Santorini 2026: Harvest could fall by another 30% as growers and wineries move towards self-regulation
Santorini’s 2026 crop could fall to just over 300 tonnes, another historic low. Markos Kafouros, president of Santo Wines, discusses the causes, the regeneration plan and moves towards industry-led self-regulation.
By Yiannis Karakasis MW
Santorini is heading into an even smaller harvest. Picking of Assyrtiko is likely to begin just after 15 August, around four days later than in 2025. Early estimates point to a 2026 crop of just over 300 tonnes, down from roughly 450 tonnes last year, which was already the lowest figure on record. If confirmed, this would mean another fall of up to 30%.
The reasons lie in last year’s drought, an unusually warm winter and the severe windstorms that hit the island in spring. Together, they have placed further pressure on a vineyard that has already lost a significant share of its productive capacity.
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