The architecture of Santorini is a classic example of the traditional construction method of the Cyclades. It is called AGGLUNITATION. One understands "gluing together" the cubic houses by it and the buildings can have absolutely different bases and dimensions. The result is a " regular irregularity “. The clear lines, combined with the white painting, in contrast to  colorful doors and windows (often in blue) and countless flowers and blossoms paint the
typical image, which the Cycladic islands are famous for in the rest of the world. Austere construction specifications have removed the earlier necessity of the architectural style.

Findings dating back 3500 years indicate the long tradition and history of viniculture and wine processing. The Santorini vineyard is therefore extremely old. As unique can be told the fact that these vineyards were not affected by the wine louse and consequently no American characteristics had to be planted to save cultivation as was necessary all over Europe.
Apart from this another factor that makes this wine region so unique is, together with the microclimate (limited rainfall), the porous terrain rich in pumice stone and lava. Currently  vineyards cover 3,750 acres. Production per ¼ acre is low due to the microclimate. The amount of production of grapes is between 1,500 and 4,500 tons; 1,050 and 3,150 tons of wine.

At the beginning of the 20th century about 50 varieties were cultivated. Nowadays we count around 30, but only 5 are cultivated properly.

White wines: The island´s main variety is represented by the ASSYRTIKO (about 80 % of the grape production). The grape develops an excellent character in the special climate of Santorini and produces a wine with metallic elements, high acidity and a powerful body. The grapes mature from mid- to late August. The vines are impervious to drought and adapt easily to a wide variety of microclimates and soils.
The ATHIRI is a variety that originates from Crete and is used for mixing with assyrtiko to add aroma. The grapes mature between late August and early September. Wines made from Athiri can be high in alcohol and relatively low in acid with a delicate melon aroma.
The AIDANI Aspro may have originated in the Middle East. The grapes ripe in late August or early September. The must is relatively low in sugar and acids; the bouquet is reminiscent of jasmine. On Santorini this variety is often blended with athiri and assyrtiko to make dry wines and luscious, cask-aged VINSANTOS.

Red wines: The MANTILARIA is a vine variety that is one of the richest in color. It produces wines full of color and with medium alcoholic value. It is often used a coloring agent. The MAVROTRAGANO is a red indigenous variety producing alcoholic wines, high in tannin, medium acidity and good color.

Wines from Santorini fall into the category “Apellation of High-quality Origin”, which is the equivalent to the European Union´s V.Q.P.R.D. (vin de qualité produit dans une region determine). On the wine label you see the abbreviation AO.
The most famous wine, also AO rated is the NYKTERI - a traditional white aged wine made from Assyrtiko. The name goes back to when all the vinification procedure was carried out at night (nykta=night). The well known ASSYRTIKO ( also AO rated) has characteristic acidity and a metallic element in the mouth. The VINSANTO, the name is exclusive to Santorini), is a traditional sun-dried wine with a honey color, golden hue, a particular aroma together with a concentrated flavor of mature figs, raisins, plums etc.

WINERIES     
Being on SANTORINI you should take the opportunity to visit one of the wineries.

BOUTARI WINERY of Santorini
This modern winery was built in 1989/90 by one of the most famous wine producing families of Greece. The winery can be visited all year round. During the winter it is open 10:00 to 16:00 hours in the summer from 10:00 to 19:00. There are organized tours available, in different languages including a multimedia show with an overview of the history of Santorini and winery. There is the chance for wine tasting and different items are available in the shop.
The Boutari winery is located on the road to Megalochori at the crossing to Perissa/Akrotiri.
Tel: 22860 81011
Cultivated Varieties: Assyrtiko, Athiri, Aidani, Mantilaria.
Wines: Kallisti, Selladia Boutari Estate, Boutari Assyrtiko, Santorini Boutari and Vinsanto Boutari.

ROUSSOS WINERY (Canava Roussos)
This winery was started in 1836 by the Roussos family and is one of the oldest. It is still family owned. Also the Roussos winery offers a tour with wine tasting and mezedes. The winery is open from the end of May until the end of September daily from 10:00 to 20:00. Speciality: At harvest time guests have the possibility to produce the must in the traditional way: with their feet.
The Canava Roussos is located in the village Mesa Gonia, there is a sign on the road towards Kamari to the right.
Tel: 22860 31349
Cultivated varieties: Assyrtiko, Athiri, Aidani, Mantilaria and some local varieties like Mavrotragano, Flaskia.
Wines: Caldera, Mavrothiro, Nykteri, Santorini, Rivari, Vinsanto, Nama.

SIGALAS ESTATE
This winery is in the North of the island. From the courtyard you have a magical view over the vineyard and the sea. It is open to be visited from April to November from 10:00 to 19:00 on weekdays and 11:00 to 19:00 on weekends. You can make a tour with wine tasting afterwards and there is also a small shop.
The SIGALAS ESTATE is located under the village of Finikas in Baxedes. Take the road to the right just after Finikas towards the sea (coming from Fira).
Tel: 22860 71644
 Cultivated varieties: Assyrtiko, Athiri, Aidani, Mantilaria, Mavrotragano, Platanes.
Wines: Santorini, Santorini Barrel, Assyrtiko-Athiri, Niabelo Red, Mavrotragano, Vinsanto, Mezzo (biological production, blend of Assyrtiko, Aidani, Athiri, sun dried and matured in wooden barrel).

ASSOCIATION COOPERATIVE OF THERAIC PRODUCTS-SANTO WINES
This cooperative is divided into different sections – apart from wine there is also a tomato and geotechnical section – and was founded in its present form in 1947. Organized tours take place from March to November and opening hours are 10:00-20:00. After the guided tour around the wine making site there is a wine tasting with view over the caldera.
This winery is located on the right a little before the turning point for Pyrgos on the road from Fira to Pyrgos.
Tel: 22860 22596, 22860 25218
Cultivated varieties: Assyrtiko, Athiri, Aidani, Mantilaria.

Wines: Assyrtiko, Assyrtiko Reserve, Nykteri, Nykteri Bareli, Meltemi (semi-dry white or rosé), Vedema (dry white, rosé, red), Kameni (red), Vinsanto, Every year the cooperative experiments with new creations and blends.