If there was ever an island worthy of the nickname “the wine island”, then it is undoubtedly Santorini.
In proportion to the size of the island, Santorini is the only place on the whole planet with so many wineries. It is undoubtedly Greece’s top destination for wine tourism.
On an area of only 7,619 ha (76,19 km2), there are more than 17 wineries to visit. All wineries are characterized by a warm and friendly atmosphere and their owners are always happy to offer wine tasting and tours around their facilities. This is the place where wine lovers can witness the traditional vinification process from beginning to end.
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The excavations at the site of Akrotiri have proved that wine making and trading used to be among the most important activities for prehistoric locals. Several eruptions of the volcano over the centuries caused consecutive layers of volcanic matter, including ash, lava, and pumice to cover the limestone and slate subsoil, forming what the locals call “aspa”, i.e. hard, solid ground. Over the years, grape growers have built terraces using petrified lava stones in order to prevent the soil being eroded by the strong winds, and to help retain what little rain falls.
Thanks to geographical factors here, the vines are very healthy: the hot sun and strong winds dry up any dampness on the fruit and prevent diseases and other problems such as mildew and botrytis.
In other words, the principles of organic cultivation are automatically applied here, as the growers are left only with the tasks of sulphuration and pruning. The latter involves the use of a special technique to form a “basket” within which the grapes are protected from the sand carried in the wind.
Santorini cultivates nine indigenous grape varieties, including the famous Assyrtiko. the most important varieties of Santorini wines are the white Assyrtiko, Aidani, and Athiri and the red Mandilaria and Mavrotragano. The Brusco is a red wine composed of both white and red grapes (Mavrotragano, Mandilaria, Assyrtiko) with 14%-16% alcohol content. It gets its name from the Italian word brusco meaning rough and severe. The Nychteri is a white wine from the Assyrtiko variety. Grapes are picked early in the morning while it is still fresh and cool and pressed on the same day. This kept the vintners busy till late at night, whence the name – nychta means night. The must was left to ferment in wooden barrels.
Learn more about the Vineyards of Santorini >>> Santorini Vineyards – Greek Gastronomy Guide