Rhodes Wine

Among the many local products that Rhodes is known for, perhaps none are more popular and significant than its wine. Wine production started in ancient times when the Phoenicians, who inhabited the island before the Greeks, cultivated vineyards on the island. By the end of the 7th century BC, Rhodes was already an important exporter to the rest of the ancient world. The first ever written reference to Rhodian wine came from Aeschines, the renowned Attic orator who was banished to the island in 330 BC.

Rhodes’ wine trade flourished in the Middle Ages with the cultivation of Malmsey, or Malvasia as it is known today, a wine grape variety mainly cultivated in Mediterranean countries. The wine production continued during the years of the Ottoman occupation until the 19th century when the Turkish administration took away the island’s grape cultivation privileges. When Rhodes fell under Italian rule in 1912, the winemaking and wine-trading culture was reignited and has continued ever since.

The wines of Rhodes are blessed by its advantageous climate, rainy in winter and dry during the rest of the year. There are also cooling winds that mitigate the soil temperature during the strong summer heat. At a height of 1.215 meters, Mount Attavyros is the main source of grape cultivation in Rhodes. Almost 7,500 acres of grapes are cultivated on the island and the most popular variety is the circular grape, due to its resistance to dry climate and hot temperatures. In addition, Rhodes soil contains limestone which further benefits the grapes and the area has never experienced Phylloxera, a pest of grapevines.

One of the largest producers on the island is the Cair Winery, their products being internationally renowned for their high quality. Established in 1928, Cair is distinguished for being the first company to produce sparkling wine with the traditional method, or Méthode Traditionnelle. Its most important grape varieties are Mandelaria (a rare red grape) and Athiri (a green, juicy grape with a soft aroma).

The family-owned Embonas Winecellar is located in Embonas and surrounds the village with its vineyards. Alexandris Winery can also be found in Embonas and cultivates four hectares that are made from Athiri grapes. Another important producer is the Triantafyllos family, notable for being the first in Greece to produce and market a Methode Champenoise sparkling wine, a brut and semi-sec beverage also based on Athiri.

Those wanting to delve deeper into the winemaking heritage of Rhodes can participate in tours offered by many wineries. Such tours will take you on a journey through the history of Rhodian wine and allow you to witness first-hand the local vineyards and production facilities. You will also get to taste a variety of different wines, each with distinct flavors and aromas.