Our Wine Philosophy
Every time we walk into a winery or wine bar here in Santorini, the question we get asked the most is “what wines should I be tasting here?”. And honestly, our answer is “it depends”. If you walk into a wine bar in Oia and nobody is able to explain why Santorini’s terroir is different than say Nemea’s or how that translates to a particular grape, you’re probably in the wrong bar.
We have been serving Santorini wine at Oia Gefsis for years. Years before it had become a trend. Our wine list was not assembled over a couple of months. We have visited wine cellars, we have met with winemakers, we have tasted barrel samples of wines from numerous Santorini wineries – such as Gaia Wines, Karamolegos, Gavalas, Sigalas, Argyrou- with the intention of presenting to our guests only the wines of those producers who believe that they fully comprehend the Santorini soil and the potential of Assyrtiko, the native Santorini grape, as well as the manner of living that is embedded in their distinctive products.
Wine List
Champagne & Sparkling Wines
CHAMPAGNE
SELECT GREEK SPARKLING WINES
What Makes Santorini Wine So Different
Every September the same families will still be picking grapes from kouloures, baskets of arched and knotted vines, to make their own wine. It’s late season and the vineyards are hot and dry. Nothing would blow away in the wind, as they are laid out flat on the land. These vineyards are dry farmed. No water is supplied. They depend solely on the sea breeze which brings moisture and the natural nutrients in the soil of Santorini, which is made of compacted layers of volcanic ash, pumice and minerals.
And then you taste it. The minerality, the sharpness, the citrus flavours – an unlikely mix of flavours that does not occur in nature, anywhere in the world. The Mavrotragano grape variety, an almost extinct indigenous red grape variety of Santorini, produces a uniquely intense and dark red colour, with concentrated aromas of dark fruit and spices that challenge the usual perception of Greek red wines. The Vinsanto, a dessert wine that is sun dried, with years of barrel aging in oak, presents complex flavours of caramel, dried figs and honey and one glass of wine after dinner will redefine your perception of Greek wines.
White Wines
FRESH & AROMATIC
MINERAL & ELEGANT
RICH & TEXTURED
INTERNATIONAL SELECTION
Red Wines
LIGHT & ELEGANT
SMOOTH & COMPLEX
BOLD & STRUCTURED
INTERNATIONAL SELECTION
What You’ll Find on Our Wine List
We have over 30 labels to choose from. Our labels are based on grape variety, so you don’t need to be a wine aficionado to choose a bottle that is right for you.
For whites the spectrum can stretch from fruity and snappy (a bit like a refreshing Moschofilero or young Malagouzia) to the dry and minerally world of quality Assyrtiko from a few select domains on Santorini. Finally it can expand to include more aged (such as Nyxteri and a single vineyard Laoudia from Kanava Xrysou). And through them all we pass in review the multiple personalities of the island.
Lighter Greek reds such as Agiorgitiko and Limniona are often referred to as the lighter “red” wines of Greece, as well as structured reds from bottles like Xinomavro from Naoussa and Mavrotragano from Santorini. Adding to the list are Pinot Noir from Patagonia, Barolo from Piedmont, and a selection of Burgundy and Bordeaux wines.
We have six rosés to choose from, from our local Voudomato in Santorini to a Provence rosé from the fabulous Château Minuty. What is more iconic of an Oia summer afternoon than sipping a cold rosé on the terrace?
In Santorini we often talk about the wonderful sweet wines, Vinsanto. Our Vinsanto of choice is the Karamolegos Vinsanto 2010, a stunning, multi-dimensional wine that is a fantastic way to end any meal. We also have Samos Anthemis and a few bottles of wine from Hungary, specifically Tokaji.
Champagne and sparkling wines, all are welcome! Whether you are in the mood for a simple morel brut or something a bit more decadent like Dom Pérignon, we welcome you to come and toast with us. Want to mix it up a bit and go Greek? We have plenty of sparkling wines from Karanikas and Tselepos to choose from. Come and join us!
Yes the list of wine changes seasonally. What is perfect in June, may not be the same in October. It’s the same with wines. A good wine bar in Oia should consider this.
Your Glass Is Waiting
Wine bars in Oia, Santorini, where the sommelier has memorized our entire wine list and can basically plan the perfect evening around you? We’ve got that too. We can’t wait to meet you.
For peak season periods, we advise you to book your table in advance. You may do so through this website or by calling us at +30 2286071526.
Rose Wines
Sweet Wines
Pairing Wine with Food
You want to know which bottles to pair with your meal? All you need to do is ask our well trained team. We are very familiar with the hundreds of bottles that we have at our disposal, as well as with each single dish, whether from our own kitchen or from other restaurants. What can be more natural than to match local ingredients with a local product, such as the excellent wines that we produce in our area. For example, we prefer to serve grilled fish with our Assyrtiko, slow-cooked red meat with Mavrotragano, a meze of local products with our cold rosé and finally with Vinsanto. That is how we live here.
Of course, it’s always nice to stick with the rules but we like to break them too. A zesty white from Greece with something salty, Xinomavro with spice. Be bold and we will astound you.
Best Time to Come for Wine
Ever. At all. Yes a cold glass of Assyrtiko with lunch is completely different to a warm glass of Mavrotragano with dinner and both are deserving of a go. But if I had to choose a moment in time when a glass of wine will truly feel its best I would choose late in the afternoon; when the light has softened, the outdoor tables on the patio have been gathered in, and the ambience of the room has reached its height.
We are open 7 days a week from 09:00 to 22:00 at summer season. If there is a particular bottle that you have been looking to try from our list, we would recommend that you book a table as the labels on the list are constantly changing and are particularly on rotation during peak seasons.
Wine is the thread that weaves together every experience at Oia Gefsis. From grilled seafood at lunchtime to sunset cocktails in the evening, and from the moment the night stretches on and the wine keeps flowing at a table that never seems to empty.
Not Sure Where to Start?
Wine bars in Oia, Santorini, where the sommelier has memorized our entire wine list and can basically plan the perfect evening around you? We’ve got that too. We can’t wait to meet you.
For peak season periods, we advise you to book your table in advance. You may do so through this website or by calling us at +30 2286071526.