Cyclades in a Glass: 7 Must-Visit Aegean Wineries

Lina Kapetaniou | August 12th, 2024

Discover unique wines that have won global acclaim, breathtaking locations overlooking the sea, and dedicated winemakers cultivating the arid Cycladic soil.

Manalis Winery, Sikinos

Perched 400 meters above sea level, this small vineyard thrives on terraced slopes. Giorgos Manalis has spent the last 16 years reviving Sikinos’ rich winemaking tradition by cultivating dry-farmed Cycladic grape varieties using organic methods. The winery offers four different labels: white, red, rosé, and sun-dried. During your visit, you will have the opportunity to taste all these wines. After the tour, enjoy a meal at the Strofylia restaurant within the winery, which offers a breathtaking view of the Aegean Sea.

Info

2 km from Chora, Sikinos

Tel. (+30) 693.227.2854

Open after 18:00

Moraitis Winery, Paros

Moraitis Winery, located in Naoussa, Paros, has been in operation since 1910 and is now run by the fourth generation of the Moraitis family. The beautifully renovated stone-built winery houses a small collection of old winemaking equipment and photographs that chronicle the winery’s history. Your visit will include a walk through the vineyards, a tour of the cellar, and, of course, a sample of their delicious wines.

Info

Naoussa, Paros

Tel. (+30) 22840.513.50

Mon-Sat 11:00-20:00, reservation recommended

Hatzidakis Winery, Santorini

In 1997, the late Haridimos Hatzidakis and Konstantina Chrysou revived an old family vineyard in the village of Pyrgos Kallistis, which had been uncultivated since 1956. This was Santorini’s first organically cultivated vineyard, a practice that has since been adopted for all the winery’s vineyards. The winery specializes in Assyrtiko, with “Nykteri,” a 100% Assyrtiko wine, being a particular standout. The tour begins in the underground winemaking area and continues to the cave, where the wines are aged in barrels.

Info

Pyrgos Kallistis, Santorini

Tel. (+30) 698.110.7180

Open Tue-Sat 10:00-16:00

T-Oinos Winery, Tinos

T-Oinos Winery specializes in two major Cycladic grape varietals that are well suited to the island’s dry topography and windy microclimate: Assyrtiko, known for its drought resistance due to its deep roots, and Mavrotragano, which produces velvety, soft-textured red wines. During your visit, you can sample these exceptional wines at the winery near the village of Falatados.

Info

Agios Dimitrios, Falatados, Tinos, Tel. (+30) 22830.411.20

Open daily 08:00-20:00 by appointment.

Hatzakis Syros Winery, Syros

In 2011, oenologist Nikos Hatzakis revived Syros’ long winemaking tradition in Apano Meria, on the island’s northern side. This region has a rich history of viticulture, with locals historically planting vineyards on terraces to produce homemade wines. The winery produces an outstanding Assyrtiko named “San ta Maratha,” inspired by the wild fennel that grows abundantly on the island.

Info

Ai Michalis, Syros

Tel. (+30) 694.630.2920, visits by appointment only.

Chrysoloras Winery, Serifos

© Angelos Giotopoulos

Sigalas Estate, Santorini

Sigalas Estate has won numerous awards for its wines, which have been produced since 1991. The estate’s primary grape variety is Assyrtiko, but it also grows Mavrotragano, Aidani, Athiri, and Mandilaria. During your visit, you can have a wine tasting accompanied with delicious dishes cooked by the winery’s chef.

Info

Baxes, Oia, Santorini

Tel. (+30) 22860.716.44, is open daily from 11:00-21:00, and reservations are required.

Chrysoloras Winery, Serifos

Christos Chrysoloras cultivates his organic vineyards on the rugged terrain of Serifos’ northern side. The vineyards are dry-farmed and terraced, producing grapes with minimal intervention. The steep slopes make it impossible to use machinery, so all work is done by hand. Primarily Cycladic grape varieties are grown here, including the local Serifiotiko. These grapes are sun-dried for 18 days, producing a richly flavored wine that pairs perfectly with desserts. This local variety also produces orange wine, while other labels include rosé and white blends. During your visit, you will tour the winemaking facilities and sample the winery’s offerings.