The island of Tinos

Northern from Santorini lies the holy island, Tinos. For decades Tinos was something like Santiago de Compostela, that every Greek believer should visit and pray to Virgin’s Maria church , a leading Orthodox pilgrimage.

The scenic semi mountains villages were almost unknown until two passionate wine lovers Alexandre Avatagellos and Gerard Margeon, the founders of T-OINOS winery, revisioned the regrowth of the ancient vineyards in Volax ,a lunar landscape with enormous granite boulders, a unique geological phenomenon in Greece.

The area has distinctive microclimate and soil perfect for “haute couture” wines.

The vineyards had been cultivated for thousands years with an old unique wine growing technique called  “aplotaria”.

This technique allows the vines to spread on the ground while the grapes were protected from the summer heat and the storming north winds, “meltemia” .

The indigenous varieties, “Potamisi” red and white, “Mavrothiriko”, “ Mavrotragano” and “Asyrtiko” which have cultivated for centuries in Cyclades islands are  little hidden gems. Despite Santorini’s Asyrtiko, has gained a worldwide recognition, Tino’s  wines could be the perfect alternative.

Tino’s wines offer unique sophistication with crystalline acidity, deep aromas and complexity minerality.

The wine tourism  in Tinos offers a multilayered experience. Start at T-OINOS  and continue to the VAPTISTIS winery at Mesi village .

In VAPTISTIS winery you will enjoy the breathtaking view while Yiannis Moraitis, the founder of the winery, tells his story about  wine culture.

Don’t miss the DOMAINE DE KALATHAS where a passionate French vigneron decided to leave France and  dedicated to produce natural wines.

In Tinos next to the wines you will enjoy traditional gastronomic delicacies, from small producers with wild artichokes, ” fava bean”, ‘volaki” and “kopanisti”, local cheeses, and a smoked “louza”, a kind of beacon.

The better way to get to know every beauty and taste of this island, is to visit another picturesque village every day.

Start from the marbled Tower, the Isternia,  the artist’s village, the Tarabados with their Venetian columbarium , the Kardiani with the magnificent sunset.

Nevertheless, don’t avoid to make a stop in the smaller villages of the island, which will surprise you in a very  pleasant way.

Find your place to a Greek island and get to know it!