Santo Wines sits on the caldera rim near Pyrgos with a terrace view that makes it impossible to focus on what's in your glass. It's the island's most-visited winery -- a cooperative representing 1,200 local growers -- and the easiest introduction to Santorini's volcanic wines.
In this guide
Founded in 1911, Santo Wines is the commercial face of Santorini's wine industry. The cooperative produces wines from grapes grown across the island, with Assyrtiko as the flagship variety. The modern tasting room and clifftop terrace have made it one of the most photographed spots on the island, which is both its strength and its weakness -- you come for the view and the wine, but you share both with a lot of other people.
Is it the best winery on Santorini? That's debatable. Is it the most accessible, best-located, and easiest to visit? Absolutely.
What Do You Get?
The standard wine tasting includes a flight of 4 wines paired with snack plates -- typically local cheeses, bread, and accompaniments that showcase what Santo calls the "Trilogy of Santorini land" (wine, tomato, fava).
The Wines
Santo Wines focuses on the varieties that grow in Santorini's volcanic soil:
- Assyrtiko -- The island's star grape. Dry, mineral, high acidity, pairs brilliantly with seafood. This is what you're here to taste.
- Nykteri -- A barrel-aged Assyrtiko with more body and complexity. The name means "working through the night" -- traditionally, grapes were harvested at night to avoid the heat.
- Vinsanto -- Not a typo for "vin santo" (the Italian dessert wine) but Santorini's own sweet wine, made from sun-dried Assyrtiko grapes. Rich, honeyed, intense. The best versions are aged for years.
- Athiri and Aidani -- Supporting white varieties, lighter and more aromatic than Assyrtiko.
Visitor opinions on the wine quality are mixed. Some find the tasting impressive; others feel the wines don't match what smaller, boutique wineries on the island offer. The consensus seems to be: Santo Wines is a very good introduction, but serious wine enthusiasts should also visit places like Hatzidakis, Gavalas, or Sigalas for a deeper experience.
The Terrace
Let's be honest: many people come for the view more than the wine. The terrace faces west across the caldera, with tiered seating cut into the clifftop. On a clear day you can see Thirassia, the volcano, and the entire caldera basin. At sunset, the light is extraordinary.
There's both sun-exposed and shaded seating. In summer, arrive early if you want shade -- the terrace fills up, especially in the late afternoon as sunset approaches.
How Do You Get There?
Santo Wines is located near the village of Pyrgos, on the road between Fira and Pyrgos.
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Location | Near Pyrgos village, caldera side |
| From Fira | About 6 km (10-15 minutes by car or taxi) |
| By bus | KTEL bus to Pyrgos, then a short walk |
| By car | Free parking available at the winery |
| Opening | Year-round (check seasonal hours) |
There's no dedicated shuttle, but the location is easy to reach by taxi (about 10 EUR from Fira) or rental car. If you're combining it with a visit to Pyrgos village, the winery is a natural add-on.
What Else Is There?
Beyond the tasting room and terrace:
- Wine shop -- Bottles to take home, plus local products like canned cherry tomatoes, honey, and capers. Prices are retail -- you won't find the wines cheaper elsewhere on the island.
- Restaurant -- Mediterranean dishes paired with Santo Wines. The food-and-wine pairing menu uses cooperative products. It's a proper meal, not just tasting snacks.
- Events -- Santo Wines is a popular wedding venue. If you visit and find part of the terrace reserved for a private event, that's why.
How to Fit It Into Your Day
Santo Wines works best as part of a half-day itinerary:
Morning option:
- 10:00 -- Drive to Pyrgos village, explore the kasteli and streets
- 11:30 -- Walk or drive to Santo Wines
- 12:00 -- Wine tasting on the terrace
- 13:00 -- Lunch at the winery restaurant, or drive to Megalochori for a village taverna
Sunset option:
- 16:00 -- Arrive at Santo Wines, claim a terrace spot
- 16:30 -- Wine tasting flight
- 17:30 -- Order from the food menu
- 18:30-19:00 -- Watch the sunset from the terrace (less crowded than Oia)
The sunset option is popular. Very popular. Arrive early if you want a good seat, and consider booking a table at the restaurant if you want guaranteed seating.
What Should You Know Before Going?
- Reserve in advance in summer. The terrace is first-come-first-served for tastings, but restaurant tables should be booked ahead.
- It can feel commercial. This is a large cooperative operation, not a family winery where the owner pours your wine. If you want intimate and personal, look at smaller estates like Hatzidakis or Gavalas.
- The value perception varies. Some visitors think the tasting is excellent value; others feel it's overpriced for what you get. The view is free -- the wine is the variable.
- Sunscreen and a hat. The terrace is exposed, especially in the afternoon hours before sunset. The shade options fill up first.
- Combine with Pyrgos. The village is a 10-minute walk away and is one of the most atmospheric on the island. Don't drive straight to the winery and straight back.
- 10+ restaurants are within walking distance of the winery if you want alternatives for lunch or dinner.
How Does It Compare to Other Wineries?
| Winery | Best For | Vibe |
|---|---|---|
| Santo Wines | The view, accessibility, first introduction | Large, commercial, stunning terrace |
| Hatzidakis | Serious wine, organic production | Small, focused, wine-first |
| Gavalas | Traditional varieties, family history | Intimate, historic |
| Venetsanos | Caldera views + good wine | Restored industrial building, photogenic |
| Sigalas | High-quality Assyrtiko | Vineyard setting, production tour |
Santo Wines is the one everyone visits. The others are the ones wine people recommend. Ideally, visit Santo for the view and one smaller winery for the depth.
Santo Wines is near Pyrgos, about 6 km from Fira. Open year-round. Wine tasting with 4+ wines and snacks. The caldera terrace is the main draw -- arrive early for sunset. Combine with a visit to Pyrgos village.
Planning more adventures on the island? Browse our complete guide to the best day trips from Santorini.
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