Ask ten people “What’s the best winery to visit in Santorini?” and you’ll probably get ten different answers. That’s not because people can’t agree. It’s because there is no single “best” winery.
Santorini wineries are very different from one another but visiting them is one of the best things to do on the island. Some are famous for sunsets. Others for history. Some feel modern and stylish. Others are small, quiet, and deeply traditional. So the real question isn’t which winery is the best. It’s which winery is best for you.
This guide breaks it down by travel style, mood, and experience so you can choose the right winery for your Santorini trip.
First, a Quick Thing to Know About Santorini Wineries
Santorini is not a typical wine destination.
- Vineyards grow in volcanic soil
- Many vines are over 100–300 years old
- Most wines are made from Assyrtiko
- Vineyards are low, basket-shaped, and spread across the island
Wineries are not all clustered in one place. They’re spread out.
That’s why many travelers visit them as part of a Santorini wine tour, rather than on their own.
Now, let’s find your perfect winery.
The Best Winery in Santorini for Sunset Views
If your dream is sipping wine while watching the sun drop into the caldera, this matters.
Best for Sunset Lovers: Santo Wines
Santo Wines is often considered the ultimate sunset winery in Santorini.
Why?
- Elevated caldera location
- Wide, open terrace
- Direct sunset views
- Easy access
This is the place where wine meets drama. The sky changes colors. Glasses clink. Cameras come out.
Good to know:
It can get busy. Very busy. Especially at sunset.
Best for:
- First-time visitors
- Couples
- Sunset photos
- Big “wow” moments
The Best Winery in Santorini for Food (Lunch or Dinner)
If food matters just as much as wine, this is where the answer changes.
Best Winery for a Full Food Experience: Domaine Sigalas
Domaine Sigalas is the top choice if you’re looking for serious food at a winery.
What sets it apart:
- Award-winning winery cuisine
- Carefully designed wine-paired menus
- Strong focus on local Cycladic ingredients
- Elegant but relaxed atmosphere
In fact, Sigalas has been recognized for having the best winery cuisine in the Cyclades, making it a standout for travelers who want more than snacks.
This is not just a tasting.
It’s a proper culinary experience built around wine.
Best for:
- Food lovers
- Wine and gastronomy fans
- Travelers who want lunch or a refined dining experience
The Best Winery in Santorini for Big Groups
When visiting Santorini with a large group, finding a winery that can accommodate everyone and still provide a great experience is key. Santo Wines is the perfect choice for groups of all sizes.
What makes Santo Wines great for groups:
- Spacious venue with seating for large parties
- Panoramic views of the caldera, stunning for group photos
- Large-scale tours that still maintain a personalized feel
- Varied wine offerings to cater to diverse tastes
Santo Wines offers a wonderful setting for a group outing — whether you’re celebrating, on a corporate retreat, or just traveling with friends. The winery offers enough room for everyone to enjoy the experience together, with breathtaking views to make it even more memorable.
Best for:
- Large groups
- Corporate tours
- Celebration events (e.g., birthdays, anniversaries)
- Visitors looking for a lively and scenic experience
The Best Winery for Learning About Assyrtiko
If Assyrtiko is the reason you’re interested in Santorini wine, this is where you should go.
Best for Understanding Assyrtiko: OENOP
OENOP is not a traditional winery experience and that’s exactly why it works so well for learning.
What makes OENOP different:
- Pure focus on Assyrtiko and terroir
- Educational tasting approach
- Side-by-side comparisons
- Clear explanation of soil, altitude, and microclimates
At OENOP, tastings feel more like a guided lesson than a casual stop. You taste how Assyrtiko changes depending on vineyard location, exposure, and winemaking choices.
It’s not about labels or big names.
It’s about understanding why Assyrtiko tastes the way it does.
Best for:
- Curious wine drinkers
- Visitors who want to learn, not just sip
- People interested in terroir and precision
The Best Winery in Santorini for Modern Wine History
Not all history in Santorini is ancient. Some of it is modern — and just as important.
Best for Modern Wine History: Venetsanos Winery
Venetsanos Winery tells the story of Santorini’s wine revival after 1947.
Why it matters:
- Founded in 1947
- First industrial winery on the island
- Innovative gravity-flow design for its time
- Built into the caldera cliffs
Venetsanos represents the moment Santorini wine moved from tradition into modern production — without losing its soul.
