Santorini may be best known for its sunsets and whitewashed cliffside villages, but the island is also home to some of Greece’s best wineries. Shaped by volcanic soil and centuries of tradition, Santorini’s wines are as distinctive as its scenery. Think crisp Assyrtiko whites, sweet Vinsanto dessert wine, and bold blends that pair perfectly with the incredible caldera views. If you are wondering where to sip the best wines, this guide highlights the three best wineries in Santorini—Santo Wines, Venetsanos Winery, and Gavalas Winery—and reveals why one of them might just be the best winery in Santorini overall.
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While Santorini is one of the most beautiful islands in Greece, it is also one of the most fascinating wine regions in the world. Thanks to its nutrient-dense volcanic soil, strong winds, and hot, dry climate, the island produces wines unlike anywhere else in the world, most famously the crisp and mineral-rich Assyrtiko.
While Santorini has become synonymous with overtourism, especially in the crowded streets of Oia and Fira, the wineries offer a refreshing change of pace. Many are located in more rural villages like Megalochori, where the atmosphere feels calmer, more authentic, and far less overrun by cruise ship tourists. Instead of weaving through crowds past endless souvenir shops, you will wander through traditional streets and stone houses that showcase a quieter side of the island.
Best of all, the views from Santorini’s wineries are unbeatable. Whether you are sipping Assyrtiko on a terrace overlooking the caldera or enjoying a glass of Vinsanto surrounded by vineyards, the experience is every bit as breathtaking as the famous Santorini sunset, without the overwhelming crowds. A visit here is not only a chance to taste world-class wines, but also to see the island from a different, more authentic perspective.
If you are planning a wine tasting during your time in Santorini, you do not need to visit every vineyard on the island to experience Santorini's unique wines. Instead, select one or two from this list of three, all of which I have personally visited, for an experience that best suits you. These are the best wineries in Santorini, and while one may stand out as the best winery in Santorini overall, each offers its own unforgettable take on the island's wine scene.
Santo Wines is my favorite winery in Santorini and it is also the most popular. Often called the best winery in Santorini, the sweeping views of the caldera are nothing short of spectacular, especially at sunset. On my first trip to Santorini, back in 2021, I got to experience the sunset from Santo Wines at the end of our tasting and it was probably my favorite memory from the trip. Seeing the sky turn various shades of pastels as the sun sank into the caldera was stunning! 😍 Making Santo Wines, in my opinion, the best spot on the island to experience a peaceful sunset.
While the views are truly spectacular from Santo Wines, there is one thing that is far more important when it comes to evaluating the best wineries in Santorini and that, of course, is the wine. I am by no means a wine connoisseur or a sommelier, but I do drink a lot of wine. My preferred wine is a crisp, dry wine with delicate notes of fruit and a subtle floral undertone. A wine that is light, refreshing, and perfect for summer (i.e., a Provençal rosé). Considering the traits of my favorite wines, I really like the wines of Santorini, especially Assyrtiko.
If you are unfamiliar with the most famous grape varietal from Santorini, Assyrtiko shares a lot of the same traits of a Provençal rosé. Both wines are crisp, dry, and pair perfectly with fresh seafood. While a rosé leans delicate and fruity, Assyrtiko has a bolder personality. Assyrtiko is known for its citrus notes, fruity aroma, and distinct minerality from Santorini's volcanic soils, while still being incredibly refreshing.
The wines at Santo Wines are among my favorite in Greece. Their wine list is pretty extensive, with something for every palate. Whether you enjoy reds, whites, sparkling selections, or dessert wines, you are sure to find a wine that you will love. Even my parents, who are not big wine drinkers, love the sparkling brut at Santo Wines (which is 100% Assyrtiko). It is light, refreshing, and the perfect introduction to Santorini's volcanic wines!
My favorite wines at Santo Wines include the Assyrtiko, sparkling brut, and the sparkling rose demi-sec (which is a blend of Assyrtiko and Mandilaria grapes). I find all three of these wines refreshing, especially under the hot Greek sun.
