Best Wines to Try in Samos: A Guide to the Island’s Famous Vintages

Samos is renowned for its winemaking traditions, with the island’s unique microclimate and rich soil creating ideal conditions for cultivating the Muscat grape, which is used to produce some of Greece’s most famous sweet wines. The wines of Samos have been internationally recognized for their exceptional quality and distinct flavors, particularly the sweet Muscat varieties. If you’re visiting the island, here are the best wines to try.

1. Samos Vin Doux

One of the most famous wines from Samos, Vin Doux is a sweet Muscat wine that has earned numerous awards worldwide. It’s made from sun-ripened Muscat grapes, creating a golden wine with a honey-like sweetness balanced by fresh acidity.

• Tasting Notes: Expect notes of apricot, honey, and orange blossom, with a velvety texture.
• Pairing: This wine pairs beautifully with desserts, such as baklava or Greek yogurt with honey, or can be enjoyed on its own as an after-dinner treat.
• Best Place to Try: Vin Doux is widely available in restaurants and wineries across the island, and you can also visit the Samos Wine Museum to learn more about its production.

2. Samos Anthemis

Anthemis is a sweet, aged Muscat wine that spends around five years aging in oak barrels, resulting in complex and rich flavors. This dessert wine has a deep amber color and is one of the island’s most highly regarded vintages.

• Tasting Notes: Anthemis has aromas of dried fruit, caramel, nuts, and spices. The aging process gives it a rich, layered flavor profile.
• Pairing: Ideal with creamy desserts, chocolate, or strong cheeses like blue cheese.
• Best Place to Try: Available at most local wine shops and served in fine restaurants, particularly in Pythagorion and Vathy.

3. Samos Nectar

Samos Nectar is one of the oldest wine styles produced on the island, and it is made using the traditional vinification method of drying the grapes in the sun before fermentation. The wine is aged for six years in oak barrels, which gives it incredible depth and intensity.

• Tasting Notes: With rich flavors of dried fruit, raisins, honey, and a touch of spice, Samos Nectar is full-bodied with a long, smooth finish.
• Pairing: Perfect with nuts, dried fruits, or as a standalone dessert wine.
• Best Place to Try: Look for it in wine shops across the island or visit Union of Vinicultural Cooperatives of Samos for a tasting.

4. Samos Grand Cru

Samos Grand Cru is a premium sweet Muscat wine, offering a perfect balance between sweetness and acidity. It is made from Muscat grapes grown on the island’s best terraced vineyards, producing a wine of exceptional quality.

• Tasting Notes: Aromas of white flowers, apricot, and ripe peach dominate, with a lingering sweet finish.
• Pairing: Excellent with fresh fruits, soft cheeses, or light pastries.
• Best Place to Try: You’ll find this wine in most high-end restaurants and wine bars in Samos, and it’s also a popular choice at wine tastings across the island.

5. Samos Aegean Breeze

A more modern wine offering, Aegean Breeze is a semi-sweet Muscat wine that combines the rich, floral characteristics of traditional Muscat wines with a fresher, lighter body.

• Tasting Notes: This wine is light and aromatic, with hints of citrus, honey, and tropical fruits.
• Pairing: A versatile wine that pairs well with seafood, light salads, or even as an aperitif.
• Best Place to Try: Available in many local tavernas, particularly those along the seaside in Kokkari or Pythagorion, where it complements the fresh, local seafood.

6. Dry Muscat

While Samos is primarily known for its sweet wines, the island also produces some excellent dry Muscat wines. These wines maintain the aromatic complexity of Muscat grapes but are fermented to dryness, offering a more refreshing alternative to the island’s sweet offerings.

• Tasting Notes: Citrus, floral, and mineral notes dominate the dry Muscat wines, with a crisp, clean finish.
• Pairing: Perfect with grilled fish, salads, and lighter Mediterranean dishes.
• Best Place to Try: Dry Muscat wines are available in many modern restaurants and upscale wine bars across Samos, particularly in the capital of Vathy.

7. Samos Psiles Korfes

Psiles Korfes, which translates to “high peaks,” is a dry Muscat wine made from grapes grown in the high-altitude vineyards of Samos. These vineyards benefit from cooler temperatures and volcanic soils, giving the wine a unique character.

• Tasting Notes: Floral and citrus notes are complemented by a mineral-driven backbone, with a long, refreshing finish.
• Pairing: Great with grilled vegetables, seafood, and Greek mezze.
• Best Place to Try: You can sample this wine at local wineries or find it in select fine-dining restaurants.

8. Samos Kavos Vin Doux

A special edition of the traditional Vin Doux, Kavos Vin Doux is produced in smaller quantities and is known for its exceptional quality and depth of flavor.

• Tasting Notes: Rich notes of dried fruit, honey, and caramel, with a balanced sweetness.
• Pairing: Enjoy with nutty desserts, fruit tarts, or as a standalone after-dinner drink.
• Best Place to Try: Available at select wine shops and premium restaurants on the island.

Conclusion Samos is a paradise for wine lovers, with its world-famous Muscat wines offering a wide range of styles, from rich dessert wines to refreshing dry varieties. Whether you’re a fan of sweet wines or looking to try something new, the vineyards of Samos offer an unforgettable wine-tasting experience. Be sure to visit local wineries, such as the Union of Vinicultural Cooperatives of Samos, and explore the island’s tavernas and wine shops to taste these incredible wines.