Top Wineries to Visit on Greek Islands

Are you planning your trip to Greek Islands? if yes, take 6 minutes and 17 seconds to discover the top wineries to visit on Greek Islands.

Viticulture and winemaking are a huge part of Greek culture. The country’s terroir makes it possible to produce unique and fascinating wines. That is the reason why Greek islands are so famous not only for their beautiful sights but also vifor neyards, grape varieties, and distinguished wines.

Besides the attractive nature that Greek has been gifted, you can find a wide range of indigenous grape varieties here. The main viticultural centres around the Greek islands are found in Crete, the Aegean Islands, and the Ionian Islands.

Greek Wine on Islands

The tradition of wine-making dates back to ancient times, and that’s why Greece was always recognized as one of the main wine-producing countries. In addition, Greek wine has been famous throughout the Mediterranean since the period of the Roman Empire.

The terrain of each island is unique and creates a suitable environment for grapes. The Mediterranean climate is dominant in every part of Greece, including the Aegean islands. The temperature From November to March is cool and rainy, while the hot days of the summer continue from June to August. The warmest part of Greece is the Ionial islands, but the southerly wind brings abundant rainfalls that regulate the extreme temperature.

There are different wine regions and exceptional wineries on the Greek islands. Most of them are dedicated to cultivating natural, high-quality wines from indigenous grapes. As a result, wineries can produce fresh, dry whites, and deep reds with good acidity.

Vines on Santorini Island, Greece 

Crete is the biggest island in Greece and the fifth-largest island in the Mediterranean Sea. It is located around 200 miles away from the mainland and is part of the Aegean Sea. Hot Mediterranean weather shapes the climate of southern Greek islands. As a result, Crete is the perfect place for numerous indigenous grape varieties.

Each island of Greece has its unique grapes and type of wines. Crete has the largest vineyard of all islands, where you will come across white grapes like Lyrarakis, Plyto, Dafni, and Vidiano. Crete is famous for its distinct and aromatic red wines too, like Mandilaria, Liatiko, and Kotsifali.

One of the most popular wines produced in Crete is Vidiano white wine, which is light and easy to drink. Red grapes like Kotsifali and Mandilaria are often mixed, as they create fruity and fragrant red wine flavors together. Liatiko is another red grape on Crete, which is mysterious and rare. It is used to produce sweet red wine with the aromatics of roses and cherries.

Wineries in Crete

The Heraklion region is the largest among the wine-producing parts of Crete. Here you can find the beautiful village Siva, where you will come across one of the best wineries in Crete. Daskalaki Irini Silva Winery has been producing wine for over 100 years. They focus on using organic viticulture methods for their vineyards, producing natural red and white wines.

Aegean Islands

The Aegean islands are located in the Aegean Sea near the west and the north side of Greece. These charming islands express the beauty of Greece in the most fascinating ways. Not only nature, sights, and architecture but also unique glasses of wine make them exceptional for visitors.

Best Wineries in Santorini

Santorini is one of the most famous Greek islands, which belongs to the Aegean Islands. It is a volcanic island surrounded by sky-blue waters and amazing views. On this island, beaches are composed of pebbles and volcanic sand, full of charm and often striking landscapes.

Santorini island is the homeland of the most famous Greek wine: Assyrtiko. Assyrtiko can have some floral notes like orange blossom and jasmine. Some testers have also noted that you can taste bitterness and saltiness on the finish. It is magical how the slightest bitterness merges with the sweetness of the wine and creates an amazing harmony of taste. Also, you will come across sweet red wine Vinsanto, which has dried apricots, raisins, cherries, and raspberry. Wineries in Santorini are open for visitors to share their traditions of winemaking.

Wineries on the Ionian Islands

The Ionian Islands are located on the west coast of Greece. This group of islands includes seven major islands and many other small islands. Near the western part of central Greece, the Ionian Islands with their blue waters and flawless beaches could be the perfect beginning to an excellent adventure.

The archipelago of the Ionian islands covers over 275 km. The largest island of the Ionian island group is Cephalonia. Most vineyards on this island produce a variety of grapes like PDO Cephalonia Muscat, PDO Cephalonia Robola, PDO Cephalonia Mavrodaphne, and PGI Mantzavinata.

Corfu is the second largest and the northernmost island of the group, while Zakynthos is the southernmost one. The climate of the archipelago is the Mediterranean, with a high level of rain and very hot summers. In fact, the landscape of this island is fertile and suitable for vineyards.

Zakynthos has a memorable wine-making history. You can taste some red wines and traditional Greek white wine Verdea. This island is popular among tourists who like nice beaches, shiny sea, and tasty wines.

Lefkada is another wine-making island, which is part of the Ionian islands. In fact, it is the only one that is linked to mainland Greece. Wineries here produce PGI Lefkada and wines that are made from non-native grape varieties.