Get to Know the Greek Wines of Rhodes
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Rhodes is the largest of the Dodecanese islands of Greece. With an average of 300 days of sunshine each year, Rhodes is also one of the most popular islands. It’s perfect for anyone who wants an adventurous holiday or a relaxing one. The island is famous for the Old Town, beach resorts, and its extensive history. What you might not know is Rhodes is a great place for wine lovers to visit. Here are three things you should know about the wines on Rhodes. Here’s more information:
About Wine on Rhodes
History says that Rhodes island was the first island in the Aegean Sea to cultivate vineyards and make wine. The island become a significant exporter of wines to other ancient cities by the 7th century BC. Wine production continued until the 19th century when the Turkish administration took away grape cultivation rights.
Luckily from 1912 – 1943 the island was under Italian rule, which benefitted the wine industry immensely. Rhodes continues to produce wines today. Caircooperative is the largest producer of wine and specializes in Mandelaria (a rare red grape) and Athiri (a green grape). The climate of Rhodes (it only rains during winter) makes for wonderful grape-growing. The cooling winds benefit the soil during the hot months. 7,500 acres of wines are cultivated on the island.
Rhodes Wineries to Visit
Rhodes is home to a number of wineries. The Kounaki Winery, located in Ebonas, was founded in 1928. With 40 acres of vineyard producing approximately1,000 kg per acre, this winery produces small quantities of high-quality wine (2,000 – 5,000 bottles each of 10 different wines) per year. They produce Greek varities such as Athiri, Muscat, and Amorgiano as well as Merlot, Tebranillo, and Syrah.
The Alexadris Family Winery was founded in 1968 and is located at the village of Embonas. This winery 14 acres of vineyards and new technology help to produce high-quality wines. They specialize in Alexandris White, AlexandrisRed, Petra, and Apiro. Other wineries in Rhodes include Merkouris Winery, Piperis Winery, and Emery Winery.
Take a Wine Tour
If you’re interested in not just drinking wine, but learning its history and how it’s made, you’ll want to take a wine tour while visiting Rhodes. A wine tour may last half a day or longer and include visits to a number of vineyards and wineries. Pick-up and drop-off at your hotel is often available. What can you expect on a wine tour? You’ll be exposed to amazing views as you travel from winery to winery.
At each stop you will be able to take photographs, learn the history of the facility, learn how wines are made, and sample the product. You’ll also be able to enjoy the local foods. If interested, you can even purchase your favorite wines to take home with you and relive the memories.
If you’re a wine enthusiast, Rhodes island has much to offer you. The wine industry goes back centuries and produces a large variety of wine. Whatever your taste, you’ll find it on Rhodes island.
Categorized in: About Rhodes Island, Greece, Greek Travel Guide
This post was written by Greek Boston
