For spring break, which occurs here around Easter, we set off for a week in Greece. None of us had been before and it was our must see list. My husband’s request was that we roast a lamb. Our daughter wanted to see all the beautiful whitewashed buildings. Come on, did you really go somewhere with a teenager if you don’t have Instagram worthy shots.
Because we arrived on Easter weekend, the grocery stores were sold out of lamb. Thankfully, our airbnb hosts knew of a “butcher” just up the road. I am not sure North Americans would describe Spiros as a butcher, but rather call him a farmer. When my husband wandered up the road, there was Spiros milking his goats with lamb running around in a field. He offered to let my husband pick his own – currently running in the pasture – but instead we opted for one that was slaughtered the day before. Clearly this was the freshest meat we would ever eat. Back at the villa, the lamb was broken down further and prepared three ways – roasted, grilled, and braised.
One day we left the girls at the villa and ventured off to check out the wineries on the island with Santorini Wine Trails. Rather than using trellises like most vineyards we have visited, Santorini grows their vines in a basket shape. Because the soil is volcanic, it is porous and low in nutrients and then the weather – wind and low precipitation, make Santorini a inhospitable place for grapes. become very . land is so dry and there is so much wind, this is the only way to protect the grapes.
While there are more than 50 indigenous grapes on the island, the white Assyrtiko grape is the predominant varietal, comprising about 80% of the yield. Our tour had us visit three wineries – GAIA WINES, OENO Π, and Estate Argyros. GAIA and OENO both had beautiful waterfront views, while Argyros had more of a Napa Valley feel to it.
Our other big activity on the island was a cruise with Santorini Yachting Club. Our hope was to see a beautiful sunset over Oia. Unfortunately the weather didn’t cooperate, but it was still a beautiful day.
We stayed at Canava Villas in Emporio and we couldn’t have asked for better accommodations. Our hosts – Anna, Harris, and Teo were incredible. If you are heading to Santorini and looking to stay out of the hustle and bustle of Fira and Oia, I highly recommend Canava Villas. Emporio has plenty of shops and restaurants, but it is not touristy.
I would have been happy to stay here for a whole week and enjoy the view and the silence. Maybe another trip. All in all, Santorini didn’t disappoint.
Red, White and Tulips 