Santorini is home to some of the best wines ever produced. Not only are they rich in flavour, but most of the wineries are also rich in history as well. Apart from a normal wine tour, most of these wineries have amazing views which makes the entire wine tasting experience more exciting. Confused as to which wineries you should visit? Here are some of the best wineries on the island you have to visit while in Santorini!
Santo’s Winery
This large, modern winery is one of the more popular wineries for wine tasting on the island. Santo’s winery makes and sells a wide range of wines such as red, white, sparkling, both oak-aged and unoaked and Vinsanto dessert wine. There’s also an on-site restaurant with snacks, entrees and desserts and before leaving, be sure to stop by the wine shop which sells a comprehensive collection of wines. While tasting some top-quality wine, marvel at the stunning views of the caldera and cliffs.
Santo’s Winery is open from 9 am to 10 pm daily and a wine tour, inclusive of 2 wine tastings, costs around €12 per individual!
Estate Argyros
With the main ingredient for wines being the white Assyrtiko grape, this winery specialises in vintage wines. Located 5.5 kilometres Southeast of Fira is the Estate Argyros winery. Priding themselves for providing a unique and special tour experience, custom tours can also be arranged in advanced. A 60 minutes wine tour includes 4 different wines for wine tasting and a cheese platter while a 90 minutes tour includes 7 different wines, a cheese platter and other local specialities.
This stunning winery is open from May to October from 10 am to 9 pm and from November to April from 9 am to 6 pm! Additionally, a 60 minutes tour costs €15 per person while a 90 minutes tour costs €40.
Art Space
For art lovers, Art Space is the best winery to check out! With wines, cave and arts dating back to 1961, Art Space allows you to discover more about both wine and the arts scene in Santorini. The winery is divided into 3 main sections. First is an underground cave art exhibit with paintings and sculptures on display by Greek and international artists. On top of that, there is a museum, home to artefacts, photos and pieces of equipment from the old winery. The last section in the winery is the tasting room. Art Space produces mostly white wines along with a Vin Santo blend of Assyrtiko, Aidani and Athiri.
Art Space is open from 11 am to 7 pm daily from April to October and solely on a reservation basis from November to March. Tours of the winery and art space are free but the prices for wine tasting varies according to the number of bottles you would like to try. It starts off at €10 for 4 and €20 for 8.
Avantis Winery
If you are looking for a winery located near Fira, Avantis Winery is perfect for you! It’s located just 10 minutes away from the centre of Fira. This recently opened winery produces high-quality wines which are strong in personality and flavour. Avantis Winery was opened in 2012 by Apostolos Mountrichas, a well-known winemaker.
The winery operates solely for production and wine tasting is done in the Avantis Cellar door. It’s the designated visiting area and where guided tours are being conducted. At the Avantis Cellar Door, there is also a restaurant where you can grab a quick bite after your tour. Wine tasting is also done there and some of the main grapes used for their wine are Athiri, Aidani, Madnilaria and Mavrotragano.
Gaia Wines
Known to be one of Santorini’s most beautiful wineries, Gaia Wines is a winery in a refurbished tomato processing factory right beside the iconic black sand beach. Its located on the eastern side of the island between Monolithos and Kamari.
Gaia Wines is home to Santorini’s most renowned white wine, Thalassitis which is also produced from Assyrtiko grapes. As you tour the factories, not only will you taste some of their iconic wines, you will also learn more about the production of wine. Additionally, you can also visit a traditional cellar where rare barrel-aged aromatic vinegar is produced.
Gaia Wines is open daily from early May till mid-autumn from 10 am to 6 pm!
Canava Roussos
Canva Roussos is a traditional winery in Santorini. Being the oldest winery in Santorini, it is a popular winery among both tourists and locals. With a more charming and laid-back design, their outdoor tasting mimics a garden, Don’t worry, there are also indoor tables for wet weather. Canva Roussos is also extremely popular because it has an outdoor amphitheatre which occasionally hosts theatre productions or musical performances. Reservations are needed for a group larger than 5!
This traditional winery is open daily from May to October from 11 am to 7 pm! Cold meats and cheese platters are available during wine tours and wines are priced at €3 per sample or €6 per glass.
