Let’s say you have already been to Santorini, given that this island is among the top 10 worldwide destinations for summer vacation. Santorini is well known for its unique volcanic terrain. However, oenophiles are aware that this exceptional terrain also provides some unique wine tastes not similar to any other place in the Mediterranean and the whole World.
Under such conditions cruisers who‘d like to have a different, sommelier-like adventure during their stay in Santorini are advised to take a wine tour. Some of the famous wineries of Santorini are situated near the port of Athinios and the town of Fira, making wineries hopping easier.
Some cruise companies offer exclusive wine tours; most of them, however, only include a quick visit to one of the wineries for a complimentary glass, as part of their shore excursions. That’s not at all the winerie hopping you were looking for!
Just five miles away of Fira, heading southwards, you will reach Megalochori. There, the “Boutaris Winery” offers most of the local varieties, along with guided tours (Monday to Sunday from 10:00 to 19:00). In August, visitors may have the chance to watch the wine production procedure live, since it is harvesting time.
In Pyrgos Kallistis, one miles away to the east of Megalochori, you will find “Santo Wines”, a winery which produces among others the varieties of Vinsanto, Assyrtiko, Nychteri, Νama. It is open from March till November (10:00 to 20:00), also offering guided tours.
Moving a mile from Pyrgos to the northeast, on the road to Kamari, you will reach Exo Gonia, where “Art Space Exhibition” by “Argyros Art Space Argyros Canava” is housed in an old Santorinian cave-house wine cellar and old wine distillery. Visitors will have the chance to combine contemporary art with wine making history and, of course, wine tasting (open daily from 11:00 to sunset).
Another wine museum is situated in Vothon, 2 miles away from Exo Gonia towards Fira. “Koutsogiannopoulos Winery” offers many of the local varieties along with a tour to the secrets of Santorini’s winemaking throughout history (April till October from 12:00 to 20:00).
Keep in mind that wineries usually sell -or even serve- local delicacies, such as the famous Santorinian Fava*.
To visit these wineries you will need to either rent a car or hire a taxi (preferably a reserved one for 3,5 to 5 hours):
There are also wine tours to specific wineries offered by private companies:
Cheers!
*See Glossary in alphabetical order
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