Some of Europe’s most interesting wine regions are islands – environments and cultures that are preserved by a frame of sea. From the shores of Sicily to the coasts of Corsica, you’ll find gorgeous seaside vineyards producing unique, top-shelf wines.
Get to know five of these tempting island wine regions.
Santorini
Basket-shaped vines on Santorini — Photo courtesy of iStock / pkazmierczak
On the Greek island of Santorini, growers cultivate assyrtiko grape vines into low-to-the-ground basket shapes called koulara, a method designed to shelter the fruit from strong island wind and sun. This distinctive approach is based on the know-how of a region with thousands of years of wine-growing history.
Volcanic eruptions are the source of this striking land, as well as the vineyard terroir. Grapes are moistened from sea fog which rolls in at night, while a revitalizing wind called meltemia keeps the plants fresh and limits disease.
The stunning beauty of Santorini attracts visitors from around the world, many of them unaware of efforts to balance small-scale family winemaking with the economics of a growing tourism environment.
Sicily
Vineyards by the sea in Sicily — Photo courtesy of iStock / ollirg
Sicily, the largest…
Source link
CHECK OUT: Top Travel Destinations
EXPLORE OUR: Travel Guides
