5 Greek islands for wine lovers

Viticulture in Greece is an ancient art and science, often with generation upon generation of winemakers continuing to use family or communal land to produce exquisite wines from age-old grape varieties. In Greece, wine lovers can quench their thirst for the magical combination of carefree holidays to the islands with dizzying visits to local wineries, which in most cases a destination in themselves.

These experiences are not only about tasting wines; they offer a meaningful and informative way of connecting with Greek nature, history, and culture via direct contact with people whose livelihood relies on nurturing the land and its fruits. They are also a rewarding means of discovering the meaning of Greek philoxenia, or hospitality.

Here, with the guidance of Greek wine expert Nico Manessis, author of ‘The Greek Wine Guide’ and the super-informative Greek Wine World website, we present you with the five best islands to visit and wineries to discover, where you can get a real taste of traditional winemaking culture and taste wines that are artfully made from indigenous and sometimes ancient grapes.

Crete

By far the best destination for wine aficionados, Crete has a 4,000 year tradition in winemaking that dates back to the Minoan period and today you can find around 35 wineries across the island.

Limnos

Greece’s second-best destination for wine enthusiasts, Limnos in the northern Aegean is one of Greece’s lesser-visited islands, perhaps because the trip from Lavrio port lasts for 9,5 hours and there are only around four boat trips scheduled per week.

With the Muscat of Alexandria grape as their muse, Limnos Organic Wines started operating in 2002 and its founders produce sweet white wines and rose and sparkling wines as well as a tsipouro. All their wines are made from organically grown grapes that don’t contain any chemical fertilizers, pesticides, hormones and genetically modified organisms. The winery welcomes visitors for tours of the vineyards and production areas and wine tastings.

Kefalonia

Known for its somewhat floral and citrusy Robola grape variety as well as sweeter Mavrodafni and Muscat, Kefalonia is a leading destination for wine enthusiasts. The verdant Ionian Island has a rich history in viticulture dating back to the 1500s that it honours to this day with some great labels and inviting vineyards.

Santorini

Ideally visited during springtime, late summer or autumn when the crowds have dissipated, volcanic Cycladic Santorini offers wine lovers plenty of quality options for memorable tasting experiences.

Samos

Lush Samos, the birthplace of Pythagoras and Epicurus, has a winemaking history that dates to antiquity, although in modern times its presence as a wine-producing island was re-established in the 1800s.