Rhodes Wine Tasting Guide 2026 — Best Vineyards to Visit

⭐ Rhodes Wine Tasting Guide: Vineyards to Visit

If you love wine, rustic villages, mountain air, traditional Greek hospitality, and vineyards surrounded by pine-covered slopes, this Rhodes wine tasting guide will help you discover the island’s best bottles, most authentic wineries, and unforgettable vineyard landscapes. Rhodes has a long winemaking history — over 2,400 years — and today the island’s wine scene combines tradition, volcanic soil, altitude-grown grapes, and passionate local producers who love sharing their craft.

Most visitors never leave the coast, but the wine country around Embonas, Siana, and Attavyros feels like a different island — quiet, cool, green, and deeply rooted in local culture. As someone who lives nearby, I visit these wineries often, either alone, with friends, or when guiding visitors.

For planning your wine-focused days, pair this with the Rhodes Travel Guide 2026 and the Rhodes 7-Day Itinerary, both of which include wine routes and mountain-village stops.

⭐ Who I Am & Why I Wrote This Guide

Hey traveller — I’m Looneytravels, your Rhodes local buddy. I’ve spent countless afternoons in Embonas sipping Athiri, Moschato, and Amorgiano, chatting with winemakers, learning about soil, and exploring tiny mountain vineyards above 600 metres. I know which wineries feel intimate, which ones excel in tastings, and which ones locals actually buy from.

I wrote this Rhodes wine tasting guide to help you experience the island’s wine culture in a meaningful, enjoyable way — not rushed, not touristy, and full of local character. Many of these winery routes appear naturally in the Rhodes 7-Day Itinerary.

⭐ Rhodes Wine Tasting Guide (Full Local Breakdown)

Welcome to the wine country of Rhodes — cool mountain air, volcanic soil, old vines, and family-run traditions that go back centuries.

⭐ Understanding Rhodes Wine: What Makes It Special

Before exploring the wineries, it helps to understand why Rhodes wines taste the way they do.

⭐ The Soil: Rocky & Mineral

Rhodes largest vineyards sit around Attavyros Mountain, where the soil is rocky and mineral-rich. This creates:
✔ crisp whites
✔ long-finishing rosés
✔ earthy reds

⭐ Altitude Matters

Most vineyards sit between 500–800 metres, which gives:
✔ cooler nights
✔ slower ripening
✔ aromatic complexity

This altitude is why Rhodes produces excellent Athiri.

⭐ Rhodes Signature Grapes

⭐ Athiri (White)

The flagship grape of Rhodes — fresh, light, citrusy, perfect with seafood.

⭐ Moschato (Muscat)

Aromatic, floral, expressive. Great for semi-sweet wines.

⭐ Amorgiano (Mandilari)

Local red grape with deep colour and earthy notes — rustic but full of character.

⭐ Wine Culture Is Part of Village Life

In Embonas, almost every family has vines. Harvest season is a celebration: neighbours help each other, grapes arrive in small trucks, and wineries buzz with activity.

⭐ Best Vineyards to Visit in Rhodes

These are local favourites — authentic, welcoming, and full of character.

⭐ 1. Stafylos Winery (Embonas)

Best for: boutique-style tastings, hospitality, and trying small-batch wines you won’t find in supermarkets.

Stafylos is one of Embonas’ most character-rich wineries — smaller, more intimate, and deeply connected to local Rhodian tradition. It’s family-run, warm, and ideal for travellers who prefer authentic, personal wine experiences over large, commercial wineries.

The winery specialises in traditional Rhodian varieties such as Athiri, Amorgiano, and Muscat, offering expressive, handcrafted wines with real mountain character.

What to expect:
✔ cosy, informal tasting area
✔ friendly family-led tastings
✔ small-batch wines with personality
✔ traditional products made on-site

Top wines to try:
Amorgiano Red — rustic, earthy, full-bodied; a true taste of Embonas.
Muscat Semi-Sweet — floral, aromatic, beautifully balanced.

Local tip:
Ask about any seasonal homemade items (liqueurs, jams, sweets). Stafylos often produces these in tiny batches — and they disappear quickly.

⭐ 2. Kounakis Winery (Embonas)

Best for: family-run atmosphere, red wines, relaxed pace.

Kounakis feels like visiting a family home. Tastings are intimate, often led by family members. Their Amorgiano reds are rustic, earthy, and full-bodied — great for travellers who love character.

Try:
✔ Amorgiano Red
✔ Muscat semi-sweet

Local tip:
Ask about seasonal homemade products like jams or liqueurs.

⭐ 3. Anastasia Triantafyllou Winery (Pastida)

Best for: modern wines, close-to-town location.

