From Vine to Glass: A Wine Lover's Guide to the Historic Vineyards of Rhodes

When most travelers think of Rhodes, they picture the colossal medieval Old Town, ancient ruins, and sprawling beach resorts. What many do not realize is that Rhodes is one of the most historically significant wine regions in Europe. Boasting over 2,400 years of continuous winemaking history, the island was a major wine exporter across the Mediterranean during antiquity, recognizable by its distinct amphorae stamped with a rose.

Thanks to its unique terroir—defined by intense Aegean sunshine, refreshing northern meltemi winds, and the protective, limestone-rich slopes of Mount Attavyros—Rhodes continues to produce some of Greece's most exciting and distinctive modern wines.

If you want to experience the island beyond the beaches, head into the mountainous interior to discover its unique grapes and historic estates.

The Unique Indigenous Grapes of Rhodes

To taste the true essence of the island, skip the international varieties and seek out the local grapes that have thrived in the Rhodes soil for millennia.

Athiri: The star white grape of the island. Thriving on the high-altitude, limestone slopes of Mount Attavyros, Athiri produces crisp, aromatic white wines. Expect vibrant notes of green apple, citrus, and a distinct mineral, salty finish derived from the sea breezes. It is also the primary grape used to produce the island's famous, elegant sparkling wines.

Amorgiano (Mandilaria): The dominant red grape of Rhodes. Known locally as Amorgiano, this thick-skinned grape yields deeply colored, full-bodied red wines with firm tannins and high acidity. It bursts with aromas of dark berries, leather, and wild Mediterranean herbs. Winemakers often soften it by aging it in oak barrels or blending it with lighter varieties.

The Muscat of Rhodes: Rhodes produces world-class sweet dessert wines made from Muscat Blanc and Muscat di Trani. These grapes are often left to sun-dry on mats after harvest, concentrating their sugars to create luscious, golden wines rich in dried apricot, honey, and floral aromas.

The Essential Wine Villages and Estates to Visit

Embona: The Heart of Rhodes Winemaking
Perched on the rugged slopes of Mount Attavyros, Embona is the undisputed capital of the island’s wine industry. The village is packed with traditional tasting rooms and family-run wineries.

• The Experience: Walk directly from taverna to tasting room to try robust Amorgiano reds. Don't miss a visit to Cair, a historic winery founded in 1928 by Italian investors that put Rhodes on the map for traditional-method sparkling wines, or Emery Winery, a grand estate offering excellent educational tours of their high-altitude production methods.

Siana: Wine, Honey, and Firewater

Just a short drive from Embona, the picturesque mountain village of Siana is famous for its independent wine cellars, local thyme honey, and Souma—a fiery, traditional clear spirit distilled from grape pomace, similar to Cretan raki or Italian grappa.

• The Experience: Stop by the rustic storefronts along the main road to sample house-made wines straight from the barrel, usually accompanied by a piece of local cheese and a spoonful of honey.

Tips for Planning Your Rhodes Wine Tour

Rent a Car or Hire a Guide: The best vineyards are tucked deep into the mountainous center of the island, far from the public coastal bus routes. Renting a car gives you full freedom, but booking a private half-day wine tour lets everyone in your party participate safely in the tastings.

Look for the PDO Label: When buying bottles to take home, look for the PDO (Protected Designation of Origin) Rhodes label. This guarantees the wine was produced entirely on the island using strict, traditional quality standards and authentic local grape varieties.

Pair with Local Food: Rhodes wines are built to accompany food. Pair a crisp glass of Athiri with fresh grilled seafood or a plate of pitaroudia (local chickpea fritters). Match a bold Amorgiano red with a slow-cooked lamb stew in a mountain village taverna.