Things to do at the Santorini wineries

Santorini's vineyards are a destination in their own right, not a stop between beaches. The island grows vines with no irrigation at all: Assyrtiko, Aidani and Athiri whites, plus Mandilaria and Mavrotragano reds, live on night-time dew and are trained low in coiled kouloura baskets that shield the grapes from wind.

Assyrtiko is the signature pour, dry and mineral despite the heat; Vinsanto is the sweet, oak-aged wine made from sun-dried grapes worth carrying home, and Nykteri is a dry white traditionally vinified overnight.

Domaines worth building a route around include Santo Wines, Venetsanos, Gavalas and Domaine Sigalas, each open for tastings most of the year, generally from spring through autumn. Harvest itself comes early, often from late July.