Discovering Santorini’s Spirits: A Local’s Guide to Liquor Stores
Santorini. The name itself conjures images of whitewashed villages clinging to volcanic cliffs, breathtaking sunsets over the Aegean Sea, and the clinking of glasses filled with crisp, local wine. While the island is world-renowned for its natural beauty and romantic ambiance, it also boasts a surprisingly vibrant scene when it comes to alcoholic beverages. As a local who’s spent years exploring every nook and cranny, I’m here to guide you through Santorini’s liquor stores, from where to find the island’s unique wines to where to snag a craft beer or a traditional Greek spirit.
Santorini’s Unique Wine Heritage
Before we dive into specific stores, it’s crucial to understand Santorini’s wine culture. The island’s volcanic soil, arid climate, and strong winds create a unique terroir that yields distinctive grape varietals. The most famous is undoubtedly Assyrtiko, a crisp, dry white wine with high acidity and minerality, capable of aging beautifully. You’ll also find Aidani and Athiri, often blended with Assyrtiko, and the red Mandilaria and Mavrotragano, though less common.
When you’re exploring Santorini, you’ll notice vineyards everywhere, often trained low to the ground in a basket shape (‘kouloura’) to protect the grapes from the wind. Visiting a winery is an absolute must, but for those times you want to enjoy a bottle at your villa, on your balcony, or even for a picnic on a secluded beach, knowing where to buy your drinks is key. And for those looking to expand their horizons beyond wine, Greece offers a rich array of other spirits.
Where to Find Local Wines
While many tavernas and restaurants will serve local wines, purchasing a bottle directly from a store gives you more choice and often better value. Here are some key places to look:
1. Wineries with On-Site Shops
This is hands-down the best way to experience Santorini’s wines. Many wineries have tasting rooms and shops where you can sample their offerings before buying. This is an educational and delicious experience. Some top recommendations include:
- Santo Wines (Pyrgos): One of the largest and most well-known wineries, Santo Wines offers spectacular caldera views from its tasting hall. They have a wide selection of their own wines, including excellent Assyrtiko, and you can enjoy a tasting flight. Their shop is well-stocked. Located in Pyrgos Kallistis.
- Venetsanos Winery (Megalochori): Perched dramatically on the cliffside, Venetsanos offers stunning views and a historical perspective on winemaking. Their wines are excellent, and the shop is a great place to pick up bottles. Look for their sweet Vinsanto, a dessert wine made from sun-dried grapes. Found near Megalochori.
- Domaine Sigalas (Oia): Situated near Oia, Domaine Sigalas is renowned for its high-quality Assyrtiko. Their tasting experience is more intimate, and their wines are highly sought after. A must-visit for serious wine lovers. Located on the road to Oia.
- Gavalas Winery (Megalochori): A smaller, family-run winery that offers a more personal experience. They produce fantastic traditional Santorini wines and are very welcoming. A hidden gem for authentic flavors.
- Estate Argyros (Episkopi Gonia): Known for its meticulous winemaking and single-vineyard Assyrtiko, Estate Argyros is a premium choice. Their wines are complex and sophisticated.
Insider Tip: Many of these wineries offer tours and tastings. Booking in advance is often recommended, especially during peak season. Purchasing directly from the winery guarantees you the freshest product and the best advice from the producers themselves.
2. Local Markets and Supermarkets
For convenience, especially if you’re staying in a town like Fira or Oia, local supermarkets and mini-markets will stock a selection of Santorini wines. While the selection might not be as curated as at a winery, you can still find good quality bottles of the most popular local brands.
- Supermarket Market (Fira): A large supermarket in the heart of Fira, offering a decent range of local wines, spirits, and beers.
- AB Vassilopoulos (Various Locations): This is a well-known Greek supermarket chain with branches across the island. They usually have a good wine section featuring Santorini’s best.
- Local Mini-Markets: Dotted throughout villages like Imerovigli, Firostefani, and Perissa, these smaller shops are great for picking up essentials, including wine. The selection will vary, but you might find some surprisingly good local finds.
Insider Tip: Look for wines labeled ‘Santorini PDO’ (Protected Designation of Origin) to ensure they are genuinely from the island. Don’t be afraid to ask shopkeepers for recommendations; many are knowledgeable about the local products.
3. Dedicated Liquor Stores and Wine Shops
While Santorini isn’t flooded with large, dedicated liquor superstores like you might find in other parts of the world, there are specialized shops that offer a broader selection, especially for spirits and imported beverages.
