The Best Wine & Deli in Athens

Santo Wines

The Union of Santorini Cooperatives – Santo Wines was founded in its initial form in 1911, as “Santorini Vine & Wine Protection Fund”.

Today, it consists of the largest organization of the island representing all the cultivators and counting 1.200 active members. Santo Wines is committed to safeguarding the local traditional cultivations, producing highest quality Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) Santorini wines and food products as well as promoting sustainable agriculture development.

The traditional cultivations of the farmers-members of our cooperative, guarantee the authenticity and the premium quality of Santo products.

Santo Wines’ R&D invests in the ongoing development of cultivation and vinification techniques, while aiming at the preservation of the biodiversity through the operation of a nursery of autochthonous varieties, a solid base for study and trial cultivation of local grapes.

Plants on Santorini are not irrigated artificially and rainfall is rare on the island. Therefore, the watering comes from the natural humidity and the sea mist which is absorbed by the volcanic soil, providing the necessary hydration. This method, known as dry farming, results in a low-yield production that creates unique, flavorful and concentrated fava, tomatoes and grapes.

From sowing and pruning to harvesting, all of the work in the fields is done by hand. In areas of severe slope, the farmers have created terraces, built with lava stones, known as “pezoules” in order to provide easier access to the vineyards, to facilitate the cultivation and to maximize their capacity to absorb rain water. In the vineyards, the vintners have invented a distinct way of training the vines, called “kouloura”. The vines are kept close to the ground and are given a spiral, basket shape that anchors the grapes and protects them from the strong winds. The vineyard of Santorini,.

Pyrgos Santorini, ZIP 84701
+30 22860 22596

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