Collectiveness, Quality, Authenticity, Sustainability

 

The Union of Santorini Cooperatives, Santo Wines was founded in 1947. Today, it consists of the largest organization of the island representing all the cultivators and counting 1.200 active members. Santo Wines is committed to safeguarding the local traditional cultivations , producing highest quality Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) Santorini wines and products as well as promoting sustainable agriculture development.

The traditional cultivations of the farmers-members of our cooperative, guarantee the authenticity and the premium quality of our products.

The promotion of all Santorini products is the most important mission of the Cooperative. PDO Santorini wines, PDO Santorini Tomato, PDO Santorini Fava, capers, caper leaves, as well as local sweet preserves, like tomato or Koufeto belong to the wide range of the Santo products of pure Santorini taste that is available for everyone to enjoy!

 

 

Volcanic Soil

As a result of one of the greatest volcanic eruptions of all time, Santorini’s strong agricultural tradition is rooted in its soil which has a unique texture and includes lava, volcanic ash and pumice stone. This special composition yields products of distinctive profile and works as a natural shield from diseases. The vineyard in Santorini is self-rooted as it was never affected by phylloxera, and is one of the most ancient in the world with a 3,500-year history.

 

Dry Farming

Plants on Santorini are not irrigated artificially and rainfall is rare on the island. Therefore, the watering comes from the natural humidity and the sea mist which is absorbed by the volcanic soil, providing the necessary hydration. This method, known as dry farming, results in a low-yield production that creates unique, flavourful and concentrated fava, tomatoes and grapes.

Manual work

From sowing and pruning to harvesting, all of the work in the fields is done by hand. In areas of severe slope, the farmers have created terraces, built with lava stones, known as “pezoules” in order to provide easier access to the vineyards, to facilitate the cultivation and to maximize their capacity to absorb rain water. In the vineyards, the vintners have invented a distinct way of training the vines, called “kouloura”. The vines are kept close to the ground and are given a spiral, basket shape that anchors the grapes and protects them from the strong winds.

 

 

 

Santorini agricultural products are unique in the world!

There are some places in this world which appear to be exactly the opposite: otherworldly.

A breathtaking landscape and unparalleled architecture have rendered Santorini a world-class destination. The story behind the island is equally fascinating; Santorini came about after one of the largest volcanic eruptions on Earth in recorded history. During the eruption, the centre of the island collapsed thousands of feet into the sea, forming the famous Caldera of Santorini. This landmark created spectacular views throughout the island and is truly one of the natural wonders of the world. The destruction left the main island of Thira in a half-moon shape and also created a group of smaller islands that make up Santorini. They are Thirassia and Aspronisi.

You can taste the island’s history through the exceptional wines, fava beans (a special kind of yellow split pea) and tomatoes (tomataki) that are solely produced here.

 

 

Known for its breath-taking scenery, Santorini also provides an amazing culinary experience. Due to the unique terroir, the island produces specialties that can only be found here. The anhydrous climate, the volcanic soil, the cooling winds and the dense humid nights, combined with the unique varieties cultivated in the island, contribute to the creation of delicacies nobody can resist.