Santorini is a small island located in the southernmost part of the Aegean Sea of Greece. The island has been formed after a huge volcanic explosion around 1500 BC, so its soils are predominantly volcanic and very rich in minerals. This wonderful Greek island is one of the oldest wine-making regions in the world, with roots in prehistoric times with traditions of viticulture existing for at least 3500 years on the island. The island is world-famous for its dry and sweet versions of the white Assyrtiko grape variety which gives refreshing, crisp and aromatic wines capable of long ageing. A big part of the vineyards is found in the southern and southwestern part of the island planted on volcanic and sandy soils which explain the absence of the phylloxera disease. Santorini has an ideal Mediterranean climate with mild winters, warm, dry summers with very low rainfall. During the summer heat is made bearable by strong winds called Meltemi and cool sea breezes coming mostly from the north during the growing season. The wind is an essential part of Santorini’s unique ecosystem, which helps to lower the temperatures and allowing for slower the ripening of the grapes. They are as well harmful to the wines bringing a lot of sand and salt with them and the producers have learned to situate their vines widely and train them into a spiral, crown-like form to protect them from the winds. The type of training is called "basket" vines, which can be seen in vineyards all over the island. Besides the Assyrtiko grape, the other notable grape varieties on the island are the white Athiri and the red Mandilaria and Mavrotragano. Overal the Santorini island is one of the best wine-producing regions of the country with numerous fans all over the world.