Santorini Wines at Canava Roussos
One local product you must try when you visit Greece is wine and Santorini wines should be part of that experience. While in Santorini, I had the opportunity to tour the oldest winery on the island and here’s what I discovered.
Santorini Wines
Canava Roussos was the first established winery on the island, opening for business in 1836. It had lovely, quaint vineyards and fields around it that showed off another side to the Cycladic island.
The winery, which is ocated in the village of Exo Gonia, continues to produce wines from the island’s select varieties of grapes including Assyrtiko, Athiri, Aidani, Mandilaria and Mavrathiro.
Vinsanto of Santorini
Many of the varieties Canava Roussos specializes in are white wines. So, I found myself in the right place! I especially love sweet whites. I found myself even luckier learning that the island has made a name for itself in dessert wine called vinsanto. The vineyard’s vinsanto was gorgeous, deep honey in color with tastes of fig and plum.
Small Museum of Wine History
At the winery’s little museum I also gained insight into how Santorini wines were made, the history of wine making on the island and talked to a local sommelier. I loved the grape vat foot stomping photos from the 70s. The museum also featured vintage oak wine barrels and archaic wine producing equipment used back in the day.
Canava Roussos
M. Street – Episkopi near Exo Gonia village
Santorini Travel Tips
- Best time of year to go? I say May, early June, September and October. Less crowds and good weather.
- Don’t ride the donkeys. They are often mishandled and overworked.
- If you don’t like climbing steps or have difficulties walking up and down stairs, don’t stay in the caldera towns. If you don’t mind a hike, the caldera towns are the best place to stay. The views make this destination absolutely unique.
How to Get to Santorini
International travelers can get to Santorini by plane, usually with a stop in Athens. Check Vayama for the best flight deals.
I highly recommend booking with Blue Star Ferries which leaves from the Athens port of Piraeus.
Getting Around Santorini
Santorini is a big island. It takes about an hour drive to get from the ferry port to Oia which is the furthest north.
There is a KTEL public bus, find the schedules here. You can also rent quads, motorbikes and scooters which is a fun experience on any Greek island. A car is ideal to save time and you can rent one through Avis Europe – especially to go for a day exploring.
Where to Stay in Santorini
I recommend Armeni Suites and Esperas Hotel in Oia. I have also stayed at the Sensyo Apartments in Firostefani and I recommend Grace Hotel, a luxury boutique stay in Imerovigli.
For a boutique, close-to-the beach option head to Orabel Suites, a Tresor luxury boutique property, in Perivolos. Stay tuned for a full post with reviews about these Santorini hotels.
Have you ever tried Greek wines or Santorini wines? What did you think?