This small, modern winery on the outskirts of Rhodes Town offers beautifully crafted boutique wines with a contemporary style — fruity whites, soft reds, and well-balanced rosés.

Great stop if:
✔ you don’t want to drive far
✔ you enjoy modern winemaking
✔ you want something boutique

Try:
Assyrtiko blend — crisp with mineral notes.

⭐ 4. Alexandris Winery (Embonas)

Best for: authentic family vineyards, rustic charm.

This is a traditional winery where tastings often feel spontaneous — more like visiting a friend who happens to make wine.

Highlights:
✔ beautiful outdoor seating
✔ fresh, simple wines
✔ friendly atmosphere

Local tip:
Try the Athiri straight from the tank if they offer.

⭐ 5. Cair Winery (Rhodes Town / Industrial Area)

Best for: sparkling wines, historic labels.

CAIR produces Rhodes best-known sparkling wines, including iconic Brut and rosé sparkling bottles.

Try:
✔ Cair Brut
✔ Cair Rosé
✔ Cair Velvet (sweet)

Local tip:
If you're planning celebrations, Cair is the place to get bubbly.

⭐ 6. Siana Village Distilleries (Bonus: Souma Tasting)

Not wine — but a classic mountain experience. Siana is known for souma, a local spirit distilled from grapes.

Why visit:
✔ mountain culture
✔ authentic production
✔ pairs well with wine days

Local tip:
Taste carefully — souma is strong.

⭐ Best Wine & Food Pairing Experiences in Rhodes

Wine tasting is even better when paired with traditional Rhodian dishes.

⭐ Embonas Village Taverns

The taverns near the wineries serve:
✔ goat in the oven
✔ grilled meats
✔ local cheeses
✔ fresh salads
✔ dolmadakia

The wines taste better with food — especially Athiri with seafood and Amorgiano with grilled lamb.

Local tip:
Lunch after wine tasting is a perfect combo.

⭐ Lindos Fine Dining & Wine Lists

Several restaurants in Lindos have excellent Greek wine lists, including bottles from the local region.

⭐ Rhodes Town Wine Bars

Small wine bars in the New Town and Old Town serve local varietals by the glass and make great pre-dinner stops.

⭐ Wine Routes to Follow (Local 2026 Guide)

Here are three winery routes you can follow easily.

⭐ Route 1: Embonas Wine Day

Perfect for a full tasting experience.

• Emery Winery

• Kounakis Winery

• Alexandris Winery

• Lunch in Embonas

• Optional stop: Attavyros viewpoint

For easy planning read Rhodes 7-Day Itinerary.

⭐ Route 2: Town + Pastida Wine Afternoon

Short, easy, close to Rhodes Town.

• Anastasia Winery (Pastida)

• Cair Winery (sparkling)

Great for half-days.

⭐ Route 3: Wine + West Coast Villages

For scenic landscapes.

• Drive through Siana

• Souma tasting

• Continue to Embonas wineries

• End at Monolithos for sunset

A beautiful way to combine wine, nature, and history.

⭐ Practical Wine Tasting Tips for Rhodes

✔ Don’t rush — wineries here love conversation
✔ Eat something before tasting
✔ Bring water in summer
✔ Expect generous pours
✔ Buy bottles directly for the best price
✔ Drive carefully — or choose a driver

⭐ How to Get Around Wine Country

⭐ By Car

The easiest way — and the only way to reach most mountain vineyards.
See details inside the Rhodes Transport Guide – Best Ways to Travel in Rhodes.

⭐ By Taxi

Possible for short distances but expensive for mountain areas.

⭐ Wine Tours

Several small companies offer guided wine tasting days.

⭐ Driving Tips

✔ mountain roads are narrow but safe
✔ goats may wander
✔ villages have very slow traffic

⭐ Best Places to Stay for Wine Lovers

⭐ Embonas

Right in the wine village — perfect for immersive days.

⭐ Salakos / Siana

Close to mountain routes and quiet nature.

⭐ Rhodes Town

Best if you want both wine tasting and city evenings.

Check Where to Stay in Rhodes – Guide to All Best Areas & Resorts and Best Hotels in Rhodes for curated options.

⭐ FAQ — Rhodes Wine Tasting (2026 Local Guide)

❓ Is Rhodes a good island for wine tasting?

Yes — Rhodes is one of the best Greek islands for wine lovers, right behind Santorini and Crete. The wine country around Embonas, Siana, and Attavyros Mountain has volcanic soil, high-altitude vineyards, and winemaking traditions that stretch back more than 2,400 years.

What makes it special:

• crisp, mineral whites like Athiri

• floral, expressive Muscat varieties

• rich, rustic Amorgiano reds

• family-run wineries with warm hospitality

If you want to build a full wine-focused day, check the Rhodes 7-Day Itinerary, which includes mountain routes, tastings, and tavern stops.

