Wine has been produced in Santorini since ancient times, and being one of the only wine regions to escape the grape phylloxera makes Santorini the oldest wine region in the world. We tasted plenty of wine during our trip to Santorini and visited more than half of the wineries on the island! (Okay, so there are only 9 remaining wineries of the once more than 40.) We’ll tell you more about some of the wineries, including the more than 300 year old family run Gavalas and a bit more modern wineries like Boutari and Sigalas, over the next few Wine Wednesdays (so be sure to subscribe!), but today we wanted to kick off our Santorini series with what I think is the best place to view the famous golden Santorini sunset: Santo Wines Winery.
Take in a Santorini sunset from the terrace of Santo Wines Winery
Most visitors to the island rush to Oia, sitting on the far north end of the island, for sunset. But situated high on the cliff on the outskirts of the Pyrgos village, Santo Wines Winery is practically in the very center of the island and has an amazing terrace with a perfect view of the caldera. The caldera, mostly now submerged, is the part of the island that collapsed and left just a few smaller islands dotting the horizon.
Santorini Assyrtiko is the most common grape and wine on the island and we ordered a glass each to take to a table as we prepared to watch the flaming orange ball dip into the sea. Santorini’s wines are generally very dry, just like the island’s climate, and need food to lessen their bite. Santorini Assyrtiko though is nice and light, perfect for sipping while sitting to watch the world famous sunset. It’s a well-balanced wine with a crisp acidity and long finish.
Santorini receives just 30 days of rain each year; it hasn’t rained since April and it won’t again until November. There isn’t a cloud in the sky and the dust that creates a halo of haze when the sun is high in the sky, now shoots little prisms of fireworks as the sinking orange ball illuminates in fiery shades of orange and pink. The white buildings dotting the cliffs edge turn golden and the hustle and bustle of the tiny island seems to stand still for a few moments in time each evening.
Any local will know the time of sunset, but just in case, you can check the sunset times here.
Val Dawson says
My best friend is about to go to Santorini on her honeymoon…I sent her this article! Such a beautiful place…
Jdomb's Travels says
What a fantastic place to spend a honeymoon! Tell her to stay tuned – we have a lot more coming up on Santorini!
Heather says
Gorgeous! If only we’d known about this place when we were in Santorini!! We visited one winery on the island and were incredibly disappointed. It was a ramshackle place, with just a single staff member who was very rude. The taxi driver who took us there also ripped us off outrageously. Fortunately every place else on the island made up for that misadventure!
Jennifer Dombrowski says
Well that’s a total bummer! All of the wineries we visited were great and overall friendly. We basically stayed completely off the tourist path, so much of what we did you needed to go with an organized tour or have a car and very good directions to find.
noel says
Santorini, I remember spending a whole month bartending during college, wow, I loved this island. And yes, the sunsets there are amazing to see from any of the locations facing the caldera.
Jennifer Dombrowski says
It would be amazing to spend a month there! I enjoy Santorini but I’d also ferry around to check out more of the not-so-touristy islands.
Genevieve Frew says
OK, I'm convinced. Look forward to returning and trying out the spot to watch the sunset, wine in hand…
Mark McCann says
Had a cocktail session at Oia once, paid with a credit card, only to stare in disbelief at the statement when I got back. It was right though – just had a memory lapse!
Jdomb's Travels says
It's basically off the tourist path, Genevieve, so you'll really enjoy sunset there!
Jdomb's Travels says
Mark McCann Oia is indeed one of the more expensive spots on the island. No need to cringe at the prices at Santo Wines Winery though.
angela says
I just signed to get your newsletter. I also enjoy you facebook page! Have a great week!
Jennifer Dombrowski says
Thanks so much, Angela! We always enjoy getting feedback.