this Santorini winery offers front row seats to the caldera…
Due to limited access to electricity at the time of construction in 1947, the winery was built in an unconventional way that leveraged gravity. In fact, their wine used to flow all the way down to port Athinios via pipes before going into barrels! The innovative architecture and incredible view are reasons alone to visit this winery.
5. Boutari Winery Santorini
You’ll want to snap a pic of the white-domed building at Boutari before heading in. Voted as one of the ‘ten architectural wonders of the wine world’, it’s where they host tastings, tours and art programs…
Boutari has been producing wine on the island for 30 years, but it’s worth noting that the company was established in 1879 so it has a long wine-making history in Greece. Over the years they’ve won many awards and consistently rank as one of the best wineries in Santorini. I personally love their Kallisti Reserve made with 100% Assyrtiko!
6. Estate Argyros Santorini
Headed up by a 4th generation winemaker (Matthew Argyros), this winery has received countless gold medals and trophies for their wines. In fact, their Vinsanto (20 years barrel aged) was given 100 points by Wine and Spirits Magazine — a first in Greece.
These guys craft boutique wines using indigenous varieties that grow on the island — primarily Assyrtiko. The 120 hector vineyard is home to some of the oldest vines in Santorini (over 200 years old)!
Santorini Wine Tour | Wine Tasting In Santorini
While I usually recommend self-conducted wine hops (so you can enjoy the wine, landscapes and meals at your own pace), I know some of you won’t have the luxury of driving around in a rental car with a designated driver so you’ll want to hop on a Santorini wine tour. I personally can’t vouch for these, but I’ve heard they are excellent: Best of Santorini Experience, Santorini Small Group Tour with Wine Tasting and Small Group Santorini Wine Tour.
However you decide to explore Santorini wineries, make sure to ask a lot of questions, try a variety of wines and nibble on the dishes they proudly serve. Oh, and if you’re travelling with a baby/toddler like we often do, don’t hesitate to take them along. Greeks love kids and the winery staff will welcome you as if you’re their own family!!
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