Santorini is known around the world for its dramatic caldera views, iconic blue-domed churches, and breathtaking sunsets. Yet beneath this postcard-perfect exterior lies a rich winemaking tradition that dates back more than 3,000 years. The island’s unique volcanic soil, combined with its dry climate and ancient cultivation techniques, has given rise to some of the most distinctive wines in the Mediterranean. For oenophiles and curious travelers alike, exploring Santorini’s wineries is a journey into both taste and tradition. From cave-like cellars carved into pumice stone to modern estates overlooking the sea, these seven vineyards offer exceptional wines, captivating stories, and immersive experiences that showcase the island’s viticultural soul.
1. Santo Wines – Pyrgos
Santo Wines is one of Santorini’s most famous wineries and a must-visit for anyone interested in local wine. Located just outside the village of Pyrgos, the winery sits on the edge of the caldera with panoramic views that stretch across the Aegean Sea. As the official cooperative of Santorini, Santo Wines supports local growers and plays a crucial role in preserving traditional winemaking practices. The tasting terrace is spectacular, especially at sunset, and the wine flights are accompanied by local delicacies like tomato paste, capers, and aged cheese. Standouts include the award-winning Assyrtiko, a crisp, mineral-rich white wine, and the sweet Vinsanto, made from sun-dried grapes. The winery also features a shop and a visitor center where you can learn about Santorini’s ancient viticulture and the island’s UNESCO-recognized vineyard terraces.
2. Venetsanos Winery – Megalochori
Built into the cliffside above the port of Athinios, Venetsanos Winery is an architectural marvel and one of the island’s oldest wineries, established in 1947. What sets this estate apart is its gravity-fed winemaking system, a pioneering technique at the time that used the natural slope of the land to transfer wine between levels without pumps. Today, the winery combines historical charm with modern flair, offering tastings in a serene setting with jaw-dropping caldera views. Venetsanos produces a range of wines, but their naturally vinified Assyrtiko and Mandilaria are particular highlights. Guided tours provide insight into the winery’s history, volcanic terroir, and unique winemaking process. There’s also a small museum showcasing vintage equipment and family archives, making it a cultural as well as a sensory experience.
3. Estate Argyros – Episkopi Gonia
For serious wine enthusiasts, Estate Argyros is an essential stop. Founded in 1903 and now run by the fourth generation of the Argyros family, this winery has earned international acclaim for its elegant and age-worthy wines. Located in the village of Episkopi Gonia, the estate spans over 120 hectares and includes some of the oldest Assyrtiko vines on the island, many of which are over 150 years old. Argyros focuses on low-intervention, high-quality production, and the results speak for themselves. The flagship Santorini Assyrtiko is a benchmark for the varietal—crisp, mineral, and complex. Don’t miss the rare Vinsanto aged up to 20 years, a deep, amber-colored wine with notes of dried fruit, honey, and spice. Tastings are held in a sleek, contemporary space, and private tours offer a more in-depth exploration of the vineyards and cellars.
4. Domaine Sigalas – Oia
Just a few minutes outside Oia, Domaine Sigalas is a boutique winery with a big reputation. Founded in 1991, it has become one of the most respected names in Greek wine, known for producing some of the finest single-varietal Assyrtiko in the country. The estate emphasizes organic practices and small-batch production, resulting in wines that are both expressive and true to their volcanic terroir. Visitors can enjoy a relaxed tasting experience in the vineyard’s courtyard, surrounded by vines and wild herbs. Food pairings are available, including seasonal dishes made with locally sourced ingredients. Sigalas offers a wide range of wines beyond Assyrtiko, including Athiri, Aidani, and a distinctive red blend featuring Mavrotragano. For those seeking a more immersive experience, the winery also organizes vertical tastings and educational seminars on Santorini’s indigenous grapes.
5. Gavalas Winery – Megalochori
Gavalas is one of Santorini’s most traditional wineries, and stepping into its courtyard in the heart of Megalochori feels like entering a living piece of history. The Gavalas family has been making wine for over five generations, and their commitment to heritage is evident in both their methods and their wines. Many of the grapes are still foot-stomped, and fermentation takes place in old cement vats and amphorae. The winery focuses on indigenous varieties like Katsano, Voudomato, and Mavrotragano—some of which are extremely rare and cultivated only in small quantities. Tastings are intimate and personalized, often led by a family member who shares stories of the vineyard’s past and present. Gavalas offers a soulful connection to the island’s winemaking roots and a lineup of wines that are as authentic as they are flavorful.
6. Hatzidakis Winery – Pyrgos Kallistis
The story of Hatzidakis Winery is one of passion, resilience, and deep respect for nature. Founded in 1997 by Haridimos Hatzidakis, a pioneer of organic viticulture in Santorini, the winery continues to honor his legacy after his untimely passing. Located in a cave cellar outside Pyrgos Kallistis, Hatzidakis Winery works exclusively with organically grown grapes and follows minimal-intervention practices. Their Assyrtiko wines are among the most expressive on the island, showing a balance of power, acidity, and salinity that reflects the island’s unique soil. The winery also produces rare bottlings such as Aidani, Mavrotragano, and a natural sparkling wine. Tastings are intimate, often guided by knowledgeable staff who delve into the philosophy behind each label. Hatzidakis is not a flashy winery—it’s a place of quiet reverence, where the spirit of the land is bottled with integrity.
7. Vassaltis Vineyards – Vourvoulos
Vassaltis is one of the newest additions to Santorini’s winemaking scene, yet it has quickly established itself as a modern, design-forward estate with a focus on precision and purity. Located near the lesser-known village of Vourvoulos, Vassaltis boasts a sleek tasting room with floor-to-ceiling windows that frame the surrounding vineyards and sea. The winery blends cutting-edge technology with traditional wisdom to produce elegant wines that highlight the island’s volcanic identity. Their flagship Assyrtiko is structured and mineral-driven, while other labels explore blends and rare varietals. Food and wine pairings here are particularly well-curated, making for an elevated tasting experience. Vassaltis also emphasizes sustainability and innovation, positioning itself at the forefront of a new generation of Greek winemakers. It’s a refreshing and stylish stop that reflects both the heritage and future of Santorini wine.
What Makes Santorini Wine Unique?
Santorini’s wine owes its uniqueness to its volcanic soil, dry climate, and ancient pruning techniques. Vines are trained into low, basket-shaped forms called “kouloura,” which protect the grapes from strong winds and scorching sun. The lack of rainfall means vines grow deep into the porous pumice and ash, absorbing complex minerals that give the wines their distinct minerality and structure. The result is wines that are crisp, high in acidity, and full of character—perfect for pairing with seafood, grilled vegetables, and traditional Greek cuisine.
Assyrtiko is the star of the island, but Santorini also produces intriguing reds like Mavrotragano and Mandilaria, and delightful whites like Aidani and Athiri. The sweet dessert wine Vinsanto, made by drying grapes in the sun before fermentation, is a local treasure with centuries-old origins.
Santorini’s wineries are more than just places to sip great wine—they are living expressions of the island’s soul. Each vineyard tells a different story, shaped by family tradition, volcanic terroir, and a love for the craft. Whether you’re a casual taster or a seasoned connoisseur, visiting these estates offers an unforgettable journey through taste, history, and landscape. Between the beauty of the vineyards and the complexity of the wines, you’ll leave with a deeper appreciation for this magical island and the flavors that define it.