While I do not drink many red wines (and Greece is not exactly known for its red wines), Brian is a big fan of the Kameni from Santo Wines which is made from 100% Mandilaria grapes. Mandilaria is a red grape native to Santorini and found throughout the Greek Islands. It is known for its fruit aromas, while being a medium-bodied wine like a Merlot or Pinot Noir. Brian enjoys this wine so much that he has shipped cases of it home after our last two trips to Santorini.
I would be amiss to talk about Santo Wines without mentioning Vinsanto. Exclusive to Santorini, this sweet dessert wine is made from sun-dried grapes and aged in oak barrels, giving it a rich amber color and notes of dried fruit and cinnamon. Vinsanto is typically enjoyed at the end of the meal and many restaurants in Santorini serve it; pairing particularly well with sweets, fruit, and cheeses. Every tasting at Santo Wines includes a glass of their award-winning Vinsanto. Though I typically do not gravitate toward sweet or dessert-style wines, ending an evening in Santorini with a glass of Vinsanto truly feels iconic. In my experience, the Vinsanto produced by Santo Wines is the best on the island.
The tastings at Santo Wines are the most expensive out of the three best wineries in Santorini highlighted in this post, but I think they are well worth it. The pours are generous and each flight (four, five, or six wines, depending on what you choose) is paired with local cheese and small bites that elevate the experience. Add in the sweeping views of the caldera, especially if you time your visit around sunset, and it is easy to see why this is often considered the best winery in Santorini.
Beyond the wine itself, the overall atmosphere at Santo Wines makes it one of my favorite places on the island. The terrace is spacious and stylish, with tiered seating that ensures nearly every table has a breathtaking view of the caldera. It does get busy, especially in the peak summer months of June through August, so I highly recommend making a reservation online in advance via the Santo Wines website.
The food at Santo Wines is also just as memorable as the wine. Alongside tastings, you can order from an extensive menu. I have tried a few things on the menu, all of which were excellent, but my favorite is definitely the baklava dessert with vanilla ice cream. I literally dream of this dessert! 😋
If you are limited for time in Santorini and are only looking to visit one winery, make it Santo Wines. Not only does it deliver the most unforgettable combination of views, atmosphere, and wine, but it is also one of the easiest wineries to reach. Located just outside of Fira, Santo Wines is accessible by car, taxi, and even the public bus, making it a convenient choice for visitors who do not plan on driving during their time on the island.
Located just a short drive from Santo Wines towards Megalochori, Venetsanos Winery offers a different kind of experience. As soon as you arrive, you will notice the design of the winery that sets it apart that makes it truly unique. All that is really visible from the front of Venetsanos Winery is a small building, the rest of the winery is located beneath. Since electricity on Santorini was scarce at the time of the winery's opening in 1947, the Venetsanos family designed the winery to use gravity to aid the winemaking process. The winery itself is carved into the caldera. As you walk inside, you are greeted by a collection of vintage winemaking instruments that underlie this history. Feel free to explore the little museum and learn more about the winery's legacy and its earliest days.
What stood out to me most, though, is the setting. The terrace here overlooks the caldera and the Port of Athinios. The winery feels quieter, more relaxed, and less crowded than Santo Wines. Plus, the staff here have been nothing short of wonderful on my two trips to Venetsanos Winery. It really is the perfect spot to sip a glass of Assyrtiko while taking in one of the best views on the island.
On my first trip to Venetsanos Winery in 2021, I sat through a traditional tasting. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the winery was sadly not offering tours at the time, but our server filled us in on the winery's history as we enjoyed a tasting with an incredible view of the caldera. The wine tasting consisted of five wines created from indigenous grapes and some small bites. During that first visit, none of the wines really jumped out at me as being incredible, but they were good.
