In Santorini, where the earth and the volcano shape the character of the wine, Rizes Gastro Taverna unveils a unique underground treasure.
A genuine stone cellar, revealed during the renovation of the historic building that once housed the old Sphinx restaurant, has become the foundation for one of the island’s most atmospheric and authentic wine experiences.
In the winter of 2024, while working on refreshing the space, Rizes team discovered the cellar in an almost mystical way – like a hidden story. Inside, they found dozens of aged bottles from Santorini, Greece, and international vineyards.
All were perfectly preserved, holding not only great oenological but also historical value. This remarkable collection inspired the creation of a new hospitality experience, one that brings Santorini’s heritage to life in a fresh, contemporary way.
Volcanic Vines & Island Wines
Santorini is world-renowned for its distinctive wines, born from the island’s unique volcanic terroir. The cellar at Rizes places special emphasis on this element, highlighting the characteristic labels of the island.
At the heart of the collection lie traditional vintages of Vinsanto and Nykteri – two varieties that authentically express the identity of Santorini’s wine.
The bottles come from some of the island’s most esteemed producers, such as Argyros, Sigalas, Hatzidakis, and Karamolegos. Each of them represents a different winemaking philosophy, yet all share the same deep love for Santorini’s vineyards and a strong commitment to quality.
Their presence in the cellar is no coincidence – it is a deliberate choice that honors and reinforces the island’s unique winemaking heritage.
Santorini Wine Escape
The collection, however, is not limited to local production. Rizes has thoughtfully included wines from other prominent regions of Greece.
Among them are standout bottles from Gerovasileiou, Alpha Estate, and Hatzimichalis – wineries that have played a pivotal role in elevating Greek wine in recent years. Through the variety of grapes and styles, visitors are offered the opportunity to explore the viticultural richness of the entire country.
At the same time, the cellar features a curated selection of international wines, including aged Bordeaux, Italian and Spanish labels, as well as outstanding examples from across the French wine landscape.
Their presence adds a broader oenological dimension to the experience, appealing both to connoisseurs and to those eager to discover new aromas and flavors. Notably, the collection includes prestigious champagnes such as vintage Dom Pérignon and Armand de Brignac, lending a refined touch of luxury and elegance to the overall experience.
The Experience
Rizes’ approach goes far beyond simply displaying bottles. The cellar has been designed to function as a living, immersive space.
Here, visitors can take part in organized or private tastings, sample rare wines paired with dishes from the menu, or simply discover the stories behind each label. Food and wine come together in an experience rooted in quality, authenticity, and attention to detail.
Soon, curated tasting experiences featuring both wine and olive oil will be announced, inviting guests to explore the flavors and aromas of the region through a hands-on, sensory journey.
By bringing the historic cellar to light, Rizes Gastro Taverna repositions itself as a true meeting point of culture, taste, and tradition.
The cellar is not merely a decorative feature or functional space—it is a living presence within the venue: an open invitation for visitors to connect deeply with the island’s heritage, to experience hospitality through wine, and to discover Santorini through the scents, flavors, and stories held within each bottle.
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Dining and Cooking