The breathtaking beauty of the Greek island of Santorini and the view of the caldera is quite unique. What is also wonderful on a visit to Santorini is visiting one of their vineyards and seeing firsthand the amazing way that grapes are grown in the extreme weather conditions. The climate of heat and wind force the vines to hug the earth, and the round shape of a wreath. This style of trellising is called ‘Kouloura’, and are ideally suited for growing grapes in the extreme environment as it allows the grape bunches to grow inside the wreath where they are protected from the wind so they can grow to maturity. The ground is rocky dusty and barren, and some of the vines are centuries old.
The main indigenous grape variety is a white wine grape called Assyrtiko, and is the signature grape variety of Santorini. It has a high acid content and has been produced on the island since early Greek and Roman times. The wines usually taste of bright lemon and have a minerally salty note that pairs perfectly with seafood.
To the west of the island is the Venetsanos Winery, that was built in 1947, that has one of the most dramatic locations with amazing view of the caldera and utilising gravity to process the grapes to the harbour 230m below.
