Aegean Islands

This is a complex of group of islands including Cyclades, Dodecannese and north Aegean islands. Seen from a different perspective, the complex of Cyclades is not simply a paradise on earth for tourists with all these gleaming sandy beaches, the crystal-clear waters, the idyllic blue and white houses and the premium hotel resorts. These islands are also a five star destination for all wine-enthusiasts around the world seeking to taste the difference and explore unusual flavours and textures. Santorini and Paros are the most important but Tinos, Syros and Milos already provide many elements of excitement with Tinos producing some of the highest quality whites and reds of the country focused on Assyrtiko and Mavrotragano.

Dodecannese is another part of the Aegean Sea, composed of twelve islands located to the southeast corner of the Aegean Sea, close to the Turkish coast. Rhodes is the biggest and the most important in terms of viticulture and winemaking while Kos has also a small but noteworthy wine-making industry. The rest of the islands are of minor importance and their wines rarely find commercial opportunities outside the local markets. Nonetheless there are excellent innovative projects underway such as the Patoinos winery in Patmos which emphasizes on natural winemaking.

Last the North Aegean islands with their close proximity to Turkey in the north-eastern part of the great Archipelago may represent a small percentage of the total Greek wine production, nonetheless they convey a profound history and tradition in viticulture and winemaking. One of the most sought-after wines of antiquity, the famous red Pramnios Oinos was produced in the island of Ikaria, a very well known “brand” at that time. The leaders in this area are Limnos and Samos; both globally renowned for their lusciously dessert wines. Promising wines are also produced in Lesvos based in rare Chidiriotiko grape, Ikaria, Chios and Samothraki.