Santorini, Greece

Encore arrived in the port of Thira, where tenders took us to the beautiful island of Santorini, where the blues really are bluer than anywhere else!

This 100% dry volcanic island has no irrigation, but the volcanic soil keeps enough dew and moisture to support the grapes that are unique to Greek wines.  Unlike French or our Napa vineyards, these vines are close to the ground trained in a basket shape to protect the vines and keep moisture in - all done by hand.  It is an unfriendly environment to phylloxera.  Vinsanto (Italian for "holy wine", but as differentiated from the Tuscan Vin Santo) is the sweet white wine only produced in Santorini mostly from the Assyrtiko grape, with high alcohol and high acidity. 

The capital, Fira, clings to the top of the cliff looking down on the lagoon side of the island - all other sides are gigantic cliffs. 

Next stop Oia - known for its quiet life and fantastic sunset, and arguably the most beautiful and picturesque village on Santorini.  We enjoyed a cooking class here at a family-owned restaurant (split peas are the gold of Santorini) where the husband and wife spoke only in Greek, translated by our guide.  "If you don't add salt [when cooking], it is like going to bed without sex!"

We shared a lot of laughs with our guide Amani, who told stories describing the history of Greece, and the emphasis on the importance of family.  I had to grab a photo with our cute driver too :)

Pro Tip:  Shop in Santorini!  Amazing boutiques with astounding views.