❓ Which Rhodes wines should I buy or bring home?

The best, most authentic Rhodian wines to take home are:

• Athiri White — clean, fresh, citrusy

• Amorgiano Red (Mandilari) — earthy, bold, deeply coloured

• Muscat — floral, aromatic, available in semi-dry and sweet styles

• CAIR Brut & Rosé — Rhodes’ iconic sparkling wines

If you're planning to enjoy seafood, choose Athiri.
For grilled dishes and lamb, Amorgiano is perfect.

For more pairing ideas, see the Rhodes Food Guide and Best Restaurants in Rhodes Old Town.

❓ Do I need a car to visit Rhodes wineries?

In most cases, yes.
The best vineyards—Emery, Kounakis, Alexandris—are in mountainous areas with no bus routes, and taxis for long distances can be expensive.

A rental car lets you explore:

• Embonas wineries

• Siana distilleries

• mountain villages

• Attavyros viewpoints

For driving advice and routes, see the Rhodes Transport Guide – Best Ways to Travel in Rhodes.

If you don’t want to drive, choose a guided wine tour or visit the closer Anastasia Winery in Pastida + CAIR Winery in Rhodes Town.

❓ Can I combine wine tasting with sightseeing?

Absolutely — Rhodes wine country pairs perfectly with scenic sights.

Popular combos:

• Wine tasting + Monolithos Castle sunset

• Embonas wineries + Attavyros mountain drive

• Siana souma + west coast road trip

• Pastida winery + Old Town evening walk

For more ideas, browse Best Day Trips from Rhodes and Rhodes 7-Day Itinerary.

❓ Are Rhodes wineries open year-round?

Most wineries are open all year, though mountain villages are quieter in winter. Summer and early autumn offer:

• full tasting menus

• vineyard tours

• cooler mountain temperatures

• active village squares

If visiting in November–March, call ahead or check hours online.

❓ Is wine tasting expensive in Rhodes?

Not at all — Rhodes is one of the most affordable wine islands in Greece.

Typical prices:

• wine tasting: €5–€10

• winery tours: free–€8

• wine bottles: €6–€15

• premium reserve wines: €15–€25

Compare this with Santorini (€25–€40 tastings), and you’ll understand why Rhodes is a hidden gem for wine lovers.

More money-saving tips: → Rhodes on a Budget

❓ Which village is best for wine lovers?

Embonas — hands down.
It’s the unofficial wine capital of Rhodes, home to:

• Emery Winery

• Kounakis Winery

• Alexandris Winery

• family vineyards everywhere

It also has some of the best mountain tavernas on the island.

To stay nearby, check → Where to Stay in Rhodes – Guide to All Best Areas & Resorts

❓ Is wine tasting family-friendly?

Surprisingly, yes.
Many wineries offer outdoor courtyards, shaded areas, and relaxed environments where families feel comfortable. Kids often enjoy:

• grape juice

• exploring vineyards

• seeing old barrels and wine presses

For more family-friendly routes, browse → Rhodes for Families.

⭐ External Expert References

1. Decanter – Greek Island Wines & Indigenous Varieties

Decanter’s guide to Greek island wines highlights the uniqueness of Aegean grape varieties — including Athiri and Mandilaria (Amorgiano), both central to Rhodes’ winemaking identity. It explains why volcanic soils and altitude create the distinct flavours found in Rhodian whites and reds.

2. Greece Is – Wine Routes & Vineyard Culture in the Dodecanese

This Greece Is article explores traditional winemaking across the Dodecanese, featuring Embonas as one of the region’s most important wine villages. It offers insight into local grape varieties, mountain terroir, and why Rhodes stands out for altitude-grown Athiri.

3. Lonely Planet – Greek Wine Regions Overview (incl. Aegean Islands)

Lonely Planet’s overview of Greek wine regions features information about the Aegean islands and highlights how centuries-old wine traditions continue today in places like Rhodes, Santorini, and Crete. It’s a great external resource for readers wanting broader context beyond Rhodes.

⭐ Final Thoughts

Whether you’re a wine enthusiast or simply enjoy beautiful landscapes and authentic Greek hospitality, this Rhodes wine tasting guide will help you explore the island’s best vineyards. From crisp Athiri to rich Amorgiano, from family-run wineries to historic producers, Rhodes offers a wine experience full of character and culture.

Plan your tastings using the Rhodes Travel Guide 2026, build routes with the Rhodes 7-Day Itinerary, and choose ideal mountain or coastal accommodation from Best Hotels in Rhodes.

Raise a glass — Rhodes wine country is waiting.