Excursion to the Museum of volcanic wine

• Excursion to the volcanic Wine Museum

Greece - not the most well-known and respected among connoisseurs of wine producer. However, the present Greek feast without a bottle of wine (not the smallest volume) is simply impossible. Still would! Greek winemaking tradition goes back to the divine feasts on Mount Olympus, and the assurances of archaeologists has more than 4000 years. According to statistics, there is the largest percentage of per capita alcohol consumption in Europe, and at the same time - the lowest level of alcoholism.

Wine in Greece is grown everywhere ... including on small islands, where it would seem, and the earth-that there really ... the Earth is not, and there is wine! With its traditions, its culture, its exclusive wines and original technologies ... And even with its museum dedicated to this drink ...

I'm talking about about. Santorini, where the country's only wine museum, a tour on which I invite you ...

This is a private museum owned by the winery Volkan Wines. It is located in an unusual natural cave, situated at a depth of 6 meters below ground and has 300 meters in length.

Previously, there were wine cellars, but 25 years ago the owners decided that the history of wine requires the preservation of and engaged in the creation of the museum. Independently. Without state support, grants and outsourcing. It turned out as a family nice and quite interesting.

Now this is quite a famous place, which can be found absolutely in all the guidebooks, sometimes labeled "MUST B". Just the museum is the proud status of "the only one in the country." The museum exposition acquaints visitors with the history of wine production and wine makers life on the island since the 1600s.

In the old cellars, in small alcoves, where before, apparently placed barrels of wine, is now settled everyday scenes from the life of winemakers at all stages of production. At the entrance visitors are given an audio guide, which can be found among the languages ​​and Russian.

We will not find fault with the quality of the dolls. Remember, they do their own.

The climate of the island and its volcanic soil is ideal for winemakers, so the wine is grown for thousands of years. Vines on Santorini do not look familiar to most of us this: they do not hang on the trellis and grow bushes. They weave in a special way and placed the basket on the ground. This worked per century technology to protect the grapes from the strong winds, which are not uncommon on a small island.

Grapes in the rocky soil may rise due to the fact that light, porous pumice stones volcanic work like a sponge and absorb all the moisture, which is then given to the vines.

The main varieties of grapes -Assyrtiko, Athiri and Aidani. There are also others.

In the traditional harvest out all the inhabitants of the island. Funny moment: during this short period of time young girls were allowed to freely chat with the guys, flirt and flirt. At other times of the year such behavior is condemned. The Greeks - rather conservative nation.

The museum contains a huge variety of presses. Some of the not just standing in the aisle, some involved in the scene. There are also exclusive Ressam, piece, even unique ... These presses family collected over the years and they have given rise to the creation of the museum.

Press - this is one of the important components of the quality of the wine. Its design - it's always a trade-off: the more effective running the press, the more grape seed crushed, giving the future wine a certain flavor that is not the best.

Conversely, the more delicate work of this machine, the less efficiency, less juice squeezed from berries.

A special wine is made from the juice of the very ripe berries, which flows under its own weight in the beginning, until stiff handling the press.

Also, there has been devised the formula "instant vintage", the night of the same day, when the grapes were harvested. She decided the problem of loss of flavor and damage the grapes. This wine is called Nikteri.

A part of the grapes laid nsushitsya the sun. Of dried berries made from another type of wine - vinsanto. More dense and sweet, it is more like liquor easy and is my personal favorite in the lineup!

By the way, winemakers and winegrowers - a different economy. Some grown grapes, others made of his wine.

But not only are they involved in the production of wine. Process covers more fields of activity. For example, it was an integral part of coopers.

Wood on drums supplied from Odessa.

It is also part of the process were the manufacturers of baskets and without which it was impossible to do the same.

And many others.

In general, during the harvest declared total mobilization. Almost the entire population of the island in one way or another participated in the process as well and invited employees from other places. The work was the clock. To ensure that it works even created a special kitchen, where women's work, preparing meals to all employees.

This Kutsoyannopulos brothers. The founders of this dynasty and wineries.

In addition to these domestic scenes in the museum and you can find much more regarding the grape and his life. Such as photos of the birth of grapes. It is quite an art.

There is simply stands with antiques of the era.

Of course, there is also a lot of archival photographs.

Yes, and just the atmosphere in these caves, cellars is very nice.

At the exit of the museum, while attempting to pass the audio guide, you will be offered gestures to leave it a little longer and sit at the counter - best of all is yet to come. Tasting.

She also takes place via the audio guide. You call the number and while you are listening to a story about a particular wine, filled a glass from the corresponding bottle.

Hall - a huge ... It explicitly calls in large buses with tourists.

At the end of the tasting, I liked the wine, of course, can be purchased. The way that we did ...

Surprisingly, Santorini, who often visited as part of a day trip, was unusually filled with a wide variety of interesting ... And this museum is just one of them ...