Today, it combines:
- Historical significance
- Clean, modern presentation
- Caldera views
- Wine tastings paired with light snacks
Important note:
Venetsanos offers snacks, not full meals. The only warm dish available is traditional tomato fritters.
Best for:
- Travelers interested in modern wine history
- Visitors who want context without a museum feel
- Wine lovers who enjoy story and setting
The Quietest Winery Experience in Santorini
Not everyone visits Santorini for crowds, sunsets, or big terraces.
Some travelers want calm. Silence. Space to think. And space to taste.
Best for a Quiet, Peaceful Tasting: Gaia Wines
Gaia Wines offers one of the most tranquil wine experiences on the island.
What makes Gaia feel different:
-
Located away from busy villages
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Open, natural surroundings
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No caldera crowds
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Slow, unhurried tastings
The setting feels grounded and peaceful. You hear the wind. You see the land. You focus on the wine.
Gaia is also deeply connected to Santorini’s terroir, producing precise, elegant expressions of Assyrtiko — without noise or distraction.
This is not a “show” winery.
It’s a place to slow down and listen to the wine.
Best for:
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Travelers seeking quiet
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Wine lovers who enjoy simplicity
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Visitors who want space, not spectacle
The Best Winery for Vinsanto Lovers (with a Modern Touch)
Vinsanto deserves special attention and so does presentation.
Best for Vinsanto & Modern Style: Estate Argyros
Estate Argyros is one of the most respected wineries in Santorini, especially for Vinsanto. But what surprises many visitors is its modern style.
What makes it stand out:
- Contemporary architecture
- Clean, minimalist design
- Spacious tasting areas
- Focus on precision and quality
This is where tradition meets modern winemaking philosophy.
And when it comes to Vinsanto:
- Long aging
- Exceptional balance
- Deep concentration
- International recognition
Estate Argyros shows that Santorini wine can honor the past while looking confidently toward the future.
Best for:
- Vinsanto lovers
- Wine enthusiasts
- Visitors who appreciate modern design and structure
The Winery with the Most Wine Varieties in Santorini
If you want to taste as many different Santorini grape varieties as possible, this is the place.
Best for Variety & Indigenous Grapes: Gavalas Winery
Gavalas is one of the few wineries in Santorini that actively preserves and produces rare local grape varieties.
What makes it special:
- Wide range of wines
- Focus on indigenous grapes
- Styles you won’t find elsewhere
- Family-run, traditional approach
At Gavalas, you can taste beyond Assyrtiko and discover grapes like:
- Aidani
- Mavrotragano
- Katsano
- Voudomato
This is where Santorini’s biodiversity comes alive in the glass.
It’s not about one flagship wine.
It’s about exploring the full spectrum of what the island can produce.
Best for:
- Adventurous wine lovers
- Visitors who want variety
- Travelers curious about rare Greek grapes
Why Many Travelers Choose a Wine Tour Instead
Santorini wineries are spread across the island, public transport is limited and taxis are often expensive.
Driving after wine tasting is not ideal as being safe is always a priority. That’s why many visitors choose a Santorini wine tour.
A good tour:
- Matches wineries to your interests
- Handles transport
- Explains wine in simple language
- Saves time
- Reduces stress
Providers like Wineland Tours focus on curated experiences rather than rushing from place to place which makes a real difference.
The best winery in Santorini isn’t a place. It’s a feeling. It’s the moment when the wine, the view, the story, and the people all click. And that moment looks different for everyone.
FAQ
Can I visit Santorini wineries without a tour?
Yes, but wineries are spread out. Many travelers prefer wine tours for convenience and safety.
How many wineries should I visit in one day?
Most visitors enjoy visiting 2–3 wineries in a single day for a relaxed experience.
Do Santorini wineries require reservations?
Yes. Most Santorini wineries require advance reservations, especially during high season (May–October). Walk-ins are limited and often unavailable during busy hours or sunset slots.
What is the best time of year to visit wineries in Santorini?
The best months are April–June and September–October. The weather is pleasant, vineyards are active, and wineries are less crowded than in peak summer.
Are Santorini wine tastings suitable for beginners?
Yes. Most wineries offer guided tastings designed for beginners, explaining wines in simple terms and focusing on enjoyment rather than technical knowledge.
