Nestled in the azure embrace of the Aegean Sea, Santorini is celebrated for its whitewashed architecture, mesmerizing sunsets, and striking volcanic landscapes. Beyond its postcard-perfect scenery, however, lies an age-old winemaking tradition that has quietly grown into one of the world's most fascinating yet lesser-known wine regions. The unique volcanic soil, combined with a traditional approach to viticulture, gives Santorini's wines—especially the indigenous Assyrtiko grape—a distinctive character and flavor profile that’s increasingly captivating wine enthusiasts worldwide.
The Volcanic Roots of Santorini's Winemaking Legacy
Santorini’s winemaking history stretches back millennia, with evidence suggesting that viticulture on the island has existed since ancient times. The island's unique terroir was born from a massive volcanic eruption around 1600 B.C., which shaped not only the island's breathtaking cliffs but also endowed the soil with mineral-rich properties. This “volcanic terroir” has become a defining feature of Santorini’s wine, lending a rare minerality and complexity to its grapes that is difficult to replicate elsewhere. The Assyrtiko grape, in particular, thrives in these conditions, producing wines that are bright, refreshing, and imbued with a distinctive earthy undertone.
Unlike other regions where the vines grow vertically, Santorini's vines are cultivated using a unique method known as "kouloura." In this practice, vines are woven into low, circular baskets close to the ground, which serves a dual purpose: the structure helps shield the grapes from the island’s strong winds and scorching sun, while conserving the soil’s precious moisture. This approach not only protects the grapes but also preserves a centuries-old tradition that locals see as part of the island’s living heritage.
The Assyrtiko Grape: A Star of Santorini
While many wine lovers are familiar with the celebrated regions of Napa and Burgundy, Santorini’s Assyrtiko grape is steadily capturing attention on the international wine scene. Known for its high acidity and mineral-driven flavor, Assyrtiko is a versatile varietal that produces both dry and sweet wines. When enjoyed as a dry wine, it delivers a crisp, refreshing experience with hints of citrus, white flowers, and an unmistakable minerality derived from the volcanic soil. Sweet Assyrtiko wines, often known as “Vinsanto,” are aged to develop a rich, honeyed profile with notes of dried fruit and spices, making them a delightful end to any meal.
Alongside Assyrtiko, other indigenous grapes like Aidani, Athiri, Mavrotragano, and Mantilaria add to the rich diversity of Santorini's wines. Each grape variety has its unique characteristics, contributing to the complexity of Santorini's vinicultural palette and making it a treasure trove for wine enthusiasts eager to discover something beyond the conventional.
The Canaves Collection: Transforming History into Luxury Hospitality
The Chaidemenos family, founders of the Canaves Collection, recognized the allure of Santorini’s winemaking heritage when they established their luxury hotel brand in the 1980s. “Canaves” in Greek means “caves,” and these natural formations carved into the volcanic rock have long been used as storage spaces for wine. The Chaidemenos family saw the potential of these historic caves in Oia and embarked on a journey to transform them into exquisite accommodations, seamlessly blending Santorini’s vinicultural past with luxury hospitality.
Since opening in 1985, the Canaves Collection has expanded to include five unique properties, each echoing a distinctive character that reflects the island's heritage and charm. From Canaves Oia Hotel, with its classic elegance, to the intimate and secluded Canaves Oia Suites, each property offers guests a luxurious escape deeply rooted in the local culture and history.
The Canaves Collection has integrated Santorini’s wine culture into its guest experiences, offering exclusive wine tastings, vineyard tours, and sommelier-led sessions designed to connect visitors with the island’s rich winemaking traditions. For the Chaidemenos family, Canaves Collection is more than a luxury brand—it’s a tribute to Santorini's historical legacy and the profound connection between its land, people, and the art of winemaking.
Exploring Santorini’s Wineries with Canaves Collection
The Canaves Collection not only offers luxurious accommodations but also invites guests to embark on a vinicultural journey through Santorini’s diverse wine offerings. Visitors can partake in wine-tasting sessions that showcase the island’s flagship varietals, including Assyrtiko, alongside lesser-known local grapes. Expert sommeliers at Canaves guide these tastings, providing insights into the region’s unique viticultural techniques, grape profiles, and food pairings that enhance the overall experience.
For those looking to deepen their appreciation of Santorini’s wine culture, the Canaves Collection team arranges private tours of renowned local wineries, such as Domaine Sigalas and Estate Argyros. At Domaine Sigalas, guests can witness the meticulous cultivation methods and sample the winery’s celebrated Assyrtiko vintages, renowned for their crisp acidity and mineral undertones. Estate Argyros, one of Santorini’s oldest and most respected wineries, offers visitors a chance to explore the ancient art of winemaking in Santorini and taste some of the island’s most refined wines.
These winery tours provide a unique, immersive experience, allowing guests to walk through the vineyards, observe the kouloura vine-training method firsthand, and gain a new perspective on the island’s vinicultural heritage. The tours also foster a sense of connection with the winemakers, who share their passion for preserving traditional methods while embracing innovation in the quest to produce exceptional wines.
Rediscovering Greece Through Wine: The Broader Appeal of Santorini's Viniculture
Santorini’s burgeoning reputation as a wine region is part of a larger movement in Greece, where a growing number of vineyards and wineries are producing high-quality wines that reflect the country’s diverse terroirs. Greek wines are increasingly being recognized on the global stage, with varietals like Assyrtiko and Xinomavro gaining attention among connoisseurs and wine critics alike.
The island’s winemaking culture also offers a fresh perspective on Greece’s tourism landscape, presenting wine tourism as a way to engage with Greek culture in a meaningful, immersive way. The unique geological and historical factors that shape Santorini’s wines distinguish them from other European wines, offering a singular expression of the island's character. For travelers seeking an authentic cultural experience, exploring Santorini’s wines is a rewarding journey into the heart of Greek heritage.
The Canaves Collection Experience: Luxury, Heritage, and Unmatched Hospitality
For over 35 years, the Canaves Collection has remained dedicated to creating luxury experiences that go beyond typical hospitality, providing guests with a sense of connection to the island’s traditions. The Chaidemenos family’s vision for Canaves was always to celebrate the distinctiveness of Santorini, merging the elegance of high-end accommodation with the charm of local culture.
In addition to the wine experiences, Canaves properties offer a range of luxury amenities, from infinity pools overlooking the caldera to spa treatments inspired by Mediterranean rituals. The combination of luxury, personalized service, and authentic cultural experiences has made Canaves Collection a standout in Santorini’s competitive hospitality landscape.
Embracing Santorini’s Unique Winemaking Heritage
Santorini, with its volcanic soil, sun-drenched vineyards, and rich history, has established itself as a destination for wine enthusiasts seeking to explore lesser-known wine regions. Through the efforts of families like the Chaidemenos and establishments like the Canaves Collection, the island's vinicultural heritage is preserved and celebrated, allowing visitors to connect deeply with the local culture. By offering an immersive wine experience, from vineyard tours to sommelier-guided tastings, the Canaves Collection ensures that Santorini’s wines—and the stories they carry—reach a global audience.
Whether you’re a seasoned oenophile or a curious traveler eager to discover the world beyond the familiar names of Napa and Bordeaux, Santorini offers an enchanting world of flavors, landscapes, and history that is waiting to be explored. The Canaves Collection stands as both a gateway and a guide to this hidden gem, blending luxury with authenticity and offering a taste of Greece that lingers long after the journey ends.
