Hatzidakis Winery Santorini
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Hatzidakis Winery Santorini

4.8
·167 reviews·, Greece

Discover Santorini's volcanic wines in an authentic cave cellar, steeped in family history and tradition. A truly unique tasting experience.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Late afternoon

Cooler temps, relaxed vibe

CrowdMedium
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Hatzidakis Winery Santorini

Hatzidakis Winery Santorini

Best Time

Late afternoon

Cooler temps, relaxed vibe

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Discover Santorini's volcanic wines in an authentic cave cellar, steeped in family history and tradition. A truly unique tasting experience.

4.8
(167 reviews)

"The most amazing experience you can get for a wine tasting in Santorini."

Vertical photo
TIP

🚗 Plan Your Transport

Winery is walkable from Pyrgos, but roads are busy. Consider a car service or taxi for ease. :car:

🍷 Book Your Tasting

Essential for securing a spot, especially during peak season. Offers a personalized experience. :ticket:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Authentic Cave Cellar

The Authentic Cave Cellar

Underground tasting rooms

Step into a cool, subterranean world showcasing traditional Santorini winemaking methods. A truly unique atmosphere.

Expert-Led Wine Tours

Expert-Led Wine Tours

Winery grounds and cellar

Learn about the Hatzidakis family's deep history, winemaking process, and volcanic terroir from passionate guides.

Exceptional Santorini Wines

Exceptional Santorini Wines

Tasting bar

Sample unique Assyrtiko, Nykteri, and the renowned sweet Vinsanto, showcasing the island's volcanic minerality.

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Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Cave Winery Experience

Hatzidakis Winery offers a unique cave setting, a departure from more modern wineries. Embrace the authentic, subterranean atmosphere for a truly memorable tasting. It's a bit off the beaten path, so plan your transport accordingly.

Book Your Tasting in Advance

While not as overwhelmingly touristy as some, Hatzidakis Winery is highly recommended. Booking your tasting, especially during peak season, is wise to secure your spot and ensure a personalized experience with their knowledgeable staff.

Best Times

When
Late afternoon
Why
Cooler temps, relaxed vibe
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekdays
Why
Fewer crowds, more personal
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

steal my greece itinerary (great for a first trip) 📝🇬🇷 i know a lot of you guys are planning your euro summer trips, so here are some of my recommendations and itinerary tips if you’re headed to greece 💌 #greecetravel #greeceitinerary #greekislandhopping #greecetips #blackgirltravel #santorini #athens #paros #naxos #greeksummer
@missaudreyfrench
49.5K likes • 623.5K views

🚗 Plan Your Transport

Winery is walkable from Pyrgos, but roads are busy. Consider a car service or taxi for ease. :car:

🍷 Book Your Tasting

Essential for securing a spot, especially during peak season. Offers a personalized experience. :ticket:

Santorini tips! #greekisland #santorini #oiasantorini
@thelittlebasketco
36K likes • 979.5K views
His legacy. Following the passing of Mr. Hatzidakis, his family has been dedicated to continuing his legacy at the Hatzidakis winery in Santorini. They have been committed to maintaining the traditional winemaking methods that Mr. Hatzidakis was known for, which involve using only indigenous grape varieties and practicing organic farming. The family has also been focused on preserving the unique t...
santorini_local_guides
111 likes • 2.4K views

🍇 Sample the Vinsanto

Don't miss the sweet dessert wine, a Santorini specialty. Rich and concentrated. :wine_glass:

🚶‍♀️ Explore Pyrgos Village

Combine your visit with a stroll through the charming, less crowded village of Pyrgos. :villageredsquare:

Beneath the volcanic cliffs of Santorini lies one of the most distinctive wine cellars in Greece. Founded in 1997, Hatzidakis Winery is located in a cave with stunning vineyard views overlooking the Aegean Sea! The volcanic soil here isn’t just for show—it’s the foundation of the island’s fiercely mineral, high acid Assyrtiko. Following a winding tour through the caves to see the winemaking...
attorneysomm
773 likes • 10.1K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🚗 Plan Your Transport

Winery is walkable from Pyrgos, but roads are busy. Consider a car service or taxi for ease. :car:

🍷 Book Your Tasting

Essential for securing a spot, especially during peak season. Offers a personalized experience. :ticket:

🍇 Sample the Vinsanto

Don't miss the sweet dessert wine, a Santorini specialty. Rich and concentrated. :wine_glass:

🚶‍♀️ Explore Pyrgos Village

Combine your visit with a stroll through the charming, less crowded village of Pyrgos. :villageredsquare:

💰 Tasting Options

Choose from smaller pours with snacks or a more extensive 10-wine tasting experience. :euro:

What Travellers Say

4.8
(167 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors rave about Hatzidakis Winery's authentic cave cellar, knowledgeable staff, and exceptional wines, particularly the unique Assyrtiko and Vinsanto. The family's history and passion shine through, making for a deeply personal and memorable tasting experience. While it requires a bit more effort to reach than some other spots, the unique atmosphere and quality of the wine make it highly worthwhile.

