Among Greece’s many gastronomic wins – olive oil, feta, filo, yogurt – there is rarely a mention of wine. Yet, a renaissance is happening among Greek winemakers, many of whom are using modern vinification methods and technologies to transform the country’s 300 indigenous grape varieties into a unique range of wines.
In an effort to promote Greece’s burgeoning vineyards, London-based chef and founder of Hide restaurant, Ollie Dabbous, has worked with the country’s tourism board to produce a series of wine trails. Spread over four islands – Tinos, Mykonos, Paros, and Santorini – the trails explore the unique viticultures of each region and offer a new way to explore the Greek islands.
Greek islands wine trails
1. Tinos
T-oinos winery
Among Tinos’ whitewashed villages and craggy granite landscapes is T-oinos winery. Its founders, Alexandre Avatangelos and Gérard Margeon, created T-oinos in homage to a vineyard that had existed on that same land 6,000 years ago. Yet, the wine they have been producing ever since is distinctly modern.
The vineyard specialises in two varieties of grape – Assyrtiko, a white-skinned grape with citrus and floral notes, and Mavrotragano, a deeply flavourful grape whose name literally translates to ‘black’ and ‘crispy’. Visitors to T-oinos can sample the fruits of these varieties during a bespoke wine-tasting session. In addition, the winery offers a walking tour covering the history of winemaking on the island and a visit to its ancient wine press.
2. Mykonos
Mykonos Vioma Organic Farm & Vineyard
The famously glamourous island of Mykonos is home to some high-profile vineyards. Mykonos Vioma Organic Farm & Vineyard is a prime example. Located on the site of a former monastery, the biodynamic vineyard produces red, white, and rosé wines that can be enjoyed alongside a tasty mezze platter at the on-site restaurant.
For a more active adventure, the vineyard also offers biking tours and tzatziki-making courses.
3. Paros
Moraitis Winery
Moraitis is a fourth-generation winery known for cultivating rare varieties of grape indigenous to Paros island. Visit the winery and enjoy a tasting session in the sun of Moraitis’ red and white varieties alongside a spread of cheeses from neighbouring island Naxos.
4. Santorini
Gavalas Winery
Santorini is without doubt the crown jewel among Greek wine islands. While there is a variety of vineyards worth visiting, Gavalas Winery is considered one of the best. The vineyard has been producing wine for more than 300 years and is the only winery in Santorini that vinifies the indigenous rare varieties of Katsano and Voudomato grapes.
Tasting sessions of nine different wines can be had in the picturesque courtyard or the roof garden.
INFORMATION
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