Wine Tasting in Santorini: An Ultimate Guide

Wine tasting in Santorini is an experience like no other, offering a unique combination of exquisite flavors and stunning scenery. Santorini’s wines are renowned for their distinctive taste, a result of the island’s volcanic soil, abundant sunshine, and centuries-old winemaking traditions.

What makes Santorini wine so special?

Santorini’s volcanic soil is what sets its wines apart. The island’s vineyards are planted in ash-rich soil, a byproduct of volcanic eruptions over millennia. This unique soil composition imparts a mineral richness to the grapes, which translates into a characteristic flavor profile in the wines. Volcanic soil is porous, retaining moisture from the air, which is crucial in an arid climate. This helps the vines survive the hot, dry summers. The island’s consistent Mediterranean sunshine ensures the grapes ripen perfectly, concentrating their sugars and enhancing their flavors. Santorini boasts around 1,200 hectares of vineyards, a testament to its deep-rooted viticulture tradition.

For wine lovers, Santorini is a dream destination. The island’s wine varieties are a true reflection of its unique terroir. Here are the most important styles you shouldn’t miss when going wine tasting in Santorini:

Assyrtiko

Assyrtiko is the flagship grape of Santorini, known for its vibrant acidity and mineral notes. This white wine often exhibits flavors of citrus, stone fruits, and a characteristic saline finish, attributed to the volcanic soil. Its high acidity makes it perfect for aging, developing more complex flavors over time.

Vinsanto

Vinsanto, a luscious dessert wine, is made from sun-dried Assyrtiko and Aidani grapes. It is aged for several years in oak barrels, resulting in a rich, amber-colored wine with intense flavors of dried fruits, honey, and spices. The high sugar content and balanced acidity make it a delightfully sweet yet refreshing wine.

Nykteri

Nykteri is another notable style, traditionally harvested at night to retain the grapes’ acidity. It is a dry white wine, aged in oak barrels, giving it a full-bodied profile with notes of citrus, flowers, and vanilla. The name ‘Nykteri’ means ‘working the night away,’ reflecting the labor-intensive process of its production.

Mavrotragano

Mavrotragano is a rare red wine grape native to Santorini. It produces robust wines with deep color, high tannins, and complex flavors of red berries, spices, and earth. Mavrotragano is a rising star in the Greek wine scene, known for its potential to produce high-quality, age-worthy wines.

Mandilaria

Mandilaria is another red variety, often blended with other grapes. It creates wines with a dark hue, strong tannins, and flavors of black fruits and herbs. While not as prominent as Assyrtiko or Mavrotragano, Mandilaria adds depth and structure to Santorini’s red wine offerings.

Wine Tasting in Santorini

Wine tasting in Santorini is a must for any wine enthusiast. Villages like Oia, Pyrgos, and Megalochori offer charming settings for wine tours. Picture yourself sipping a glass of Assyrtiko on a panoramic terrace overlooking the Santorini Caldera and the Aegean Sea. The breathtaking views combined with the exquisite wines create an unforgettable experience.

Wine tours in Santorini typically range from €50 to €150 per person, depending on the duration and inclusions of the tour. These tours often feature guided tastings, visits to vineyards, and insights into the winemaking process, offering a comprehensive look at Santorini’s viticulture.

Alternatively, you can also savor Santorini’s delicious wine varieties on board by booking a boat trip with Santorini Yachting Club. 

In conclusion, wine tasting in Santorini is a journey through history, geology, and flavor. The island’s unique volcanic soil, ideal climate, and skilled winemakers produce wines that are truly exceptional. Whether you’re a seasoned oenophile or a casual wine lover, Santorini promises a wine tasting experience that is both educational and deeply satisfying.

In case you worked up an appetite after wine tasting in Santorini, check out the mouthwatering offerings of Sunset Tavern at the picturesque Amoudi Bay.

Need more travel inspo? Check out the 10 best things to do in Santorini in 2024 HERE.