"Literally off the beaten path, this winery is nestled into the side of the mountain just below the beautiful Pyrgos village. Walkable from Pyrgos, the roads get busy during season so use caution or call a car service if you aren’t driving. Otherwise, some parking is available down the winding path to the entrance.
The story and staff are amazing. With deep history and commitment to family and environment we highly recommend a visit to this winery. In the region, this one is incredibly unique.
The smaller tasting was very nice. We sampled four different wines. They’re small tasting pours so most will be able to drive after. Served with cheese and bread. The larger tasting is 10 wines and was 150€ at the time."

Jason Botts

"Shout out to the sommelier of Rita bar who sent me here!

Fantastic tour with a young oinologist Anna.
She was very thoughtful, knowledgeable. She did a fantastic job of telling me the story of the winery as well as their wine making process: vine cultivation, pressing, fermentation, bottling, testing in their cool lab!

Too much to share in a post like this!

It's a peaceful cellar.

It was started by Haridamos Hatzidakis and Konstantina Chrisou. They were the first to produce a 100% red from Mavrotragano.

I highly recommend you do the tour and learn about the family behind the operation. Anna's amazing story telling was very touching.

Two options: one hour and three hours.

Anna's pacing was great, both during the tour and during the tasting. She did a great job at giving me space during the tasting."

Demba Ba

"The most amazing experience you can get for a wine tasting in Santorini. It goes without saying that the wines are some of the most unique you will ever taste, in an incredible setting, but what really makes the experience special is the level of hospitality, knowledge and genuine passion that you receive from the whole team. Class act and I would do it all over again! Bravo team and thank you again for a very special experience."

Leonardo Vasileiou

What People Like

Authentic cave winery feel
Passionate and knowledgeable staff
Exceptional volcanic wines

What People Dislike

Can be tricky to access
Higher tasting prices for extensive options

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Hatzidakis Winery is located near Pyrgos village. You can reach it by taxi or rental car. Some visitors mention it's walkable from Pyrgos, but advise caution on busy roads during peak season.Reddit Consider booking a car service for a stress-free journey.TikTok

Public buses on Santorini primarily serve the main towns like Fira and Oia. While you might be able to get close to Pyrgos, direct bus routes to the winery itself are limited. It's best to arrange private transport or a taxi.

Yes, it's possible to walk from Pyrgos village to Hatzidakis Winery, as mentioned by visitors.Reddit However, be mindful of traffic, especially during the busy tourist season. The roads can be narrow and winding.

Limited parking is available down the winding path leading to the winery entrance. If you're driving, arrive a bit early to secure a spot, or have a backup plan like a taxi service.

If you don't have your own transport, pre-booking a taxi or car service for your return trip is highly recommended, especially if you've been tasting wine. This ensures a smooth departure.

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

It is highly recommended to book your wine tasting in advance, especially during the busy tourist season, to guarantee your spot and ensure a personalized experience.Reddit

Opening hours can vary seasonally. It's best to check their official website or contact them directly for the most up-to-date information on their operating hours and tasting availability.

Tasting prices vary depending on the package. A smaller tasting with cheese and bread is available, while a more extensive 10-wine tasting was priced around 150€ at one point.Reddit Check their website for current pricing.

Yes, Hatzidakis Winery typically offers different tasting experiences, including smaller pours with accompaniments and more comprehensive tours with a larger selection of wines.Reddit

Absolutely! Visitors often purchase bottles of their favorite wines directly from the winery to take home, especially the unique volcanic wines and Vinsanto.Reddit

🎫 🍇 Wine & Tasting Experience

Hatzidakis is renowned for its high-quality Assyrtiko, a crisp white wine that thrives in Santorini's volcanic soil. They also produce Nykteri, a richer white wine, and their highly acclaimed sweet Vinsanto, made from sun-dried grapes.Reddit

Santorini wines, particularly those made from Assyrtiko, are known for their distinctive minerality, crisp acidity, and complex flavors, all attributed to the island's unique volcanic soil and arid climate.Reddit

Hatzidakis Vinsanto is a sweet dessert wine made from 80% Assyrtiko and 20% Aidani grapes, which are dried for 10-15 days to concentrate their sugars. It's aged in barrels, resulting in a rich, complex flavor profile.Reddit

The tasting pours are generally small, and many visitors are able to drive afterwards.Reddit However, if you plan on indulging in a larger tasting or multiple glasses, it's always safer to arrange alternative transportation.

Tastings often include local accompaniments such as cheese and bread, enhancing the wine-drinking experience. Some packages may offer more substantial pairings.

📸 📸 Photography

The unique cave cellar provides a dramatic backdrop for photos. The surrounding landscape and the winery's rustic charm also offer picturesque opportunities, especially if you visit Pyrgos village nearby.TikTok

Late afternoon offers softer light, which can be ideal for photography. The golden hour before sunset can cast a beautiful glow on the winery and the surrounding landscape.

Generally, yes, but always be respectful of other guests and the staff. The atmospheric cave setting is a highlight for many visitors and a great spot for unique shots.

The entrance to the cave cellar, the tasting bar area, and any scenic viewpoints around the winery or nearby Pyrgos village are excellent for capturing memorable photos.

