Vineyard

The vineyard of Santorini is the oldest in Greece and has a global uniqueness due to the peculiar ecosystem created by the volcanic eruptions. The lava altered the soil in a porous soil rich in porcelain and pumice.

The terroir is of volcanic origin, with little or no organic content, poor in nutrients and in combination with the microclimate, create unique conditions for the grape growing. It is believed that the limestone binds the humidity of the atmosphere of the night and the early morning hours and act like water tank-originally saving and then watering the plant. Thus, the vines can survive in extremely dry conditions. In addition, to protect the fruit from the wind and the intense solar radiation during the summer, the plants are pruned in a special way: young vines are trimmed in a low basket shape (called kouloura).

The climate and the geological uniqueness of the island prevent the development of diseases and natural enemies of the vine. Phylloxera, for example, has failed to live in Santorini! The vineyard of Santorini constists of own roots, which keep all of their primary characteristics.

Assyrtico is the “diva” of the island, being used for both dry and sweet PDO Santorini wines (Santorini and Vinsanto), accounting for 65% to 70% of the plantings. The white grapes Athiri and Aidani cover nearly 10%, while the red grape Mandilaria has a share of 18%. Mavrotragano, another indigenous red grape, is gaining year by year.

There are 14 wineries and a lot of Canavas on the island and the majority of them are open to visitors.