Introduction: A Taste of Santorini’s Culinary and Wine Culture
Few places in the world can rival the magic of Santorini. Whitewashed houses, dramatic cliffs, and sunsets that turn the sky gold — it’s a dream come true. But the island isn’t only about the view. It’s also about the flavors. Santorini is a wine lover’s paradise, where volcanic soil and centuries of tradition shape bottles unlike any other. Pair those wines with fresh Mediterranean cuisine and you have a dining experience to remember.
If you’re looking for Santorini’s best wine pairings, this guide uncorks the secrets. From seafood to sweet treats, here’s how the island’s wines elevate every meal.
Why Santorini is a Wine Lover’s Paradise
Unique Terroir and Volcanic Soil
Santorini’s vineyards thrive in volcanic soil left behind by ancient eruptions. Rich in minerals, it gives grapes their crisp acidity and bold, earthy character. Unlike other regions, the vines grow in a basket shape called kouloura, protecting them from harsh winds and soaking up sea mist.
The History of Santorini Wines
Winemaking here goes back more than 3,500 years. The volcanic soil saved the vines from phylloxera, meaning many remain ungrafted — a rare thing in the wine world. This deep heritage gives Santorini wines both history and authenticity.
Signature Grape Varieties of Santorini
Assyrtiko – The Star of Santorini
Crisp, mineral, refreshing. Assyrtiko is the island’s most famous grape. It pairs beautifully with seafood, from grilled octopus to lobster.
Aidani – The Floral Delight
Light and floral, Aidani works well with vegetable-based dishes like Santorini’s creamy fava.
Athiri – A Subtle White Gem
Athiri brings fruity softness. It balances acidity and sweetness, making it perfect for appetizers and lighter meals.
Mandilaria & Mavrotragano – Bold Island Reds
Santorini isn’t only about whites. These reds are deep and full of character. They pair wonderfully with lamb, beef, and aged cheeses.
Best Wine Pairings for Every Fine Dish You’ll Meet in Santorini
Pairing wine with food doesn’t have to feel like homework. Forget the charts and just focus on balance. Here’s how to match what’s on your plate with what’s in your glass—without overthinking it.
Seafood & Shellfish. Stick with crisp whites like Assyrtiko. It’s basically lemon in a bottle—sharp, clean, and perfect for cutting through oily fish or buttery shellfish. You’ll never look at plain grilled octopus the same way again.
Meat Lovers. Rich, heavy meats call for bold reds. Lamb, beef, or even goat stew meet their match with Mavrotragano or Mandilaria. These wines pack enough punch to keep up with all that fat and flavor. No weak wines allowed at this table.
Dessert Pairings. Sweet on sweet is the golden rule. Don’t mess around with dry whites on dessert unless you like disappointment. Pair baklava, almond pastries, or even cheesecake with Vinsanto. The honeyed richness is pure bliss, and yes, it’s worth every calorie.
Cheese Plates. Salty, creamy, and sometimes a little funky—Greek cheeses deserve respect. Tangy feta shines with Assyrtiko, while aged graviera loves a bold red like Mandilaria. If you’re snacking on something soft and creamy, go with a floral Aidani to keep things light.
Garden Goodies. Santorini’s veggies are stars on their own. Tomatoes, zucchini, eggplant—they end up in fritters, dips, and stews. Athiri, a softer white, brings out their herbal, earthy flavors without smothering them.
Spicy Bites. Okay, Greeks don’t usually go big on heat, but if you stumble onto something with a kick, grab a fruit-forward red or an off-dry white. They’ll cool things down and keep the spice from torching your taste buds.
At the end of the day, the rule is simple: if it makes you happy, it’s the right pairing. Forget the wine snobs—you’re in Santorini, and your only job is to eat, drink, and enjoy the view.
Best Wine Pairings with Traditional Santorini Dishes
Let’s be honest—food in Santorini tastes better with wine. The island knows it, the chefs know it, and after one meal, you’ll know it too. Here’s how the locals (and smart travelers) make the most of it.