However, on my most recent trip to Santorini, just about a year ago now, we skipped a formal tasting and instead just opted for a few glasses of wine. This time, I really enjoyed the wines, especially the Anagallis which is a rosé made from Assyrtiko, Aidani, and Mandilaria grapes. I also loved the Theory, which is a blend of Assyrtiko and Aidani grapes. The most incredible feature of the Theory wine though is its color: it is a vibrant, golden yellow. If my memory serves me correctly, the wine is aged in French oak barrels, which help give it its distinct color.
Brian also enjoyed Venetsanos Winery's Nykteri, which is also aged in French oak barrels, but had a little bit more of the oak flavor profile. The Nykteri is a blend of Assyrtiko, Aidani, and Athiri grapes. While Brian definitely tends to prefer red wines, he liked the white wines much better at Venetsanos Winery.
What really makes Venetsanos stand out is the overall atmosphere. The winery feels laid-back and welcoming, with a small but excellent food menu that pairs beautifully with their wines. We ordered the octopus cooked in Vinsanto, and it was absolutely divine! It was easily the best meal I had during my time in Santorini. The staff here are so warm and friendly, which only adds to the relaxed vibe.
You can make reservations for Venetsanos Winery online, ahead of your visit. They offer a few different experiences including a wine tasting with lunch, a museum tour and wine tasting, and a sunset at Venetsanos Winery experience. I would recommend making a reservation online, via the Venetsanos Winery website, if you are traveling to Santorini during the busy summer months or if you are traveling with a large group. Online reservations must be made 48-hours in advance of your visit. With that being said though, in the two times that I have visited Venetsanos Winery I was always been accommodated as a walk-in, without a reservation.
The terrace is peaceful and quiet, with sweeping views of the caldera that feel a world away from the crowds in Fira and Oia. I especially loved watching the ferries sail into the port below while sipping my wine. Venetsanos definitely feels less commercial than Santo Wines, which I appreciated, though to be honest, we do not enjoy their wines quite as much. For us, visiting Venetsanos Winery is more about the setting, the food, and the hospitality, all of which are always outstanding.
Gavalas Winery is located in the small, picturesque village of Megalochori. The village itself feels worlds away from the more developed towns of Fira and Oia. It is charming and quiet, one of the most authentic-feeling places on the island, which is a fitting backdrop for the Gavalas Winery. Either before or after you visit Gavalas Winery, I highly recommend walking through the village.
Compared to the larger wine producers on Santorini, Gavalas Winery has a rustic, yet boutique feel. It is also one of the oldest wineries in Santorini and most of their wines are limited productions. Gavalas Winery focuses primarily on Assyrtiko grapes, while also working to revive rare indigenous grape varieties such as Katsano, Voudomato, and Mavrotragano. The winery itself is small and family-run, open only from April through October.
To be completely transparent, I do not really remember much about the wines I tasted at Gavalas Winery. For me, overall, they were unremarkable and I definitely preferred the wines at Santo Wines and Venetsanos Winery. However, there is one clear exception: Gavalas Winery's Santorini wine. Their Santorini wine is made from 100% Assyrtiko and had a really nice taste of pear and citrus fruits. We liked it so much that Brian and I did actually buy a bottle of the Santorini wine to bring home with us in our checked luggage.
When I visited Gavalas Winery in September 2021, we joined a short tour along with our tasting. The tour was short, but really informative. We learned about how wine is grown in Santorini’s unique volcanic environment, with soil that’s so nutrient-dense it gives the wines their distinct character. The grapes here grow low to the ground, shaped almost like little bird nests, which protects them from the island’s strong winds and scorching sun.
Our tasting included four different wines, and it was a great introduction to both Assyrtiko and some of the rarer varieties that Gavalas Winery is helping to revive. Sitting in the courtyard felt relaxed and personal, the kind of experience that does not feel over-commercialized. One thing we still laugh about to this day was a sign posted in the tasting area that read something along the lines of: “No WiFi here...this vineyard has been around longer than WiFi, so talk to your neighbors.” It perfectly summed up the charm of the place: family-run, authentic, and focused on connection over distraction.
