Discover the top varieties of Rhodes wine
Wine-tasting & Viniculture Journeys
Follow the history of Rhodes wine on a wine-tasting journey that combines 3 locations, a magical sunset & 10 delectable wines. Explore the long-standing tradition of viniculture production in Embonas & Sianna villages and the stunning views from Monolithos Castle.
The tradition of Rhodes wine has been around since antiquity. Research takes us as far back as 7 B.C. Interestingly enough, findings have shown that the exported Rhodes wine had to be transported in special Rhodian-made amphorae carrying either a sigil of a rose – ‘rhodon’ in Greek, or a sun – ‘helios’ – which is the Greek word for sun and the Sun god linked to Rhodes mythology. This is perhaps one of the first recorded attempts to certify a product with a protected destination of origin.
What are the Rhodes wine varieties?
Among the main varieties of Rhodes wine are the white Athiri and the red Amorgiano (also called Mandilaria elsewhere in Greece), as well as two Muscats, the petits grains (“small-berried”) and the Di Trani, an Italian-imported clone of Muscat.
A hundred-year-old Athiri vines grow in the limestone-rich soil of Attavyros, located near Embonas village. The main wine growing zone of Rhodes stretches on the central-western part of this Dodecanese island. Athiri is primarily cultivated on the slopes of Mount Attavyros (Agios Isidoros, Embonas, Kritinia, Lakki, Monolithos, Sianna) and somewhat on Kamiros (Apollona). Amorgiano, is also cultivated there, but its total cultivation zone covers Kamiros (Kalavarda, Salakos, Soroni, Fanes) as well as Petaloudes (Damatria, Theologos, Maritsa).
What is the best way to get to grips with Rhodes wine?
On a Rhodes wine tour of course! At H Hotels Collection we have curated a winetasting tour around Rhodes island that also combines a romantic sunset stop in Monolithos.
This private Rhones wine tour, bookable via our Concierge Services, takes you on a wine-tasting journey to savour a total of 10 delectable labels paired with hand-picked cheeses that amplify the wine flavours you will be tasting. This Rhodes wine tour lasts for 5 hours, and takes you through the following itinerary:
1. Embonas Wine cellar
We will spend two hours in Embonas, a pleasant picturesque village surrounded by vineyards, halfway up Mount Attavyros. It is our first port of call when looking into the unique Athiri grape variety. Embonas village is considered to be the navel of the local wine industry and that is why it is the ideal place to start your Rhodes wine tasting tour. Visit the wine cellar and begin your sommelier-for-a-day experience…
2. Sianna Village
Next, we make our way towards Sianna village which is built amphitheatrically on the slopes of Mount Akramitis. Sianna village is known for apiculture as well as for its souma production, a local alternative to ouzo and raki. The Rhodes souma in particular, is one the best Greek soumas, mainly made from wine and grape pomace, a combination that makes it rather special. Apart from Souma and wine tradition, Sianna produces some of the island’s purest honey, which you will also have a chance to taste during our stop.
3. Romantic Sunset in Monolithos Castle
The final part of this Rhodes wine tour has romance written all over it, as it takes you to Monolithos to be swept away by a magnificent sunset in one of the island’s most impressive locations. The Venetian castle, perched 240m above sea level atop a huge monolithic rock crag, basks in amazing views of the Aegean Sea. You will also find two chapels on the site, adding to its wow factor. Monolithos Castle is actually one of the top things to do in South Rhodes, so combining it at the end of a Rhodes wine tasting tour is a clever insight hack.
If a private Rhodes wine tour like this sounds appealing to you, whether you’d like to surprise your partner with a vino-adventure or want an excuse to drink wine all day, contact the Concierge at your chosen hotel and we will gladly inform you and make all the arrangements.