Seafood and Assyrtiko. This one’s a no-brainer. Order grilled octopus, lobster, or sea bass, and Assyrtiko will do the heavy lifting. It’s sharp, crisp, and cuts straight through all that rich, salty seafood. You’ll wonder how you ever ate fish without it.
Fava and Aidani. Fava sounds boring on paper—it’s basically mashed yellow split peas. But when you scoop up that creamy, earthy goodness with warm bread and wash it down with Aidani? Game over. The floral, light wine turns a “peasant dish” into something you’ll crave at 2 a.m.
Tomatokeftedes and Athiri. Santorini’s tomato fritters are a mess—in the best way. Crispy edges, loads of herbs, and a smack of spice. Athiri comes in to clean it up, bringing fruity balance to the chaos. It’s like the calm friend who makes sure you don’t say something stupid at dinner.
Lamb and Mandilaria. The island does lamb right—grilled, roasted, stewed—you name it. And it’s heavy. Enter Mandilaria, a red wine with enough backbone to stand up to the richness. Together, they’re basically the Greek version of steak and Cabernet. Bold, loud, and a little over the top.
Dessert and Vinsanto. Vinsanto isn’t just wine—it’s dessert in a glass. Thick, honeyed, sweet, with notes of dried fruit. Pair it with baklava or almond pastries and you’ll stop pretending you’re “too full for dessert.” Just admit defeat and enjoy it.
Fine Dining Experiences in Santorini
Many luxury restaurants on the island build their menus around wine pairings. Places like Selene, Lycabettus, and La Maison are well-known.
And then there’s Sunsets Santorini in Oia. Here, multi-course menus come alive with local wines. Imagine sipping Assyrtiko as the sun sinks into the caldera, each course perfectly paired to bring out the best of Santorini’s flavors. It’s not just dinner — it’s a front-row seat to one of the world’s most iconic views.
Boutique Wineries Worth Visiting
- Santo Wines – Famous for panoramic caldera views and wine flights.
- Venetsanos Winery – A cliffside gem with history and elegance.
- Domaine Sigalas – Known worldwide for its Assyrtiko.
- Gaia Wines – Beachfront winery offering bold volcanic reds.
Wine Tasting Tours in Santorini
Skip the fancy restaurant for a day. Go straight to the source. Wine tasting tours in Santorini show you the real deal: dusty vineyards, old vines, and wines that taste better where they’re born. Couples usually love the private tours, because nothing says romance like drinking before noon with no one else around. And then there are the sunset tastings. Yeah, they’re a bit cliché, but honestly? Watching the sun drop into the sea with a glass of Assyrtiko in your hand feels like cheating life—in the best way.
FAQs About Santorini Wine Pairings
Q1. What wine is Santorini most famous for?
Assyrtiko, a crisp, mineral-rich white.
Q2. What food pairs best with Vinsanto?
Baklava, dried fruits, or creamy desserts.
Q3. Can you find good red wines in Santorini?
Yes, Mandilaria and Mavrotragano are bold reds made for meat dishes.
Q4. Do Santorini wineries offer food pairings?
Absolutely. Many host tasting dinners where each dish matches a wine.
Q5. How long has wine been made in Santorini?
For over 3,500 years — it’s one of the oldest wine regions on earth.
Q6. Is Santorini wine expensive?
Premium bottles can be pricey, but there are excellent options for every budget.
Conclusion: Savoring Santorini’s Flavors
Santorini is more than stunning views. It’s a place where wine and food come together in unforgettable ways. From crisp Assyrtiko with seafood to sweet Vinsanto with dessert, every pairing tells the story of this volcanic island.
For a truly magical evening, consider booking a table at Sunsets Santorini. Here, the flavors of the land meet fine dining elegance — with the sunset painting the perfect backdrop. It’s the kind of memory you’ll take home long after the last glass is poured.