While Santo Wines feels sleek and modern, Gavalas Winery is far more rustic, but that is part of its charm. The picnic table seating in the courtyard feels homey and comfortable. I actually really liked the seating arrangement because it encouraged conversation and we ended up sitting alongside a couple from Chicago who were honeymooning in Santorini. The rustic feel of the venue, especially the tasting space, adds to the authenticity and charm of Gavalas Winery.
You do not need to devote an entire day to wine tasting in Santorini, though you certainly could. I have spent a full day visiting multiple wineries here, and while it was fun, I have found it is actually far more enjoyable to focus on just one or two in a single afternoon. That way, you can really relax, savor the wines, and soak in the atmosphere (and incredible views) without feeling rushed!
I also highly recommend making reservations for wine tastings in advance. While you might get away without them outside of the peak summer months, it is always best to confirm opening hours before you go. For example, Gavalas Winery is only open from April through October, and it is not uncommon for other wineries, restaurants, and shops in Santorini to operate with reduced hours during the off-season. Planning ahead ensures you will not be disappointed!
If you are visiting Santorini by cruise ship, wine tastings are still a great option! To save money, skip the overpriced shore excursions offered by cruise lines and instead look into independent wine tours or even using public transportation. We did this ourselves last September while cruising through the Greek Islands, and it was not only more affordable, but it also gave us more flexibility to enjoy the wineries at our own pace. We took the public bus from Fira to Santo Wines (more on that below) and made that our starting point. It made for a really relaxing and wonderful afternoon! Just be sure to give yourselves plenty of time to head back to the cruise port before you set sail in the evening!
Traveling to the wineries in Santorini around depends on where you are staying. Santo Wines and Venetsanos Winery are both located just outside of Fira, heading towards Megalochori, which makes them easy to reach by car, taxi, or even the public buses. There is actually a public bus stop at Santo Wines and from there, you can walk to Venetsanos Winery. The bus you will want to take is the route that runs from Fira to Perissa. Just make sure to tell the bus driver that you will be getting off at Santo Wines and remember to bring cash (bus fares in Santorini are paid exclusively with cash). The most up-to-date schedule and routes can be found on the Santorini Bus website.
Gavalas Winery, tucked away in the village of Megalochori, is a little trickier to reach. The same bus route (Fira to Perissa), stops in Megalochori, but you will have to walk from the bus stop to the winery. Parking at the winery can also be limited, but I think it is worth the effort, not only for the wine but for the chance to wander through one of Santorini’s most charming traditional villages.
If you would rather not worry about logistics, booking a Santorini wine tour is a fantastic option. Many tour providers offer half-day or full-day experiences that include stops at two or three wineries, along with guided tastings and transportation. Some of the highest-rated Santorini wine tours, available for booking through our affiliate partner, GetYourGuide, are listed below.
Below are a few quick tips that can make a visit to Santorini wine(ries) even better:
Each of the three wineries I have highlighted, Santo Wines, Venetsanos Winery, and Gavalas Winery, all offer something different, which is what makes visiting them so rewarding. Gavalas Winery is the best option if you are looking for an authentic, family-run experience in a traditional village. Venetsanos Winery wins for its history and its relaxed, peaceful atmosphere with incredible views. Santo Wines is the most polished, with its extensive wine list, full food menu, and the kind of panoramic terrace that most people imagine when they picture a Santorini wine tasting.
If you only have time for one stop, I recommend making it Santo Wines - the best winery in Santorini. Santo Wines is the easiest to reach from Fira, the tastings are generous, and the food and atmosphere are hard to beat, especially if you time your visit for sunset. It is also my favorite winery in Santorini and the one I recommend most to friends and family heading to the island! That said, if you have more flexibility in your schedule, pairing Santo Wines with either Venetsanos Winery or Gavalas Winery will give you a richer perspective on Santorini’s wine culture. No matter which you choose, visiting a winery is one of the most memorable things to do in Santorini!
For even more inspiration on planning your trip, including where to stay and what to do beyond the wineries, check out our Santorini Travel Guide.