Gaia Wines

The basics

Housed in a whitewashed industrial building that dates back more than a century, Gaia Wines pairs modernity with classic style, and is open to visitors throughout the warmer months of the year. Visits include a winery tour and a tasting: You can opt for Santorini whites only or add the reds grown in Gaia’s Nemea winery, plus you can sample local cheeses, too.

Some travelers visit independently, but many skip the hassle of arranging transport and join a Santorini wine tour that takes in other local wineries, perhaps culminating in a sunset wine tasting on the caldera edge.

Things to know before you go

• Gaia Wines is a great choice for travelers with a serious interest in wine; it’s also a scenic spot for wine and cheese on the beach.

• Allow up to an hour for the short winery tour and tasting, depending on which package you’ve booked.

• Gaia Wines is a popular stop during high season and it’s worth booking your tasting ahead of time.

• Santorini is a challenging destination for travelers who rely on wheelchairs and, although at sea level, this winery is no exception.

How to get there

Gaia Wines sits on Santorini’s low-lying east coast, a little over 1 mile (1.5 kilometers) north of Kamari. Buses run between Fira and Kamari most of the year and Santorini also has taxis, plus a handful of expensive Ubers. Many travelers find it easier to join a tour than deal with the hassle of parking on Santorini.

When to get there

The winery is open to visitors between April and October, from 12–8pm daily. Many travelers visit earlier in the day and finish their wine tasting tour on the sunset side of the island.

What makes Santorini’s wines unique

Santorini’s wine-making culture is exceptional in three main ways. Firstly, the volcanic soil and arid, windy conditions mean that growers prune and train the vines into a kouloura (basket) shape: Inside their woven nests, grapes grow sheltered from sharp sand and harsh weather. Secondly, the island is home to several unique indigenous wine varietals, most famously crisp, citrussy, minerally assyrtiko. Thirdly, Santorini’s vines are immune to the phylloxera bug, which devastated European wineries in the 19th century, so provide a window into older styles of wine.