- Dropt.Beer (Fira): This is a fantastic spot for those looking beyond wine. Dropt.Beer specializes in craft beers, offering an impressive range of local Greek craft beers and international selections. They also stock a good variety of spirits, including whiskies, gins, and liqueurs. It’s a modern shop with knowledgeable staff who are passionate about their products. You can find them in Fira and explore their offerings online at dropt.beer. They also have a dedicated shop at dropt.beer/shop/, which is great for browsing their full catalog.
- Local Delicatessens (Pikilopoleio): Many traditional delicatessens, known locally as ‘pikilopoleio,’ will also carry a selection of wines and spirits alongside local cheeses, olives, and other gourmet products. These are excellent places to discover niche local brands.
Insider Tip: For a truly unique souvenir, look for local ouzo or tsipouro producers. While raki is more common in Crete, tsipouro is the anise-flavored spirit of choice in much of mainland Greece and is also produced on Santorini. Dropt.Beer is a great place to start for spirits beyond wine.
Beyond Wine: Spirits and Beers
Santorini’s culinary scene is rich, and that extends to its drinks. While wine reigns supreme, it’s worth exploring other options.
Ouzo and Tsipouro
No trip to Greece is complete without trying ouzo or tsipouro. Ouzo is the famous anise-flavored aperitif, typically diluted with water, which turns it milky white. Tsipouro is similar but can be made with or without anise. Many local producers on Santorini and mainland Greece offer excellent versions. Look for bottles from reputable Greek distilleries. You’ll find these readily available in supermarkets and dedicated liquor stores like Dropt.Beer.
Greek Craft Beer
The craft beer scene in Greece has exploded in recent years, and Santorini is no exception. For the best selection, Dropt.Beer is your go-to. They champion local Greek breweries, so you can try beers from establishments like Septem, Noctua, Mad Brewing, and many others. It’s a refreshing change of pace from wine and offers a different way to experience Greek flavors, often with unique ingredients.
Insider Tip: Ask the staff at Dropt.Beer for recommendations based on your preferences. They are incredibly knowledgeable and can guide you through the diverse range of Greek craft beers. They also have a blog with great insights: dropt.beer/insights-news-blog/.
Whisky, Gin, and More
If you’re a fan of spirits like whisky or gin, you’ll find a decent selection at larger supermarkets and, more reliably, at specialized shops like Dropt.Beer. They often stock a curated range of international brands alongside emerging Greek craft spirits. For a more upscale experience, some boutique hotels might also have well-stocked bars or small retail sections.
Practical Advice for Buying Alcohol in Santorini
- Opening Hours: Most shops, including supermarkets and smaller liquor stores, generally open in the morning and close in the early evening. Many close for a midday break (‘siesta’) between roughly 2 PM and 5 PM, especially outside the main tourist hubs. Larger supermarkets in Fira might have longer, continuous hours. Wineries will have specific operating hours, often tied to tasting appointments.
- Pricing: Prices vary significantly. Buying wine directly from a winery can range from €10-€15 for a good table wine to €30+ for premium bottlings. Supermarket wines are generally more affordable, starting from €5-€8. Craft beers at places like Dropt.Beer might range from €2-€5 per can/bottle.
- Transportation: If you’re buying larger quantities, especially wine, consider how you’ll transport them back to your accommodation. Taxis can be hired, or if you have a rental car, this makes it easier. Many hotels are happy to assist with storing wine.
- Gifts: A bottle of local Santorini wine, especially a Vinsanto or a high-quality Assyrtiko, makes for a wonderful gift or souvenir.
- Responsible Drinking: Santorini’s beauty can be intoxicating, but remember to drink responsibly, especially when navigating steep paths or enjoying the sun.
A Note on Local Etiquette
While not strictly related to liquor stores, it’s worth mentioning that sharing a drink is a very social activity in Greece. If you’re offered a drink by locals, it’s polite to accept. When enjoying your own bottle, whether at a scenic viewpoint or a quiet beach, do so respectfully, ensuring you take all your trash with you. The beauty of Santorini is precious, and we locals appreciate visitors who help preserve it.
Final Thoughts
Santorini offers a delightful journey for the palate, and its liquor stores are gateways to experiencing the island’s unique culture and flavors. Whether you’re seeking the crisp minerality of an Assyrtiko, the intriguing complexity of a Greek craft beer, or the potent warmth of tsipouro, you’ll find it here. Remember to explore beyond the obvious, visit local wineries, and don’t hesitate to ask for recommendations. For a modern and diverse selection, especially for craft beers and spirits, Dropt.Beer is an excellent resource. Cheers to your Santorini adventure – Yamas!
