With its unique volcanic soil and sunny vineyards,
the island of Santorini offers an unforgettable wine experience for its visitors, all year long. For every wine lover, a mere half-day tour through Santorini’s iconic wineries combines the island’s beautiful landscapes, spectacular wines and rich culture. Upon request, visitors have the opportunity to enjoy private, guided tours designed for groups or solo wanderers.
Explore what makes Santorini’s wines truly unique and why a wine tour in Santorini is the ideal way to discover them at the fullest.
What makes Santorini’s wine culture so special?
Santorini’s wine culture is shaped by the island’s history, Mediterranean climate, and soil. Known for its volcanic nature, Santorini’s soil is rich in minerals, while it also consists of basalt, volcanic ashes, sand and some other formations of lava, a tephra known by the locals as “aspa”. This combination gives Santorini wines their famous minerality, crispiness, and acidity, topping them with a unique earthy and aromatic character. The vineyards in Santorini are among the oldest in the world, as they are believed to be at least 3.000 years old.
Local winemakers use an original and unique way of vine pruning widely known as “kouloura”, or “wreath” or “basket”. This method protects the grapes from the island’s strong winds and intense sunlight, creating the perfect conditions for high-quality grape production. The result is a deep, volcanic wine, with a complete aromatic profile and clear, soft texture. This traditional practice combined with innovative methods have positioned Santorini’s wines as some of the most notable drinks around the world.
What are the most celebrated wine varieties of Santorini?
Santorini is primarily known for its white wines, especially those made from the Assyrtiko grape. Assyrtiko is a popular grape variety that thrives in the island’s volcanic soil, producing a full-bodied wine with high acidity and a characteristic minerality. It is often blended with Athiri grapes in order to create the island’s famous Vinsanto, a sweet, yet complex, dessert wine that ages with grace.
The Assyrtiko grape also serves as the base for Santorini’s popular dry whites, which are often described as crisp and refreshing with discreet and elegant citrus notes. Meanwhile, the aromatic Athiri grape brings floral elements to the blend, while Aidani softens the wine. These varieties make Santorini’s wines both impressive and memorable, offering wine lovers a unique taste profile in every sip.
How can I enjoy a wine tour in Santorini?
Santorini offers many opportunities to explore its vineyards and have a taste of its unique wine culture. A 3-hour tour is a perfect introduction, designed to give visitors an authentic experience while enjoying the convenience of a guided private tour. Phaos Santorini Suites’ guests have the opportunity to visit some of the island’s most famous wineries, where they will have the chance to walk through the vineyards, learn about the winemaking process, and sample a selection of wines, complemented by delectable local cheese platters.
This amazing journey concludes with a sunset tasting at a hilltop winery, offering the most impressive panoramic views of the island’s caldera and beautiful
seas of Santorini. The golden hour creates a magical viewpoint, setting the foundation for the most memorable experience.
Santorini’s wine tours are much more than a pleasant activity. They include the exploration of the island’s ancient winemaking heritage. Reach out to our Guest Experience Specialists and
book your Santorini wine tour today.
