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Traditional winemaker tasting wine from a barrel in Santorini.

Living traditions

Saint Averky and the Opening of the New Wine

Emporio, Santorini, Santorini

Field photographWine is drawn directly from the barrel.

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Introduction

On the feast of Saint Averky, Santorini’s winemakers traditionally open their canavas and taste the first wines of the new vintage.

Saint Averky is honoured on Santorini as the protector of wine. His feast is traditionally connected with the opening of the island’s wine barrels and canavas, when winemakers taste the new vintage and share it with the community.

The feast and the new wine

Saint Averky is regarded on Santorini as the protector of wine and the traditional canava. His feast on 22 October coincides with the period when winemakers traditionally open their barrels and taste the first wines of the new vintage.

Church in Emporio, Santorini, during the feast of Saint Averky.
The church in Emporio during the celebration of Saint Averky.
Santorini vineyard photographed for the tradition of Saint Averky.
A vineyard on Santorini, where the feast is linked to the year’s new wine.

Emporio and Pyrgos

The tradition is connected with churches dedicated to Saint Averky in the villages of Emporio and Pyrgos. Emporio is especially associated with the public celebration, while observances may also take place at churches, wineries and traditional cellars elsewhere on the island.

A narrow alley in Emporio village on Santorini.
The alleys of Emporio lead toward the village churches and canavas.
Traditional architecture in Emporio village, Santorini.
Emporio, the village most closely associated with the feast.

Opening the canavas

Historically, the canavas of Santorini opened on this day so that families and winemakers could taste the new wine. The celebration links the religious feast with the island’s agricultural calendar, bringing together worship, wine tasting and local hospitality.

Traditional Santorini winemaker Nikolaos Drossos.
Nikolaos Drossos, a traditional winemaker of Emporio.
A traditional winemaker entering his wine cellar in Emporio.
Nikolaos enters the traditional canava.
Wine barrels inside a traditional Santorini canava.
The underground cellar preserves the island’s winemaking tradition.
Traditional winemaker tasting wine from a barrel in Santorini.
Wine is drawn directly from the barrel.
Traditional wine tasting inside a Santorini cellar.
The first wines of the year are tasted around the feast of Saint Averky.
Wine barrels in a traditional cellar on Santorini.
The canava and its barrels form the material heart of the custom.

A tradition that is not guaranteed

The form of the celebration can change from year to year. Weather, the progress of the vintage, local circumstances and the decisions of churches or organisers may affect where and how it takes place. Visitors should confirm the programme locally before travelling.

Traditional winemaker Nikolaos Drossos outside his home.
Nikolaos outside his home in Emporio.
Portrait of Nikolaos Drossos in Emporio, Santorini.
A portrait of Nikolaos, whose life remained tied to the land and wine.
Nikolaos Drossos seated inside his home in Emporio.
Inside the home of the traditional winemaker.
Portrait of an elderly traditional winemaker on Santorini.
A final portrait from Emporio’s disappearing winemaking world.
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