Fly into Santorini for Winery Fun
Are you ready for some winery fun on a remote island? If you are, you might want to visit Santorini. Santorini is a Greek island that’s located roughly 120 miles from the mainland in the Aegean Sea, which is known for its amazingly clear turquoise waters. It’s part of the Cyclades Islands, which encompasses a total of 220 large and small islands and rocks. However, only about 33 of the Cyclades islands are inhabited. The Island of Santorini or Thera, as it was known in ancient times, is known for its beautiful white sand beaches, white and blue buildings, wonderful local wines, and exceptional hospitality. Let’s take a look at why Santorini may be your ideal island vacation for wine and relaxation.
The Greek Island of Santorini
The Greek island of Santorini is the southernmost island in the Cyclades. Santorini encompasses 35 square miles, and it has a population of 15,480. The island is best known for its volcanic caldera, which gives the island its unique, curved shape. The caldera measures 7.5 miles by 3.5 miles wide and is framed on three sides by tall cliffs that are approximately 980 feet high. Vacationers come to the island for the stunning caldera views, the archaeological sites, the beaches, and the wonderful Greek wine.
Santorini Airport (JTR)
Santorini International Airport (JTR) is a modern facility that’s positioned slightly north of Kamari. More than 30 airlines operate out of the airport, including Ryanair, Air France, Austrian Airlines, Cyprus Airways, Lufthansa, and Aegean. In addition to commercial airliners, the airport also welcomes general aviation and business aviation aircraft. However, they do ask that the general aviation and business aviation aircraft obtain a parking authorization number ahead of time.
JTR offers a host of amenities, including a lost and found, a currency exchange, a first aid station, and ATMs. Rental cars are provided by Advance, Avis Budget, Hertz/Thrifty, Sixt, and Suntime Car Rental, and shops and food are available in the departure area.
Staying in Santorini
Santorini offers plenty of accommodations. After all, in order to view the caldera, see the wineries, and experience the beaches and archeological sites, it’s recommended to stay at least four nights so that you’re not rushing through the island experiences. A few popular hotels include Altera Pars Suites, Secret View Hotel, and Enigma Suites.
Enigma Suites
Enigma Suites is loved by guests because its cliffside location offers excellent views of the caldera. The hotel has a front desk with reception, transportation to and from the airport, beauty treatments upon request, laundry service, massages, room service, jacuzzi suites, Wi-Fi, and satellite TV, and if you suddenly find yourself not feeling well, the hotel has a doctor available.
Altera Pars Suites
Altera Pars Suites is beloved by guests for its location. This hotel is closer to the local cuisine and attractions, giving guests an authentic view of the island’s culture. The hotel boasts suites with private jacuzzis, private pools, and garden areas. The hotel’s services and amenities include daily maid service, turn-down service, concierge, free parking, wine coolers, beach and pool towels, private balconies, high-speed internet, and smart TVs.
Secret View Hotel
The Secret View Hotel offers guests a unique opportunity to view the island and the sea as naturally as possible. This hotel boasts minimalist designs and a pool that looks like it’s an extension of the sea. The hotel is home to the White Rock Restaurant, which provides guests with authentic Greek cuisine. Some island favorites include fresh pita bread, tzatziki, homemade “Dolmadakia”, Greek salad, crispy fried calamari, linguine with prawns, Beef & lamb “kebab”, and Greek traditional orange pie. Of course, when you finish eating, you could work off those calories in the gym or grab a spa treatment.
Santorini Wineries
Once you’ve checked into your hotel and made yourself comfortable, you may want to start thinking about all the delicious island wines and wineries. After all, some of the oldest vineyards in the world can be found on Santorini, and as a result, it also has numerous wineries, including Domaine Sigalas, Venetsanos Winery, Artemis Karamolegos Winery, Vassaltis Vineyards, and Estate Argyros.
Domaine Sigalas
The Domaine Sigalas winery can be found on the northern part of the island in Oia. The grounds encompass more than 40 hectares, or nearly 100 acres. From those 100 acres, the winery is able to produce almost 200,000 bottles of white, red, and rosé wine each year. Some guest favorites include MM Rose, Apiliotis, Mavrotragano, Santorini, and Santorini Barrel. Domaine Sigalas also sells Domaine Sigalas Tsipouro, which is a spirit. It is 40 percent alcohol by volume and is crafted with Assyrtiko and Mavrotragano grapes.
Venetsanos Winery
Venetsanos Winery was constructed by the Venetsanos family in 1947, and it has the distinction of being the first industrial winery on Santorini Island. It was also creatively built. When construction began, electricity was not as prevalent on the island as it is today, so in order to save power and ensure steady production, the winery was built to utilize gravity. In order to do this, the family built the top of the winery first and then dug down into the ground.
Today, visitors can tour the historic parts of the winery and sample and buy the wine. A few local favorites include the Roseate, Theory, Santorini, Nykteri, and the Anagallis. If you’re looking for spectacular views of the caldera and sea while you enjoy your wine, you might visit the Main Hall Terrace.
Artemis Karamolegos Winery
The Artemis Karamolegos Winery is located at Exo Gonia. The winery was founded by Artemis Karamolegos in 2003. However, the founder of the winery started making wine for his family around 1952. Today, the winery is known for its wonderful Assyrtiko grape wines. A few local favorites include the Santorini PDO, the Terra Nera Rose, the Terra Nera Red, the Nykteri Reserve, and the Vinsanto. The winery is also home to the Aroma Avils Restaurant, which specializes in creative island cuisine and wine pairings. A few of their menu items include beef bresaola, traditional kakavia fish soup, shrimp saganaki, and fennel pies.
Vassaltis Vineyards
Vassaltis Vineyards is another beautiful and unique winery on the island. The property encompasses 4 hectares, or 9.88 acres. It was originally purchased by Yannis Valambous’s father, Vassilis Valambous. However, the land sat unused for years. It wasn’t until the 2010 Greek Financial Crisis that Yannis decided to do something with his inherited Santorini land. At that time, he decided to build a winery that crafted world-class wines. With that goal in mind, he put together an amazing winemaking team. The doors opened in 2014. Today, the winery offers guests wine experiences and the ability to purchase lunch or dinner. Their wines include PetNat, Nassitis, Santorini, Plethora, and Vinsato, among many other wonderfully crafted vintages.
Estate Argyros
Estate Argyros has been crafting wine since 1903. The vineyard encompasses more than 120 hectares, or 296.52 acres. The family, which is now in its fourth generation of winemaking, prides itself on its modern and stylish visitors’ area and its updated and modernized production facility that allows wines to be made with care as well as precision. Guest favorite wines include the Atlantis Argyros White, the Estate Argyros Vinsanto First Release, and the Estate Argyros Cuvee Monsignori Santorini. In addition to its excellent wines, this winery also offers wine tours, including the Estate Argyros Welcome and the “Taste the Real Santorini” experience. The welcome tour includes a tour of the vineyards and the ability to taste four different wines. This tour usually takes about 45 minutes. The real Santorini tour includes a tour of the vineyards and production facility. Guests can taste up to six wines, and the tour lasts about an hour and fifteen minutes. You’re sure to have a fantastic time at Estate Argyros.
Santorini offers plenty of things to do and wines to drink. Of course, while you’re visiting the wineries, don’t forget about the amazing beaches. If you’re looking for a little privacy, you might like the beaches in Oia. One of the most popular beaches in the area is Ammoudi, which is close to restaurants and cafes. If you’re looking for a family-friendly beach, you might check out Monolithos, which has playgrounds. Of course, whichever beaches, wineries, and other experiences you choose, it’s sure to be a fantastic time.
