Living traditions
Emporio, Santorini, Santorini
Field photographWine is drawn directly from the barrel.
Collector mode
A photograph to live with. Enter a private viewing.Culture, held by place
Follow this tradition into its geographic and cultural context.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
