When you think of Zakynthos, you think of beautiful sunsets, clear turquoise seas, and wine…wine?
Yes, you read that correctly. Wine. Many visitors to Zakynthos don’t know that the island is famous for its wine as well as other more common commodities such as olive oil. Zakynthian farmers harvest grapes from vines that grow on the island. These grapes are either turned into wine or (if black grapes) left out to dry to become currants that are then exported. It’s a very popular tradition, and one that goes back hundreds of years to Ancient times, and became very popular during Venetian times.
There’s a fertile plain in Zakynthos that runs from the north of the island all the way down to Laganas bay in the south, and most of the islands wine grapes are grown here, and always have been. Zakynthian grapes produce many different types of wine with very unique tastes, and not only is it exported, it’s also bought by locals, as well as tourists.
To get an idea of Zakynthian wines there are a number of excellent wineries on the island that are open to visitors where people can get get an idea of islands winemaking process. Visitors are given a great opportunity to tour theses traditional wine businesses, see how the wine is made – from vine to bottle – as well as taking part in a bit of wine tasting!
Below is an A-Z list of some of the great wineries that can be found on Zakynthos. All of the wineries are also listed on Trip Advisor.
Ampelostrates Horse Vineyard – Koiliomenos
Art and Wine Winery – Maries
Callinico Wines – Alykes, Gaitani to Alykes road
Grampsas Winery – Lagapodo
Mouzakis Wines – Alonia, close to Ano Gerakari
Oenolpi Winery – Agria/Macherado
Solomos Winery – Zakynthos Town
So, if you fancy doing something a bit different whilst on holiday, then why not visit a traditional Zakynthian winery? It’s a great opportunity to see a local business in operation, taste their wares, and even take a piece of Zakynthian heaven home with you to drink by the fire on a cold winters night, whist dreaming of your next holiday.