Santorini and Mykonos may be the stars of Greek tourism, but when it comes to wine and spirits, Greece has hidden gems waiting to be explored by you. From ancient vineyards and indigenous grapes to centuries-old distillation traditions, these three islands offer a deeper, more authentic wine experience. One that blends history, culture, and bold flavours in every sip. The perfect experience for wine and spirits lovers.
3 Islands for Wine & Spirits Lovers
1. Samos – The Sweet Wine Legacy That Conquered the World
Samos, an island in the northeastern Aegean, has a wine tradition dating back thousands of years. Its claim to fame? Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains, the small, fragrant grape responsible for some of the world’s most celebrated sweet wines. The island’s steep, sun-drenched terraces, combined with volcanic soils, create the perfect conditions for this variety, resulting in wines with an unmistakable honeyed aroma and rich complexity.
What to try:
Samos Vin Doux: This golden, nectar-like wine is one of Greece’s most famous PDO (Protected Designation of Origin) wines, balancing sweetness with crisp acidity.
Samos Anthemis: Aged in oak barrels for five years, this version takes on deeper notes of toffee, dried apricots, and roasted nuts.
Dry Muscat Wines: While Samos is known for sweet wines, some winemakers are now experimenting with dry expressions, revealing a new side to the grape with flavours of citrus, white flowers, and minerality.
Where to Go
Union of Vinicultural Cooperatives of Samos (EOSS): Established in 1934, this cooperative has preserved the island’s winemaking traditions. Their museum and tasting rooms in Malagari are the best places to dive into the history of Samos Muscat.
Nopera Winery: A boutique winery producing natural, organic, and biodynamic Muscats, showcasing the island’s lesser-known dry and experimental styles.
2. Tinos – Greece’s Emerging Wine Frontier
Tinos may not be on every wine lover’s radar—yet. But this rugged, wind-swept Cycladic island is home to some of Greece’s most innovative winemakers, pushing the boundaries of natural, terroir-driven wines. With granite-rich soil, intense Meltemi winds, and high-altitude vineyards, Tinos produces structured, mineral-rich wines that rival those of Santorini.
What to try:
T-OINOS Clos Stegasta Assyrtiko: A bold, textured take on the famous Santorini grape, with a distinctive salty minerality and citrus burst.
Mavrotragano: Once nearly extinct, this deep red wine offers flavours of black cherries, spice, and earth, reminiscent of a refined Syrah.
Rozaki & Potamisi: Indigenous white varieties bringing floral, peachy notes with crisp acidity.
Where to Go:
T-OINOS Winery: This pioneering estate put Tinos on the international wine map with low-intervention, organic, and biodynamic wines. Their remote vineyard, surrounded by giant granite boulders, looks like a scene from another planet.
Volacus Winery: A small but rising winery that produces limited batches of terroir-driven wines, grown in the cracks of ancient granite formations.
3. Chios – The winemaking of Mastiha and Ancient Wines
Chios is famous for one thing: Mastiha, the rare resin that grows exclusively on this island’s southern villages. But beyond this legendary liqueur, Chios is also reviving its ancient Ariousios wine tradition, which dates back to Homeric times.
What to Try:
Ariousios Red: The ancient Mediterranean once exported this deep, earthy red, made from Chiotiko Krassero and Ayiannitis grapes.
Mastiha Liqueur: Distilled from the resin of the mastic trees, this unique liqueur has notes of pine, herbs, and citrus, making it both refreshing and complex.
Ouzo of Chios: Unlike other Greek ouzos, the Chios versions often incorporate hints of mastic, giving it a slightly sweet, herbal twist.
Where to Go:
Ariousios Winery: Located in the northwestern part of the island, this estate revives the lost wines of Chios, offering an immersive experience in ancient Greek winemaking.
Stoupakis Distillery: The go-to place for authentic Mastiha and ouzo tastings, with a behind-the-scenes look at how these iconic Greek spirits are made.
Raise a Glass to Greece’s Lesser-Known Islands
If you’re a true wine and spirits aficionado, exploring Samos, Tinos, and Chios will deepen your appreciation for Greece’s diverse and ancient drinking traditions. These islands offer more than just outstanding wines and spirits—they tell a story of resilience, innovation, and centuries-old craftsmanship.
Are you interested in exploring Greece’s undiscovered wine gems? Join one of our food and drink tours and experience the country’s best flavours straight from the source.
Further Reading
3 Islands for Those Seeking Remote & Underrated Escapes
3 Islands for Seafood Lovers
