Santo Wines, officially known as the Union of Santorini Cooperatives, was founded in 1911 as the “Santorini Vine and Wine Protection Fund” and was restructured into its current form in 1947.
It is the largest cooperative on the island, representing 1,200 local growers.
Santo Wines’ mission focuses on collective strength, quality, authenticity, and sustainable development, with the aim of preserving the island’s unique wine heritage and producing high-quality products. The cooperative is dedicated to cultivating and promoting indigenous grape varieties, including Assyrtiko, Athiri, Aidani, Mandilaria, and Mavrotragano, which are deeply rooted in Santorini’s volcanic terroir.
The Santo Wines winery, completed in 1992 in the village of Pyrgos, is built on multiple levels, utilizing gravity for the transfer of must to minimize the use of pumps and preserve wine quality.
With a production capacity of 4,000 tons, it is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities and a cellar where white, red, and sweet wines mature in oak barrels.
Cultivated grape varieties:
Assyrtiko, Athiri, Aidani, Mandilaria, Mavrotragano
Vineyard area: cooperative, representing 1,200 local growers
Characteristics:
The Santo Wines Wine Tourism Center, overlooking the Santorini caldera, welcomes over 600,000 visitors annually, offering wine tastings, guided tours, and experiences that highlight the island’s unique wine and gastronomic culture.