A smartphone with good low-light capabilities is sufficient for most visitors. If you have a DSLR or mirrorless camera, you can capture more detail, especially in the dimly lit cellar.

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

While Hatzidakis Winery is primarily an adult-focused wine destination, families can still enjoy a visit. The unique cave cellar offers a cool, intriguing environment that might capture a child's imagination. The walk from Pyrgos village can be an adventure in itself, with plenty of interesting sights along the way. Consider booking a shorter tasting option and ensure children are supervised, especially around the tasting areas and on the winery grounds. The surrounding Pyrgos village offers more open spaces for kids to explore.

💰 Budget Travelers

Hatzidakis Winery offers different tasting tiers, allowing for flexibility. Opting for a smaller tasting with cheese and bread can be a more budget-friendly way to experience their wines compared to the extensive 10-wine tasting.Reddit While Santorini itself can be expensive, especially for food and drinks in prime locations,TikTok focusing on winery visits like Hatzidakis can offer good value for a unique experience. Consider packing snacks or a light picnic to enjoy before or after your tasting to save on additional food costs.

🍷 Wine Enthusiasts

For serious wine lovers, Hatzidakis Winery is a must-visit. Their commitment to indigenous varietals, particularly Assyrtiko, and their mastery of traditional techniques like Vinsanto production, are exceptional. The opportunity to taste wines that so clearly express Santorini's volcanic terroir, guided by knowledgeable staff, is unparalleled. Don't miss the chance to try their Nykteri and explore the unique aging potential of their wines. This is a destination that offers depth and authenticity for the discerning palate.Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Hatzidakis Family Legacy

Hatzidakis Winery is more than just a place to taste wine; it's a testament to a family's dedication to viticulture on Santorini. Founded by Haridamos Hatzidakis and Konstantina Chrisou, the winery is deeply rooted in the island's traditions. They were pioneers, notably being the first to produce a 100% red wine from the indigenous Mavrotragano grape.Reddit This commitment to preserving and innovating with local varietals is a cornerstone of their philosophy.

Visitors often highlight the passionate storytelling of the staff, particularly guides like Anna, who share the family's history, their deep connection to the volcanic terroir, and the intricate winemaking process. This narrative adds a profound layer to the tasting experience, making it feel personal and authentic. The winery's unique cave setting further emphasizes this connection to the land and its history, offering a glimpse into traditional Santorini winemaking methods.Reddit

The Hatzidakis family's approach emphasizes sustainability and respect for the environment, which is reflected in their vineyard management and winemaking techniques. This dedication to quality and heritage has earned them a reputation for producing some of the most exceptional wines on the island, making a visit a must for any wine enthusiast exploring Santorini.

Exploring Santorini's Volcanic Wines

Santorini's wines are intrinsically linked to its dramatic volcanic landscape. The island's soil, rich in pumice, lava, and ash, imparts a unique minerality and character to the grapes, most famously Assyrtiko. This indigenous white grape variety thrives in the arid, windy conditions, producing wines with high acidity, a crisp texture, and complex flavor profiles that can range from citrusy and saline to subtly smoky.

Hatzidakis Winery excels at showcasing these volcanic characteristics. Their Assyrtiko wines are a prime example, offering a pure expression of the island's terroir. Beyond Assyrtiko, they also produce Nykteri, a richer white wine often aged in oak, and their celebrated Vinsanto, a sweet dessert wine made from sun-dried grapes. The Vinsanto, in particular, is a testament to the concentrated flavors that can be achieved through traditional drying methods, resulting in a wine with notes of dried fruit, honey, and a lingering sweetness.Reddit

For visitors, tasting these wines at Hatzidakis offers a direct connection to Santorini's unique environment. The cool, subterranean cellar provides an atmospheric setting to appreciate how the volcanic soil and climate influence the final product. It's an educational and sensory journey that deepens the understanding and appreciation of Greek wines, particularly those from this distinctive Aegean island.

Beyond Oia: Discovering Pyrgos

While Oia and Fira often dominate Santorini's tourist narrative, exploring other villages offers a more authentic experience. Pyrgos, located inland and at the island's highest point, provides a captivating alternative. It's a beautifully preserved medieval village with a Venetian castle at its summit, offering panoramic views of the entire island, including the caldera and surrounding vineyards.TikTok

Pyrgos retains a traditional charm that many visitors seek. Its labyrinthine alleys, whitewashed houses, and blue-domed churches create a picturesque setting that feels less crowded and more serene than the bustling coastal towns. Wandering through Pyrgos allows for a more relaxed pace, with opportunities to discover local artisan shops, charming cafes, and quiet squares. It's a place where you can truly soak in the local atmosphere without the overwhelming throngs of tourists.TikTok+1

Hatzidakis Winery is conveniently located near Pyrgos, making it easy to combine a visit to the village with a wine tasting. This pairing offers a well-rounded experience of Santorini, showcasing both its rich viticultural heritage and its traditional village life. Exploring Pyrgos first can set a wonderful tone for the rest of your day, offering a glimpse into the island's soul before heading to the winery.

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