Santo Wines: The Must-Visit Winery in Santorini
Discover Santo Wines, one of Santorini’s most breathtaking places to watch the sunset, sip local wine, and enjoy good cuisine.
Imagine sipping on a chilled glass of crisp white wine, the bubbles glinting in the golden light of sunset. Gentle music drifts through the air, mingling with the soft hum of conversation as you take in the view - the caldera unfolding below as the Aegean Sea sweeps gracefully around the island. Welcome to Santo Wines.
Perched above the Aegean Sea, Santo Wines is one of Santorini’s most iconic wineries. Known for its award-winning Assyrtiko wines, stunning sunset views, and elegant dining, it offers the ultimate slice of Santorini.
I was fortunate enough to visit Santo Wines during a recent trip to Santorini, and it was an experience I won’t be forgetting anytime soon. So, what makes this venue so special?
Read the full Santorini travel itinerary here.
Where is Santo Wines?
Santo Wines is located in the heart of Santorini, in the lovely village of Pyrgos Kallistis. Completed in 1992, the winery boasts state-of-the-art facilities, including sleek, modern cellars and a stunning open-air terrace. Here, they offer guided wine-making tours, tasting experiences, and even hosts weddings and special events against the breathtaking backdrop of the caldera.
There’s nothing quite like the view from Santo Wines. Nestled on the edge of the caldera, it offers sweeping views across the island and the Aegean Sea - making it one of the most scenic spots to enjoy a glass of wine and soak in the beauty of Santorini.
It was at Santo Wines that I had my first glimpse of the caldera, and it surpassed all expectations. As you step out onto the open-air terrace, you’re met with an endless canvas of blue where the sea meets the horizon, interrupted only by the silhouettes of the surrounding islands.
The view from the open-terrace restaurant at Santo Wines.
Santo Wines’ terrace looks out over the beautiful Aegean Sea.
Sunset at Santo Wines
As beautiful as the views are during the day, the real magic happens at sunset. As the sun begins to dip behind the horizon, the sky transforms into a canvas of orange and pink, casting the most beautiful golden glow across the island.
I visited Santorini in early September, when the sun sets at around 7:30 pm. We booked our table for 6:30 pm, giving us plenty of time to enjoy a relaxed meal and a few drinks before watching the sun slip behind the caldera.
If you’re wondering where to catch the iconic Santorini sunset, I’d highly recommend booking a table at Santo Wines for the full experience.
The sunset view from Santo Wines.
The golden hour was beautiful during sunset.
Santo Wines Restaurant
We decided to dine at the Santo Wines restaurant and it was such a wonderful experience. We paid a little extra for a first-row table on the low-level section of the terrace, which required a minimum spend of €60 per person. If you’re looking to do something special to watch the sunset, then this is absolutely worth it.
The staff here are very attentive and friendly, making the whole experience feel personal - from recommending wines to giving you a bit of background on the caldera. You feel welcomed as soon as you step in!
Wine Tasting
Santo Wines is known for its award-winning wines, particularly those made from Santorini’s native grape varieties such as Assyrtiko, Athiri, and Aidani. Assyrtiko is Santorini’s signature white grape and is featured in many of Santo Wines’ selections, known for its crisp acidity, hints of citrus, and mineral notes.
For those curious about the wine-making process, there are guided tours through Santo Wines’ facilities, where you can learn more about the vineyard’s cultivation methods, the island’s unique volcanic soil, and how each grape variety is transformed into their award-winning wines.
It only felt right to try a wine flight, giving us the chance to sample a selection of Santo Wines’ best bottles and pair these with our food dishes. We went for the 5-wine flight which cost €44 per person.
The staff were very knowledgeable and gave a full rundown of each wine’s background and tasting notes. You also receive a tasting booklet that details each wine, its flavour profile, and even provides space for you to jot down your own tasting notes.
The wine flight was a great way to get a taste of the wine selection.
Our wine flight had the following selection of Santo Wines:
Santo Sparkling White
A beautiful sparkling white wine (this was my favourite). Made from 100% Assyrtiko grapes, it has notes of white-fleshed stone fruits, crisp green fruit, and hints of dough.
Assyrtiko
A dry white wine, made from 100% Assyrtiko grapes. Dry on the palate, with layers of citrus and stone fruits.
Assyrtiko Grande Reserve
A dry white wine, made from 100% Assyrtiko grapes. An oak-aged wine with flavours of ripe citrus fruits, sweet spices, and cedar.
Mavrotragano
A dry red wine, made from 100% Mavrotragano grapes. An oak-aged wine with notes of tobacco and vanilla.
Vinsanto
A sweet white wine, made from 85% Assyrtiko grapes and 15% Aidani grapes. An oak-aged wine, with notes of sweet spices and dried fruits (apricots and raisins).
The Vinsanto dessert wine was naturally sweet and paired beautifully with our baklava!
The Food
Santo Wines has a great food menu, featuring Mediterranean dishes made from locally-sourced produce that pair beautifully with their wines. Options range from fresh salads and seafood to hearty meat dishes and desserts.
We went for :
Feta Cheese Mousse (Extra virgin olive oil from Santorini, herb oil, sourdough bread)
Sea Bass Fillet (Kakavia sauce, potatoes, carrots, garlic aioli, lemon foam)
Linguine Alle Vongole (Clams, garlic, Santo Wines Nykteri wine)
Baklava with vanilla ice cream and sour cherry
The food was excellent and beautifully presented. Although the main dishes are a little pricey, starting from €30, the high-quality ingredients, delicious wine, and unbelievable views make it completely worth it.
The Linguine Alle Vongole was delicious - you could definitely taste the Nykteri wine!
The Sea Bass fillet was beautifully presented and came with a side of lemon foam.
The baklava was the perfect way to end a lovely meal.
A Must-Visit Santorini Experience
There’s no shortage of beautiful sunset locations in Santorini, but this definitely topped the list for me. Santo Wines delivers the full experience, combining award-winning wines, stunning caldera views, and refined dining all in one setting.
Whether you’re a wine enthusiast or simply looking for a memorable place to take in the beauty of Santorini, Santo Wines is an absolute must-visit.
Why not experience the magic for yourself?
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