naRhodes, Greece
Santo Wines: Where Every Sip Tells a Story
Santo Wines, nestled in the picturesque village of Pyrgos on Santorini, Greece, has been crafting exceptional wines since 1947. This cooperative of local vine growers is dedicated to showcasing Santorini’s unique terroir in every bottle.
What makes Santo Wines truly special is its vineyards, located on the volcanic soil of Santorini. This, coupled with the island’s distinct climate and strong winds, creates an environment perfect for grape cultivation, resulting in wines with unparalleled character and flavor.
Among its offerings, Santo Wines is renowned for its Assyrtiko wines, crafted from the indigenous Assyrtiko grape variety. These wines are celebrated for their crisp acidity, citrusy flavors, and mineral notes, delighting wine enthusiasts worldwide.
Apart from Assyrtiko, Santo Wines also produces other notable wines like Nykteri and Vinsanto. Nykteri, a dry white wine, blends Assyrtiko, Athiri, and Aidani grapes, while Vinsanto, a sweet dessert wine, is made from sun-dried Assyrtiko, Athiri, and Aidani grapes.
Visitors to Santo Wines are treated to guided tours of the winery, offering insights into the winemaking process. They can sample a variety of wines while soaking in the stunning views of the Aegean Sea and the Santorini caldera. The winery also boasts a restaurant serving traditional Greek dishes, making it a must-visit for food and wine enthusiasts alike.
A Taste of Island Life
Traveling to Santo Wines on Santorini is an adventure! First, you’ll need to make your way to the island. Once you’re there, getting to the winery, located in the village of Pyrgos, is easy.
- Getting to Santo Wines from Fira (the capital):
- By Car or Taxi: Renting a car or taking a taxi is super convenient. It’s just a 15–20-minute drive to Pyrgos from Fira.
- By Public Transportation: Santorini has a bus network. You can hop on a bus from Fira to Pyrgos. Be sure to check the bus schedules beforehand, as they can vary.
- Visiting Santo Wines:
- When you arrive in Pyrgos, Santo Wines awaits you at the top of the hill, treating you to stunning views of the island and the caldera.
- The winery is a popular spot, so you’ll find signs pointing you in the right direction. If you need a little extra help, the friendly locals or other tourists can guide you there.
Nestled in the charming village of Pyrgos on Santorini Island, Greece, Santo Wines stands out as a renowned winery cherished for its local vineyards. It’s also known as the Santorini Winery, highlighting its deep connection to the island’s winemaking heritage.
As a cooperative of local vine growers, Santo Wines actively preserves Santorini’s traditional winemaking methods. They warmly invite visitors to indulge in wine tastings and immersive tours, offering a delightful opportunity to explore the art of winemaking and savor a range of exquisite wines crafted on the island.
Pouring joy into every glass of Santo wines!
Savor the Spirit of Santo Wines
Taking a taxi to Santo Wines proved to be an excellent recommendation from the hotel owner, providing a convenient and reliable means for me to reach the winery and indulge in some wine tasting. Santo Wines enjoys a stellar reputation on Santorini, so I was eager to explore it.
Upon arrival, I was greeted by awe-inspiring views of the Santorini caldera and the Aegean Sea. The terrace at Santo Wines offers the ideal vantage point to soak in the island’s beauty while sampling their extensive selection of wines.
Renowned for its top-notch wines, Santo Wines particularly shines with its Assyrtiko-based whites. I had the opportunity to savor a range of wines, including some traditional varieties.
The staff at Santo Wines proved highly knowledgeable, expertly guiding me through the various wines, elucidating their distinctive traits, and offering insights into the winemaking process specific to Santorini. It was a fantastic chance to delve deeper into the local winemaking traditions and savor the island’s flavors.
My wine tasting experience at Santo Wines, as well as the rest of my time in Fira, Santorini, was thoroughly enjoyable! It was truly unforgettable to relish such exquisite wines against the backdrop of the island’s breathtaking beauty. Although I wished to prolong my stay, it was time to bid farewell to the charming winery and make my way back to the hotel. While many would have opted for a taxi, I decided to take a different, more adventurous route – I hopped on the local bus!