Gavalas

One of the oldest family-run wineries in Santorini, Gavalas Winery is a guardian of Cycladic tradition and a pioneer in expressing the island’s volcanic terroir through native varieties and small-batch excellence.

History of Gavalas Winery

Located in the historic village of Megalochori, Gavalas Winery is a fourth- and fifth-generation family estate, now led by George Gavalas and his son Vagelis. The winery is housed in a restored stone canava—a traditional Santorini wine cellar—preserving original architectural elements like grape-stomping rooms and vaulted cellars from ancient Thira.

The Gavalas family has been cultivating vines and making wine for well over a century. Today, they combine this deep-rooted heritage with modern precision, producing wines that reflect both history and terroir. Their aim is clear: to highlight the uniqueness of Santorini’s volcanic soils and showcase the island’s indigenous grape varieties.

While Assyrtiko remains the flagship grape of the estate, Gavalas also vinifies other local varieties including Aidani, Mandilaria, and Mavrotragano. Notably, Gavalas is the only winery on the island that produces wines from the rare native grapes Katsano and Voudomato, preserving viticultural biodiversity and offering unique interpretations of Santorini’s oenological past.

Region and Vineyards

Santorini’s vineyard is unlike any other. The island features prephylloxera vines over 120 years old, planted in volcanic soils formed from lava and ash. Because the phylloxera louse cannot survive in this terrain, these ancient vines are ungrafted and original, making them among the oldest continuously cultivated vines in the world.

The climate is dry and windy, with low annual yields averaging just 3,000 kg/ha. To shield the grapes from harsh winds and scorching sun, vines are trained in the traditional kouloura basket shape. Night-time humidity is absorbed by the porous volcanic soil and returned to the vines during the day, sustaining them without irrigation.

Assyrtiko dominates the vineyard landscape, accounting for approximately 75% of Santorini’s plantings, but the estate also works with other traditional Cycladic grapes to craft both dry and sweet wines.

Wine Range of Gavalas Winery

The Gavalas portfolio includes a variety of expressive wines that each reflect the unique facets of Santorini’s terroir:

• Posta: A refreshing blend of Assyrtiko, Monemvasia, and Athiri, ideal for early drinking.
• Aidani: A mono-varietal expression of this floral, soft white grape.
• Santorini Natural Ferment: A wild-yeast fermented Assyrtiko aged on lees for complexity and texture.
• Enalia: A premium Assyrtiko from 120-year-old vines, matured in stainless steel and clay eggs for 16 months.
• Santorini: The estate’s classic Assyrtiko, combining minerality, structure, and citrus brightness.

Did you know?

Gavalas Winery is the only producer in Santorini to bottle the indigenous Katsano and Voudomato grapes, making them a key player in the preservation of the island's vinous heritage.