The Cyclades are a dispersed island group in the central Aegean Sea, best known internationally for Santorini but comprising many islands (Paros, Naxos, Tinos, Syros, Mykonos, Serifos, Sifnos, etc.) with long local winemaking traditions. Wines range from intensely mineral, high-acid whites to light rustic reds and fresh rosés, reflecting small, often family-owned vineyards and island-focused styles. Santorini’s Assyrtiko wines—crisp, saline and ageworthy—stand alongside traditional sweet Vinsanto. Many islands maintain old bush-trained vines and artisanal production; in recent decades modernization and quality-focused producers have elevated the profile of Cycladic wines while preserving distinct island character and indigenous varieties.
Aegean maritime climate with strong winds, intense sun and limited rainfall. Soils vary: Santorini is volcanic with pumice and ash, while other islands feature schist, limestone and shallow, rocky soils. Vines are often bush-trained or terraced close to the sea, benefiting from salt spray and cooling breezes that preserve acidity and impart a distinctive saline/mineral character.
Discover the grapes that define Cyclades.
