Wineries: Wine Heritage, Tasting Tours, and Winemaking in Santorini 2025

Santorini is renowned for its rich wine culture, offering visitors the chance to explore its historic wineries, experience the winemaking season firsthand, and indulge in wine tastings that showcase the island's unique varieties. Winemaking has long been an integral part of Santorini's history, and today, the island’s wineries continue to uphold traditions while inviting travelers to discover the art and craft behind each bottle.

Santorini Wines

Santorini's wines are distinct, thanks to its volcanic terroir and the unique grape varieties grown on the island. Assyrtiko, a white grape, is the most widely cultivated, known for its mineral-rich, crisp taste. Other notable varieties include Athiri and Aidani (white), as well as Mavrotragano and Mandilaria (red). The island's wines often carry a strong sense of place, as the soil contributes to their complex flavors. According to local vintners, two standout wines are Vinsanto, a sweet dessert wine made from sun-dried grapes, and Nykteri, a traditional white wine pressed during the night.

Wineries on Santorini

Santorini's wineries range from small family-run estates to larger operations that attract tourists from around the world. Among the island's most famous wineries are:

Estate Argyros

Established in 1903, Estate Argyros is the largest private vineyard owner on Santorini, with landholdings that now exceed 120 hectares. The Argyros family has been producing wines for over four generations, focusing on both winemaking and vine growing. Their vineyards, with vines averaging over 70 years old, utilize unique training systems like the Kouloura and Koulouri to withstand the island's conditions. Known for their age-worthy Assyrtiko wines and world-class Vinsanto, Estate Argyros continues to thrive under the leadership of Matthaios Argyros, with a state-of-the-art winery in Episkopi.

Pyrgos Village Wines

Pyrgos village is the go-to place for the best Vinsanto in Santorini. It houses several wine producers, with Santo Wines being the most popular. It draws large crowds, especially during sunset, when visitors enjoy both the scenery and tastings of Santorini’s Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) wines. Founded in 1911 as a cooperative, Santo Wines supports local cultivators, promoting sustainable agricultural practices and preserving native grape varieties. The winery also produces organic wines and a variety of Santorini products, including tomatoes and fava beans, making it a premier wine tourism destination.

Venetsanos Winery

Venetsanos Winery, located above Santorini's Athinios port, is the island's first industrial winery, built in 1947 by the Venetsanos family. Managing 15 hectares of vineyards, it specializes in the Assyrtiko variety, alongside other local grapes like Athiri and Mavrotragano. The winery’s architectural design, utilizing gravity for energy efficiency, sets it apart. Its spacious 250m² terrace is perfect for hosting exclusive events. Popular with tourists, Venetsanos Winery recommends booking tastings in advance to secure a spot at this iconic destination.

Vassaltis Vineyards

Founded in 2014, Vassaltis Vineyards in Vourvoulos, Santorini, is a boutique winery blending modern design with traditional winemaking techniques. Its minimalist architecture, surrounded by lush vineyards, offers a serene backdrop for wine tasting experiences. Specializing in local varieties like Vinsanto and Mavrotragano, Vassaltis is committed to showcasing the island’s rich viticultural history. The winery’s state-of-the-art facilities and dedication to sustainable practices ensure a unique, high-end experience for visitors, making it a must-visit for wine enthusiasts.

Domaine Sigalas

Located in the northern part of Santorini, Domaine Sigalas is a high-end winery renowned for its award-winning wines and innovative approach. Nestled among 40 hectares of sustainably cultivated vineyards, the estate blends tradition with modern winemaking techniques to showcase the island’s unique volcanic terroir. Led by founder Paris Sigalas, a pioneer in elevating Santorini’s Assyrtiko grape, the winery is known for producing world-class wines that are exported globally. Visitors can enjoy an immersive wine-tasting experience, exploring the estate’s diverse and meticulously crafted labels.

Wine Making Season

The winemaking season in Santorini typically begins in August, with grape harvesting carried out under the intense summer sun. According to local vintners, the grapes are handpicked to preserve their quality, and the island's signature winemaking technique is the kouloura, or basket-training system, where vines are shaped into a coil to protect them from harsh winds. This method also helps conserve moisture in the dry, arid climate. After harvesting, the grapes undergo fermentation, and the wines are aged in either stainless steel tanks or oak barrels, allowing them to develop the rich, complex flavors Santorini is known for.

Wine Tastings

Wine tastings are a popular way for visitors to experience Santorini's unique flavors. Many wineries offer guided tastings, where guests can sample a range of wines while learning about the production process. Prices for wine tastings can vary depending on the winery and the type of experience. For example, Santo Wines offers tastings starting at around €15-20 per person, while more premium experiences with multiple wine pairings can cost significantly more. Some wineries, like Estate Argyros, also offer vineyard tours and private tastings, providing a more in-depth look at Santorini's winemaking culture.

History of Winemaking in Santorini

Winemaking in Santorini dates back over 3,500 years, with evidence of ancient wine presses and storage jars found in archaeological sites on the island. According to historians, the Minoans practiced viticulture on the island before the massive volcanic eruption around 1600 BCE. Santorini's wine industry has withstood natural disasters, including the phylloxera plague that devastated vineyards across Europe in the 19th century. In 1971, Santorini was granted a Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) for its white wines, primarily made from Assyrtiko grapes, securing its place as one of Greece's premier wine-producing regions.