Santorini Wine Route: Two Estates to Discover

Continuing our trip to Santorini, a volcanic island where the Greeks had the crazy idea of making wine. We’re taking you to one of the island’s oldest industrial wineries to taste Vinsanto!

It would be impossible not to mention Vinsanto

It would be remiss not to mention Vinsanto, whose name derives from the labels on the crates of ships leaving the island during the Venetian period (Vino Santo), and not from the Italian term “holy wine,” as is often claimed. The grapes are harvested late in the season and then left to dry in the sun on straw for several days. After vinification, this sweet wine is aged in oak barrels for 24 months before bottling. Another remarkable aspect of this wine is the complete absence of chaptalization!

Bottle of Greek wine, © Jean-Marie (Evaneos)

Venetsanos, on the cliffs of Santorini

One of Santorini’s oldest industrial wineries is called Venetsanos. Unlike the highly touristy wineries, you’ll discover a unique site, built right inside the cliff. A small museum, a huge tasting room, and countless vats and corridors will leave you in awe. From the terraces overlooking the Caldera, you’ll admire one of the most beautiful sunsets while tasting what are undoubtedly the best wines produced in Greece today: Assyrtiko, Nykteri, and Vinsanto.

Venetsanos Winery, © Jean-Marie (Evaneos)

Santorini is a wonderful destination offering a wide range of activities, combining culture (the Akrotiri civilization and the famous “Pompeii of the Aegean”), history, beach resorts, hiking, cruises, volcano tours, and relaxation. It is an island that has long been ranked among the top 10 most beautiful islands in the world by travel magazines and websites.

During your unforgettable stay, local wines will complement every dish from Greek cuisine and the renowned local gastronomy.