Island Hop Around this Winemaking Paradise
Santorini, Crete and Rhodes are popular islands in the Aegean Sea with wines worth discovering.
With an ancient history dating back to 5,000 BC, Greece's Aegean Islands are famous for producing quality wines at affordable prices. The region's sunny, dry climate and gentle breezes are ideal for growing a range of unique, indigenous grapes for crafting crisp white and sparkling wines and memorable reds.
Wines to Try
Start discovering our collection of exciting Greek wines with this curated list, or visit our Destination Greece store at 200 Danforth Ave. in Toronto to see our expanded in-store collection.
Regions to Know
From volcanic islands to high-altitude vineyards, Greece’s key wine regions have traditions dating back thousands of years, combined with an enthusiasm for experimenting with new grape varieties.
Santorini
Mythical, beautiful Santorini is among the oldest wine regions in this ancient country. The volcanic island experiences little rain with high humidity. Indigenous white grape varieties, including Athiri and Aidani, dominate here, especially Assyrtiko, which makes up more than half of the volcanic island’s production. Grapes are grown using the kouloura system, where the vine is pruned into a unique “basket” shape and kept low to the ground in a coiled wreath formation that protects it from the island’s intense summer sun and near-constant winds.
Crete
Minoans started grape production on the island of Crete some 4,000 years ago. The island’s hot Mediterranean climate means most vineyards are planted 200 metres above sea level. The red blending grape Kotsifali and the white Vilana are the most commonly grown varieties, but modern winemakers are also having success with international grapes like Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Sauvignon Blanc.
Rhodes
The largest wine-growing region within the Aegean Islands, Rhodes is best known for cultivating the ancient white Athiri grape, which thrives at higher altitudes and produces high-quality dry white wines.
Key Varietals of the Aegean Islands
Assyrtiko
Indigenous to the island of Santorini, where the vines are up to 250 years old and are trained to grow low against the ground in a unique “basket” shape, this varietal is now produced throughout Greece. You’ll discover aromas and flavours of lemon, lime, grapefruit and melon, all wrapped up in a medium body with crisp acidity.
TRY IT WITH: Chilled crab and lobster, or a ripe tomato and feta salad drizzled with good olive oil
Agiorgitiko
With fans around the world, the Agiorgitiko grape is capable of producing a wide variety of wine styles. You’ll experience raspberry, blackberry, plum, black pepper and sweet spices like cinnamon and nutmeg.
TRY IT WITH: Rack of lamb, prime rib, beef stew or grilled vegetables with crumbled feta
Savatiano
One of the most widely planted grapes in Greece, Savatiano is crafted into rich, medium-to-full-bodied wines with citrus, melon and notes with a touch of resin.
TRY IT WITH: Seafood, Mexican dishes and chicken souvlaki
