Wineries

Ikarian wine is varied and plentiful, with some of the grapes growing only on the island. Our many wineries produce a variety of fine, organic wines.

Ikarian – or Pramnios wine - is referenced in many ancient texts. The ancient Pramnios wine, believed to be named after Ikaria’s Pramnos mountain range where the Fokiano grape variety was grown. Produced solely on the island since antiquity, the wine has been referenced in Homer stating it was to the worship rituals of Dionysus, to whom the island was dedicated.

Many Ikarians today still produce their own homemade wine. The wine is typically a dry, strong red with a high alcohol content (up to 18%), due to the rare fungi found in the local yeast used in fermentation. Wine is consumed on the island throughout the day, even when working in the fields. Because of the strong nature of the homemade wine, it is usually consumed mixed with water.

One of the unique varieties of grapes grown on Ikaria is the Belgeri - a white grape that is only found on the island. The wines produced from the grape tend to be aromatic, lively, bright, and fresh. They are best served well-chilled and paired with seafood, fresh cheese, poultry, appetizers, salads and fruit.

Karimalis Winery (Pigi)

Phone: +30 2275031945

These vineyards produce some of the very best wines on the island and are certified organic by the biological farming organization. In an area spanning 15 acres, local varieties of vines such as Reteno, Koundouro (Mandilaria), Fokiano, Begleri and Asyrtico are grown. All produced wines are Protected Geographical Indication Ikaria (PGI) and are produced with minimal intervention. The winery offers agricultural activities, cooking classes and wine tastings, as well as a farm to table restaurant.

Tsantiris Winery (Proespera)

Phone: +30 2275031240

Tsantiris cultivates the indigenous varieties of Ikaria, which are Begleri, Fokiano and Mandilaria. The cultivation is organic and the production of wine is carried out with traditional methods. They offer wine tastings served with charcuterie and cheese boards, tours, beautiful sunset views and a shop.

Afianes Wines (Profitis Ilias)

Phone: +30 6977893731

 The Afianes winery revives ancient winemaking techniques combined with modern practices and has a globally recognized range of wines. It offers tours, tastings and wine appreciation classes and small winemaking museum. It also puts on plays and music performances during the summer months in the winery’s’ small outdoor amphitheater.